War chest

[zedAccounts]

I take what you're saying but it seems a minor indicator to me, compared to MOO, ROS and control.

ZED.

[Batcatz]

I've been living off my warchest since my last contract ended in Oct '08. I paid my mortgage off around that time too. I went to Oz for 2 months over Xmas, then decided not to look for a contract in '09. I spent more money doing fun things, then decided to get my brain working again and just completed the first year of a Creative Writing MA.

I have broken into my premium bonds now and have 4k left in the company which I will pay myself some as a dividend. I arranged to pay myself a salary from company from April '09, but accountant has messed that up and counted it as a dividend... but that's another story and another thread. I am expecting a tax rebate this year too.

I see my money as just for essentials now, but I can't help occasionally treating myself to something.

I also have pet chickens and bake cakes and quiche now.

Once I am down to 5k I will look for another contract.

[DieScum]

Sounds like you have played that very well Batcatz.

No mortgage, savings and no drastic spending means you can enjoy the time off.

[d000hg]

I think I'd get very nervous the moment I had access to savings & available dividends of <£10k. Only 2 years ago that would seem a lot but contracting has distorted my view of money, £1000 is now hardly anything... I don't know which is the correct view.

Right now even with a few times that level I'm slightly nervous that I might have missed accounting for £10k in company tax. Although having the state where I'm constantly owed ~£10k in invoices does mean I always have more than I realise, which I think is a nice thing.