It's kind of fun to do the impossible

Cream_Tea wrote: »

Just caught up. That's a very impressive amount to pay off in 12 months. Keep up the amazing work. I'm back on it! Look forward to reading more from your mission.
CT

Hi CT!


Thank you!


I think I fell of the MSE waggon for a bit so I'm trying to focus again now. I'm trying to spend as little as I can in July so we'll see how that goes - so far so good! How are you doing?


xx

I've been feeling so frustrated with my financial situation recently, and other things too I guess. I have touched on this, but if I put it down in more detail, hopefully I can unpick what is bothering me.


My rental pays the mortgage and I have some profit on top of that, but the bathroom was leaking into the flat below. The agents didn't let me know until it was too late and the ceiling in the flat downstairs suffered some damage as a result. The plumber that came over assured me that he fixed the problem, but obviously hadn't. In the end, I have had to remove the old bathroom, including the flooring and replace it. We had 3 trades in: a plasterer, a plumber and a tiler - I'm unhappy with some of the work that both the plumber and the tiler have done so the only trade that I have paid so far is the plasterer. Add to this the fact that my boyfriend and I put in very long days to ensure that, when the tenants got back from their 6 day holiday, they had a brand new, fully functioning bathroom and a flat that was as clean as it was when they went on holiday (plus some!)...and then they complained about it, and he's so bloody patronising. I'm pretty fed up and annoyed. I had a moment the other day of just wanting to sell up, but I know that's only short-term gain. I have a feeling that these tenants will leave when their contract expires so hopefully the next tenants that I get in will have nothing to complain about - on top of the bathroom, the entire flat has been renovated over the last couple of years. I find the temporary stress so consuming, but if I just get my head out of the sand and deal with it quickly, I'm alright.


So in the meantime, I need to update my diary more regularly. I need focus and accountability. I have set myself a target of paying £966 a month off my debt from September until March 2018 and then £1,416 until it is paid off in August 2018, but that is not going to happen unless I get a grip on my finances - I would need a miracle next month to be able to do this, but we shall see.


My debt as it stands now:


Priority 1 Halifax CC £3,576.00 0% until April 2018
Priority 2 Virgin CC £5,939.00 0% until August 2018
Priority 2 Lloyds CC £4,981.00 0% until August 2018


Boyfriend and I have been discussing the possibility of releasing some equity from our house once our fixed term ends early next year to either buy a house to renovate and sell on (we both enjoying doing this) or buying another buy-to-let. I think that the buy to let is the easier option, and having someone to share the stress with would make it far easier. We tried to do this when we last remortgaged but the lender thought our debt was too high (I can absolutely see why!) so hopefully by the time we are ready, it will be at an acceptable level. If not, we'll reduce our term again and pay our mortgage off quicker.


Once my debt has gone, I have plans to split my income into an emergency pot, my pension, buying some shares and reducing down both mortgages. Eventually I'd love to buy a holiday home abroad.


For the time being, I am going to set myself lists, targets and challenges to make sure I get this, and everything else, under control:


Today, I want to achieve:


Financially:
A NSD
Commit to being MSE again (I can count this as done, right?)


With littlie:
Cycle with littlie to his activity rather than using the car (he's up for it!)


House stuff:
Prepare tea before we go out
Make a list of all of the freezer food and plan meals
Tidy the kitchen
Put all of the washing away


Mentally:
Bath with a book (don't drop it), bed by 11pm

Cream_Tea wrote: »

Sounds like a plan. We're in a similar boat and it has helped my mood pushing myself with a bigger monthly target but I'm very impatient and sometimes forget all progress is good. Good lucky Sholly!

CT

Hi CT,


I do this too - I need to focus on how much I've done so far and not be too hard on myself...easier said that done though!


How are you?


Sholly x

Financially:
NSD other than littlie's haircut - fail, the tenants needed something for the flat so £14.99 over budget


With littlie:
Game/chapter of Harry Potter - mega game of Monopoly started, to be continued today


House stuff:
Finish kitchen - done
Make a list of all of the freezer food and plan meals - done, I'm always amazed by what can be made when I think we have nothing in. Top up shop done today.
Hoover living room and clean hallway - done
Two loads of washing - done
Put dry washing away - done


Looking after myself:
Bath with a book, bed after I've put littlie to bed after his evening out - done


Today's list

Financially

Top up shop only, NSD aside from that

With Littlie

Continue Monopoly marathon

House stuff


Make chutney and flatbreads for lunch
Hoover stairs

Looking after myself

Run 14k - Boyfriend is taking Littlie to his activity tonight so I'll hopefully get this done then