Live on £4000 for a Year, 2009 Challenge, part 2

savingfortravel

taka wrote: »

:T:T:T:T Not jealous at all... *sob* :beer: :beer:

Are you staying there tonight or it it a bit to chaotic to stay in at the mo?

Yes we stayed and it was wonderful waking up in our tiny bedroom. There is a climbing rose which we can see lying in bed and leaves from trees in the lane. Its another beautiful day but we've got lots to do..including loads of school work..bit behind as i've been losing time trying to sort out mortgages/solicitors and bank transfers...still I'll get on with it and then we can have some time outside later. I'll even try and get those photos done. ! sft

whitewing

Oh, climbing roses. How very summery and romantic.

I'm happy. DH has wanted to do a degree, and I must admit that I haven't been overly keen as I felt that it was a bit of a waste of time for him, especially in view of the expense and I felt that it was too much sacrifice. He ruled out the OU as wanted a 'proper degree'.

Anyway, turns out we were trying to make decisions based on too little knowledge. He has now realised what a great reputation the Open University has and is much happier. I surfed for hours on their website last night. Although it is a lot of money, it is much, much more affordable than I ever realised (especially if I use tesco clubcard vouchers to part pay), which means that I can view it as a hobby for him and if anything career-wise comes out of it that would just be the icing on the cake. And it can fit into our current lifestyle with only minimal adjustment at the moment. And it won't stop us from trying for a baby still. It is also much more structured than I had realised. I was slightly worried that he would start it and not complete it because of the busy-ness of working and family life, but it seems very well supported. I know it will be hard work. I can't believe it all seems so positive.

Hopefully, we'll be able to pop up to Bristol this week or next and talk it through with someone.

Have any of you guys/lurkers done an OU degree? I'm also interested in whether it's good for younger people as I think it may suit DS in the future better than a traditional university; at least as an option to be considered.

DawnW

Whitewing - I haven't done an OU degree, but I used to teach on one. I can assure you and your OH that it will be a 'proper' degree - the OU consistently come near the top in university league tables, and their degrees are as well regarded as anyone elses. Your OH will be very well supported indeed. The support goes way above what students get in the university I currently work for (also very well regarded, but a more 'traditional' university). It is suitable for all age groups. You literally get anyone from young people still at school (schools are increasingly offering OU units alongside A levels etc) to elderly people in their seventies and beyond.

It is a big commitment though - I was SO impressed at the determination of people who studied, and did well, who also worked full time, had young children, looked after elderly parents, ran businesses, or combinations of these :eek:. It was a priviledge to work with these people, and I wish I still did!

Brighton_belle

whitewing, I'm really excited for you & DH. I met my OH doing a degree as 'adult returneers to education' a few years ago. It wasn't OU but it was similar sort of hrs as Sussex uni have a great dept for 'adult returners' .
The committment was 1 evening a week + a few field trips each term and then various assignments each term for 6 yrs. I didn't last (had't really set out to get a degree, just to meet like minded epople as I was new to the area, and what a result:D) but my OH completed 2 yrs a go along with 14 others who started with us, who have all become friends ( and he won the dissertation prize, ooh I was so proud at the graduation).

I have also know several people do OU degrees and you are right -very well structured. Personally I know I need to go to a classroom each week to stay focussed, it just depends on your personality, but the support does seem really really good. And to view it as a hobby is spot on. My OH did though it has led to a career change following redunancy too. I respect anyone putting in that level of committment on top of working and I think must must prove excellent character traits for employment/CV's.
What is the subject area he is interested in?

sft - so happy for you.

CW --sounds like you really moved forward with your family yesterday vis a vis your possible future and the reality of your financial situation - well done. And what is good, they now have time to absorb the info and adapt long before ay chances you actually have to make, so no spurises sprung at the last minute. I also think it is all part of their financial education and learning how to be financial independent and stable and cut their cloth etc.

Michelle - totally understandwhy the info re health and welfare worried you so: I've been in that situation and when you are not well, it feels so overwhelming and scary. And it is horrid feeloing so vulnerable.
But you have your GP's support, and often, this can be about good staff support and care. Keep us posted so we can all keep offering our care and support to you. Plenty of us out here who more than understand.

Be back later - got to get ready to get bike sold on ebay to rail station to hand over. Feel a bit nervous; I did say it needed a good service and overhaul in ad, but I hope they took that on board!

whitewing

Thanks for your messages. I'm even more excited now.

3 choices at the moment:

History
History of Art
Geography

I am trying very hard to leave the decision to him, although I favour geography being more scientifically minded myself. And history next. He is sitting next to me laughing and saying that it will be entirely his choice!

Brighton_belle

And I'm sure you are skilled enough to let him think it is whitewing:D

bails

SFT, it sounds just perfect and exactly what you deserve - over the moon for you lovely! xx

We're just about to book our flights... :j:j

Hi everyone, have read but too excited to post properly at mo! OU sounds great Whitewing! :T

tryingtodobetter

whitewing wrote: »

TTDB - that's really exciting about how close you are to paying off your mortgage. If you don't mind me asking, how much is that that you need to overpay, or any other juicy details. I find it much easier to be inspired by otherpeople's actual stories of how they did something with real figures.

.

Hi Whitewing only just saw your message after a busy weekend sorting things out to sell. We only have about £14K left to pay so we are making overpayments of £500 a month to try and get it clear as soon as possible.

Next week I will be sorting out the wardrobe in mine and DH's room before we put the new one in (well new to us anyway) I will also be painting the room with paint that I obtained from my sister for free :T:T So a total revamp for next to nothing.

Hope everyone has had a good weekend.

TTDB.x.

lingojingo

sorry haven't posted much lately, although read most days and trying to keep up with what you're all doing.

DD's Spanish exchange partner arrives tomorrow for a week. Her family gave DD a fantastic time in the beginning of March, so trying to get things sorted this end.

Have been frantically cleaning and decluttering, house now looks lovely! :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:
Have repainted dining room today with some free paint from a friend who changed her mind about the colour well it looks great here!

Don't know exact figures for May yet, but suffice to say have just shopped in M&S for main meals for the week (DD not convinced re my culinary ability/ ashamed of frugal cooking?) and there was more than enough in my account. That would never have happened even a year ago.

Hope new home is everything you want it to be sft

re OUI've been studying French and Spanish with the OU and can thouroughly recommend them (have done both face to face and online courses) the support you get is really good. Taking a break this year as family stuff more important. You do really need to have enough time for it, but it's a great way to study while you work.

bails

I can't wait til the day I can say we only have 14k left on our mortgage TTDB, well done! :T It'll be such a wonderful feeling when you've paid it off!

I've looked at doing OU and think I'll definitely do a course in time. I need to focus on getting back into work successfully and managing that and (hopefully) a family too first.

Flights booked, we leave 7th August, WOO HOOOOOOOOO! :j:j:j

Taka, I love the name of your blog BTW. 74 things on my list so far...