Pay off mortgage and start having fun!

newgirly

Hi wantabetterlife thanks for popping by, I think that's what I'm leaning toward at the moment. There is £20k in the offset so I'm thinking could we stretch that enough to do the kitchen (its small- about 10x9ft without the lovely extension I was going to have )

Plus the builder next door has always said he can get his guys to fit it which would work out cheaper, there may even be enough left to do some other bits around the house on a budget.

I'm still not sure how much to make the new mortgage payments and I should just make a decision as it's payday tomorrow :T nothing has to be set in stone but there isnt really any reason not to have a plan. The mortgage ends in April 2022 and one thing I do know is that we now have no chance of being mortgage free by then!

Plans for today :

Recover from too much alcohol, we had my parents round for drinks and a meze/party food to watch strictly , well dad popped back after the first hour as he can't bear it :rotfl:

Do the mountain of ironing

Some washing

Accounts

Shop for cheap walking boots and possibly snow boots from dec@thlon - I'm going to be getting fitter walking with best friend and her dogs this winter,weather will not stop me!

Find ancient waterproof ugly raincoat - see above

Watch the bodyguard!

newgirly

We still have not got the papers signed, minor adjustments and delays, hopefully today!

I rejoined weightwatchers again they had a 40%. Off offer and to be honest since I've stopped going I've crept back up still not finding it easy some days - like last night, it's bake off night so I usually buy whatever the theme is for that week, so this week was spice, we had cinnammin buns and gingerbread, I didn't eat very much though

Financially I have splashed out a bit this week, I went to decathlon and bought (from their basic range ) some walking boots, a raincoat and a fleece, couldn't find my old coat anywhere. Not excuses now!

newgirly

Still not signed as far as I know! Delays, funerals, missing solicitors, we have had the lot.

I’ve had a very busy week, went out for a lovely Thai weds for mums birthday and went to see the league of gentlemen live last night In Hammersmith. Poor dd couldn’t get time off and was devastated as she’s a massive fan, I took one of the guys from work instead along with ds2, luckily for her though I managed to get a couple of last minute tickets this morning for this evening to take her, not cheap but its a once in a lifetime chance to see them. I’m on my way now to meet her for a quick early dinner.

newgirly

Well it was an expensive night (about £180 :eek: with tickets, dinner and drinks) but worth it Dd was beside herself and we ended up with great seats too :T

Anyway it time to start updating again properly and making new plans. October is a great time to set up a mini challenge until the of the year I can't remember the last time I did this but it used to be a regular occurrence when I was a bit more motivated

The only plan I have so far is to attempt to be alcohol free for October, I'm going to work on a financial challenge now

CathT

I do like your mini challenges Newgirly. Sometimes memories are worth the expense, sounds like money well spent last night.

Firegirl

I think you should splash out on things that make you truely happy and pull the reigns in for the small things that really don’t matter. Live life as well as saving.

newgirly

Thanks firegirl and cath I do seem to be spending more on doing things lately, its been a long mf journey and we are back farther towards the beginning again due to putting money in the business, I feel like splashing out a bit to even the balance if we have to start again :eek:

Yesterday we booked a cruise for next year, it's dads 70th and he wants to try one out, as we fancied the fjords as well I thought we had better offer to go so them rather than seperately, not sure if it's a good idea or not really :eek: price for dh and I is £830 each for an inside cabin (really wanted a balcony, but as we are going with my parents we may need another break alone afterwards and the difference in cost would pay for it :rotfl:)

Dh paid the deposit and I will pay the balance from the new monthly holiday savings pot.

I can't believe it's October already, back shortly with the end of year challenge

wishingthemortgaheaway

Newgirly, just think how much further back you would be if you hadn't had your mse ways.

julicorn

Exciting that you booked a cruise, I'm sure that will be so much fun! When are you going?

newgirly

Hi wishing and Julie, we are going in June next year.:)

So I've decided to temporarily do away with the holiday savings pot and make paying for the cruise the end of year challenge.

We need £2236 to pay the balance and also allow £800 spending money. This is a lot for us for a cruise, but I'm planning on booking a few excursions.

So the challenge is to live on just under £770 per month for everything :money:

Already covered is our night in Bath at the Xmas market and the budget for Xmas presents is covered (but not anything else Xmas related).

So a total three month budget of £2300, in the old days this would have been a bit of a challenge, nowadays though I've got used to spending more so it will be a bit harder!

There's about £100 cash in a tin I have towards Xmas nights out too, but as this is the busiest time of year socially that wont go far


Plans for October :

* Stop shopping at mr t because it's easier and go back to Aldi

* Actually meal plan

* Do sober October

* excercise regularly

* update daily the sections of life that need an eye keeping on them:

HEALTH - excerise, healthy eating , relaxation

WEALTH- anything mse, money earned/saved etc.

ORGANSIATION- daily chores, Xmas prep, meal planning, de cluttering

FUN- the most important section