Do I run too tight a budget?

Redman30

the_cat wrote: »

Is there a reason why you can't get the same net effect by using the mortgage money to pay for the holiday and then cut back the spends as detailed above to 'pay back' the mortgage funds?

Now there's a VERY good suggestion

JodyBPM

the_cat wrote: »

Is there a reason why you can't get the same net effect by using the mortgage money to pay for the holiday and then cut back the spends as detailed above to 'pay back' the mortgage funds?

Genius! Why didn't I think of that! I will talk to DH tonight, it'll certainly let me see whether or not it is a priority to him. I have a sneaky suspicion that he might suddenly go off the idea if he realises he (we) will have to go without some of the other treats to pay for it!

Pixiechic

Hi,

I have read all the posts and just thought I would add my tuppence worth! A while ago I was busy planning and organising and I will admit that I was quite determined by my plan and motivated to achieve it. It was only until an old lady said to me that 'life is what happens when your busy making plans'. It really made me think and she was so right. I hadn't seemed to notice the little things I was missing. Sometimes money can by you all the lovely big country houses and nice furniture and clothes, bla bla bla. But, if you have the opportunity to buy some time, with your family who will grow up quicker than you think, then why on earth not? With the amount of money you have at your disposal, you could happily afford for your family to go away to a cottage for two weeks and just kick back and have some fun. Agree a fair budget with your husband for the holiday and include enough to go out for the occasional meal. Basically, don't get there and be a complete party poop by only eating at home or taking pack ups!
I do understand that you work just as hard as your husband and I don't doubt that whilst he loves the dream you are the one striving for it. I just think that everyone needs a break, including you and you don't want the next four years to be a constant battle creating resentment. Bricks and mortar are all great and so is the aim to be near a good school but not for the sake of your family now. 14 days out of 365 days a year surely isn't too much to ask?
Good luck!

Souk08

Hey I'm in a different position to you but just wanted to say I'm trying to clear my CC's this year and this has meant budget cuts. There's not masses to pay (under 1K) but I wanted it done so I paid a bit off last month and ended up skint by about week 2 of a 5 week month. I had to stay in on my own every night and had no fun and ended up so miserable that I used the CC again to go out and enjoy myself!!! I guess what I'm trying to say is that while your/my goal is important you can't do it to the detriment of having a life!!! I totally understand that some people have no choice but while we do, I do think it's good to enjoy our hard earned money now and again.

ciderwithrosie_2

Just a little niggle - have you thought about how your children may feel about moving to your dream home in the country? They may think it a great idea now, but what about when they're teenagers - they may feel stranded, resent being away from friends and any action (shops, cinema etc). You may spend a good proportion of your life ferrying them around until they can drive themselves. I always thought it would be great to live out in the sticks somewhere as I grew up in a rural village but came to realise my kids are townies and would hate it.

JodyBPM

ciderwithrosie wrote: »

Just a little niggle - have you thought about how your children may feel about moving to your dream home in the country? They may think it a great idea now, but what about when they're teenagers - they may feel stranded, resent being away from friends and any action (shops, cinema etc). You may spend a good proportion of your life ferrying them around until they can drive themselves. I always thought it would be great to live out in the sticks somewhere as I grew up in a rural village but came to realise my kids are townies and would hate it.

LOL by "county" I'm talking about the green bit between Reigate and Dorking in Surrey, not wild country. But its country to us in the built up commuter towns of the South East! And re the children being older and wanting to go out, DH & I accept that we will be doing some ferrying around, I'm aware of that, I grew up in a similar situation, and my parents did it for us! I actually think of that as a real positive, being able to gradually give them freedom, but being their lift home, so knowing that they have to be where they say at the end of the evening! We will also, no doubt, fund driving lessons at 17, again as my parents did for us. I'm not the kind of mother who would be happy with her teenage children "hanging out" round local shops etc in the evenings!