Our attempt at being MF!!

Secret_Saving_Squirrel

Four year olds always like stationery type things, and if you want to fill up the stocking, a football is always a good option!

CathT

Thank you all for the ideas. We did some craft today and she loved it and DS (14 months) was trying to join in which was fun.

Plastering work almost finished on the kitchen, I am so relieved that most of the disruptive and messy work is done. Decorator is calling tomorrow to price up and try and squeeze in the work. I think it will take a few months to catch up from the extra unexpected expenses but at least I won't be in real debt. Would have been so easy to just get a bank loan so glad I managed to avoid this.

Working the next two days so I will be back later in the week!

Mortgage_Reduction_Novice

So much better to pay with what you have than getting a loan - well done.

CathT

Signature updated as mortgage has gone out so good to see that balance falling.

Had a brilliant day today, I love being off at the weekend and making the most of them.

Kitchen gets fitted this week, I am sooo excited!!

CathT

I have impressed myself! Had a 'to do' list today and just checked and I'd done everything on it! Was starting to worry I wasn't achieving anything on my days off.

The kitchen is on its third day and it's been hard going to be honest as we have had no way of cooking or washing up! Am really hoping it will look much better tomorrow as more progress is made.

Mortgage balance looking good and if I OP by an extra £100 next month it will start with £103k but we will have to wait and see how the budgets and motivation goes!

CathT

Hello, where is December going? It really will be Christmas day before we know it. Have had a busy week with the kitchen and work. Kitchen fitter was here all last week and a few hours over weekend and should be finishing off today. It has all been worth it! I LOVE my new kitchen! This might sound daft but we had poured some wine the other evening and my brother popped round and we were stood in the kitchen chatting. You couldn't have done that in the old one. I really think it is going to be the heart of our home when it is finished.

Not really sure where we are with the finances. Have enough to pay for everything I need to but not sure what we have left to throw at savings. Will know more when I've paid the bits off and DH gets paid.

I haven't made any plans for next year yet! We financed the kitchen using a 0% CC and it cost us £200 to transfer the money and the balance needs paying by Sept 2013 which should be achievable. Then we can either carry on making large OP's (if still plan to move) or save towards the extension.

newgirly

The kitchen sounds lovely and just in time for christmas!

Secret_Saving_Squirrel

Sounds lovely. Enjoy it all the more because you are not paying interest on it!

CathT

Hello, I haven't posted for ages! Hope everyone has had a wonderful Christmas. I had to work Christmas day but have been off today and we've had a great day.

I have seriously overspent on the kitchen :mad: I'm sure my original budget allowed for kitchen costs and boiler and being able to repay by Sept 2013 (avoiding interest charges). We didn't expect to pay nearly £900 to have a wall knocked down and didn't budget for electrical costs (over £500) and cost of flooring and tiles including fitting (around £1000!). I haven't even done the maths yet to see by how much we are short!

We may end up paying some interest on one of the cards for a couple of months while we catch up, perhaps not disastrous but certainly not planned for and a bit annoying!

I have warned DH we need to be frugal but haven't mentioned possibly cutting his budget and living off simple foods!

Once all the payments have debited the account and DH gets paid Friday I will return with a plan!

Upside - I lurrrrve my kitchen-diner!!

Lois_E

Merry Christmas Cath.

Glad your kitchen has turned out just how you want it. Hope your maths turns out better than you expect!