£14310 off mortgage 2010 lets make 2011 better

sarahevie

Spent the morning sorting out the old baby clothes and bedding (have managed to pop them into five discreet stackable pampers boxes) in the loft lol!

Another fairly good spend day today £5 included taking the kids to a soft play place and just getting one packet of crisps to share and one drink again to share. (Usually spend £10 doing the same.) So savings there and the kids didn't notice!

sarahevie

We decided earlier this year (as money is tight as is space) that if we were going to spend money on a new item we would sell or give something away first.

After spending £130.50 on about half my christmas presents this week. Yesterday I sold some drawers for £70, that were just spare in the garage. Not quite spending neutral - but better than nothing

sarahevie

Just realised that I've only got £130 until 9th of November (12 days) fortunately have managed to pay off car insurance in full and road tax (£520) I'm really proud of this - as this is a huge one off payment for us.

Job interview at ASDA went quite badly they had us role playing and stuff and I didn't really fit in. Four years working as an academic at a uni means I'm out of the loop of retail. I had retail jobs for 5 years as a student but I forgot how hard it is!

Decided to start my own business. I've tried this already this year and it has been costly. Spent £1750 on stock only sold it on for £1350 so (£400 down.)

Then bought a clearance pallet from mamas and papas baby store only paid 18% of RRP plus VAT thought I'll definitely make some money at this spent £300. Then when the stuff was delivered 4 weeks before DD2 was born I didn't realise how much space would be needed for car seats, prams, pushchairs etc at the time the garage was full so I sold it off so cheap (just to get rid) losing a further £150 however I did keep a few bits for DD2 so probably got my money back. Now I've cleared the garage I'm going to buy another pallet and have another go.

Went to view a couple of houses on Monday as OH and I have been talking for a while about dropping a postcode to reduce the mortgage. Taking OH back for second viewing on Sat - I'm not sure about moving as we pay a premium for our area because the schools are great and we will have two at school in four years. On the other hand our mortgage could be paid off in 7 years if we keep the payments the same, house same size but live 3 miles away from where we are now.

tootallulah

I am enjoying your diary, and am full of admiration for your thrift and savings, you put me to shame. Re the potential 3rd baby, the sex of the baby comes from the Dad so you shouldn't worry about your family's background, what's your other half's like ? A wee bit of hiding looks like a good idea to me.

tootallulah

Also based on no real knowledge (no kids) I wouldn't move if the schools are good where you are. School is a once in a lifetime thing and a good experience with high standards can really set one up for life. Mortgage free is good and it is the ultimate freedom but it isn't the only important thing in life. Obviously you have a lot on with two young children but as you are so brilliant with money you will get there without sacrificing everything.

gratefulforhelp_2

Just wanted to pop in and say don't give up with your OH's driving. DH passed 9th time and on about his third instructor, one of whom was me...needless to say I got sacked from the job, too!

sarahevie

gratefulforhelp wrote: »

Just wanted to pop in and say don't give up with your OH's driving. DH passed 9th time and on about his third instructor, one of whom was me...needless to say I got sacked from the job, too!

I'm pushing him on. He's very good at quitting things. He quit uni. He's quit driving numerous times. His parents have a lot to answer for, never supportive, always criticising, he's petrified of failing and that's why he can't move on but he's promised me this time so I'm hopeful

I think that the only reason he has agreed is because he's only seen his mum and dad once since June, they live less than 2 miles away, but that's another story.

sarahevie

Spends this week

£4 - lemonade after 'first year of life', snack for girls whilst out walking.

£10 - petrol for the car.

£5 - Cheese, coke, sausages.

House

Have been to see the 'cheap' house and have decided that it's not for us. Will stay where we are or move to a different city where my parents are.

Felt a tinge of jealousy today (not like me at all) when I went to see my friends new house. It is off the scale huge. You could probably fit three of mine into it. It was three times the price though as well and needs a further 100K spending on it as it has been flats but then when I came home I realised how silly it was and you can't have everything.

They are a lot older than us and have had years of IVF (I'm sure that they'd give up their house for another child) so whatever the circumstances there's always things that some people have that others don't so no point being jealous - just be thankful for your lot.

gratefulforhelp_2

sarahevie wrote: »

I'm pushing him on. He's very good at quitting things. He quit uni. He's quit driving numerous times. His parents have a lot to answer for, never supportive, always criticising, he's petrified of failing and that's why he can't move on but he's promised me this time so I'm hopeful

I think that the only reason he has agreed is because he's only seen his mum and dad once since June, they live less than 2 miles away, but that's another story.

God love him, he will get there.

sarahevie

Thanks gratefulforhelp I'm sure he can do it this time, he's older now and slightly wiser.

Been to see my phd supervisor in Manchester today and he's spurred me on to keep on with it. I've been at the write up stage for 2 years, I've had two kids in this time so feels never ending. Anywhoo supervisor showed me how to cut and paste all the reems of work into something resembling a thesis apparently half should be completed by Jan 1st at this rate. That's great news!

Finances always take a battering when I go to Manchester.

£25 train fare / lunch.
£10 pub/tea (first time in 4 months me and OH have been out took advantage of mum being around to baby sit.
£16 shopping

My usual weekly budget in one day oh well -