Millionaire Challenge

ElleWoods

dave4545454 wrote: »

I'm a quarter of the way on the challenge so I'm doing OK

Are you saying you have £250k stashed away somewhere? If so, shouldn't you declare that to the DWP?

lessonlearned

mineallmine wrote: »

Hope you're settling in nicely LL. The new home sounds perfect
:j

Yes I'm nicely settled in now thanks - perfect timing too. We've just had two new staircases put in DS1's house - the mess!!!! I am able to supervise and let in trades etc and then go home to a clean dust free little nest. And oh the joy of fitted wardrobes again. I was sick of living out of suitcases.....

Just got to buy a few bits and pieces and then I'm done.

Well done on the cost cutting and frugal living. I think making money is only part of our journey - we also need to hold on to it so we can reinvest any surplus. Most wealthy people do seem to have quite frugal habits so you are in good company. :rotfl:

I can live on surprisingly little, although I do allow myself a little mad splurge every so often. In fact I did that this week - bought myself some new winter clothes.

Re the benefits debate. I could technically claim some benefits but I don't.

I like the freedom of doing my own thing, some weeks I earn little some weeks I can do quite well. I really can't be bothered with all the form filling and faffing around, plus if I'm honest I really dislike the idea of any Tom, !!!!!! and Harry being privvy to my financial details.

I know that a lot of retired people feel like this. We are used to standing on our own two feet and dislike outside interference with our financial affairs. I don't want any Benefits Officer breathing down my neck, thank you very much. I've had more than enough of all that whilst dealing with nursing homes etc....

Not for me. The whole point of my journey is financial freedom not relying on handouts - whether I am "entitled" or not. They can keep it......

I pay for private healthcare too. I simply do not trust the State any more.

Which brings me nicely to my next point.......

lessonlearned

Buffythedebtslayer wrote: »

I wonder about these positive routines and positive thinking. I think I am too cynical to try!

xx

I know we've discussed this before but I find this fascinating.

Are optimism and pessimism inherited character traits or are they learned responses to life's events. Nature or nurture...., a bit of both perhaps.

Apparently I was always a sunny natured child, easy going and always laughing and having fun, my sister is the same. And yet I didn't have a particularly fun filled childhood - I won't bore you with the details:rotfl: School was a particularly depressing experience. And yet I am an optimistic positive person. And yes I've had a few lemons thrown my way......

I do genuinely believe that positivity can be learned, but you do have to work at it........It takes time and effort to change your mindset but it's worth it.

Feeling optimistic and putting a positive spin on things increases your energy levels and you can achieve more. Negativity and cynicism drains energy and makes you feel tired and lethargic.

I think negative thinking comes from doubt. Doubts can be overcome. Build on each small success and take heart from your achievements to date.

I firmly believe that there are very few situations in life that are all doom and gloom. No matter how dire things seem there is always a glimmer of hope and light at the end of the tunnel.

As you all know my husband is slowly slipping away from me. He will die - sooner, rather than later. When he does it will be over and he will be finally at peace. In the meantime we get to say our Goodbyes and spend quality time together. For me the positive to his creeping paralysis is that he feels no pain.......The positive to his death is that we will both finally be set free from an illness which imprisons him and which impacts on my life too.

I have conquered my debts, and am slowly rebuilding my finances. I had to sell assets, I've had to move house 3 times in 10 months, I have had to live very frugally. Sure there were dark days when it was hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel, but it was always there.

You just have to keep your head down and keep going.

Never, never give up. When you get knocked back (and you will) just pick yourself up and start again.

Stay calm, stay focussed, ignore the doubts.

Buffythedebtslayer

*Just thinks Lessonlearned is AMAZING*

Will write more later

but thank you LL XXX

Canucksfan

dave4545454 wrote: »

i'm very good with money, i keep my outgoings very low, for instance, my food bill for a month is around £12-£15 so i am very used to scrimping and saving.

I find this thread very interesting. Dave, please can you give us an example of what you can eat for so little money every month?

LessonLearned - your name is very apt. Your strength and faith are making me reflect a lot on the way I live and the importance of 'seizing the moment' with loved ones. Wishing you and your family best wishes x

tinktay84

Hi everyone,

Again I've been very quiet!

LL, great news on progress, I actually ooooohh'd at 2 new staircases haha(property junkie in me surfacing)

I'm getting back on track, more mentally than anything.though I hate the word mental!

We have now agreed on specific goals (I'm sure some of you remember my carefree husband with his spend if quick attitude) he gives me a set amount each week, I pay bills & arrange savings with it.the rest of his money is his own, if he wishes to save more he can.

I have just worked out we are probably around -40k now.that is with our mortgage so I'm pretty chuffed. All debts cleared bar our loan which currently sits at £7700 but had we have just paid minimum payment would have sat at over £10000 now so I am mega chuffed with that

We worked out that come feb next year, hubby's credit file will be clear, we could have savings of at least £7000 and my business should be more profitable so that is our next goal.

I paid the final payment on a holiday we booked for January so again all our hard work has lead to a reward in one of the traditionally rubbish months.

I'm hoping business wise to be sharing fab news in the next week or so too.

Still struggling a little to stay upbeat but each small victory is helping.

Re LLs comments on positivity/negativity

I am constantly the miserable one etc amongst family and it frustrates me.i am always looking for ways to improve, build & move forward and always saying don't worry we'll find a solution etc.having observed the past few months when I've really struggled I've noticed that having felt like I've been stood waving my arms asking for help, no one could see me.yet some others around me, as soon as they say 'I'm fed up' people rally round with tea and sympathy.im not sure as to why but both my mum and dad say that because I can look after myself people probably just think I'm fine and leave me to it.

I just can't believe that I'm always the one saying there are jobs out there, what can I do to help, where can I use my skills to make things better, yet I'm miserable and selfish?hmmm ahh well I'm smiling inwardly and continue to try my best

tinktay84

Hi everyone,

Again I've been very quiet!

LL, great news on progress, I actually ooooohh'd at 2 new staircases haha(property junkie in me surfacing)

I'm getting back on track, more mentally than anything.though I hate the word mental!

We have now agreed on specific goals (I'm sure some of you remember my carefree husband with his spend if quick attitude) he gives me a set amount each week, I pay bills & arrange savings with it.the rest of his money is his own, if he wishes to save more he can.

I have just worked out we are probably around -40k now.that is with our mortgage so I'm pretty chuffed. All debts cleared bar our loan which currently sits at £7700 but had we have just paid minimum payment would have sat at over £10000 now so I am mega chuffed with that

We worked out that come feb next year, hubby's credit file will be clear, we could have savings of at least £7000 and my business should be more profitable so that is our next goal.

I paid the final payment on a holiday we booked for January so again all our hard work has lead to a reward in one of the traditionally rubbish months.

I'm hoping business wise to be sharing fab news in the next week or so too.

Still struggling a little to stay upbeat but each small victory is helping.

Re LLs comments on positivity/negativity

I am constantly the miserable one etc amongst family and it frustrates me.i am always looking for ways to improve, build & move forward and always saying don't worry we'll find a solution etc.having observed the past few months when I've really struggled I've noticed that having felt like I've been stood waving my arms asking for help, no one could see me.yet some others around me, as soon as they say 'I'm fed up' people rally round with tea and sympathy.im not sure as to why but both my mum and dad say that because I can look after myself people probably just think I'm fine and leave me to it.

I just can't believe that I'm always the one saying there are jobs out there, what can I do to help, where can I use my skills to make things better, yet I'm miserable and selfish?hmmm ahh well I'm smiling inwardly and continue to try my best

lessonlearned

tinktay84 wrote: »

I am constantly the miserable one etc amongst family and it frustrates me.i am always looking for ways to improve, build & move forward and always saying don't worry we'll find a solution etc.having observed the past few months when I've really struggled I've noticed that having felt like I've been stood waving my arms asking for help, no one could see me.yet some others around me, as soon as they say 'I'm fed up' people rally round with tea and sympathy.im not sure as to why but both my mum and dad say that because I can look after myself people probably just think I'm fine and leave me to it.

I just can't believe that I'm always the one saying there are jobs out there, what can I do to help, where can I use my skills to make things better, yet I'm miserable and selfish?hmmm ahh well I'm smiling inwardly and continue to try my best

I've always had this for as long as I can remember. In the end I gave myself the nickname "Capable Kate".:rotfl: I rarely get offered a helping hand. People just assume that I will get the job done.

I soldiered on for years looking after my OH. My parents didn't lift a finger although they had both the time and means to do so. Now my dad is in my position and I've helped him work his way through the labyrinth that is healthcare and social services.

Yesterday he finally conceded that he couldn't have managed without my input and that he cannot believe that I've done it all by myself and for that I've battled for 7 years.

Ah well - what doesn't kill you makes you stronger and all that......

Glad to hear you are feeling better - was wondering how you were. Good for you for booking that holiday - you deserve it. Look forward to hearing you news.

Had a great day helping DS1 - am now filthy and shattered. Just finished watching Downton - now there's a house!!! OS is quietly dozing.

I've been offered first refusal on a house next door to DS1 - need to mull it over.....It's another Grade II listed wreck - probably another Money Pit rotfl:

There is another one at the back which is currently a workshop and which will probably come on the market soon. The three buildings are all in the same secluded courtyard - a sort of Mews. It would be nice to own the whole lot.

I just need to find the money.

lessonlearned

Buffythedebtslayer wrote: »

*Just thinks Lessonlearned is AMAZING*

Will write more later

but thank you LL XXX

I'm nothing special. If I can do it anyone can.

I do believe that we all have an inner strength which we can call upon when we are tested.

Today I chatted to a young woman who is battling cancer. She thought she was clear but it has come back. She is only 30 and has two young children. All she wants is to live long enough to see them grow up.

Now that really is a test.......

Kayalana99

I havn't had the life experience that you guys have but I know what your talking about. It seems everyone just leans on me for help...thing is I can't say their not their for me when I need them as the only one time I needed help I suppose you could say I didn't tell anyone and thought I could handle it so their you go!

Saying that its just little things that all add up, my dad is going abroad for 7 weeks so he asks me to open his post for him and file his paperwork if he prints it over in England (technolgy these days lol), my mum wants me to feed the cats...baby sit the kids...baby sit my nan (house bound)... my sister gets into debt and turns to me for help instead of our parents...

Yet my sister gets off scott free they wouldn't even ask her...why? I don't know as she would do it as long as it didnt cost her anything as shes constantly asking for help with baby sitting my niece for my mum/dad/me so she owes them...but they always ask me!

I guess I don't really mind so much maybe thats why I get asked all time? and don't get me wrong I do love my sister.

I wonder this is a common theme amongest us as it seems their are always the people looking to better themselfs (the boring ones as people see us ) and the people who just want to live day to day and not bothered about what happens tomorrow?