Sweetdaisy's aim to be mortgage-free

sweetdaisy

southerndave wrote: »

Sorry to hear about your job. Good plan though to give it a rest and see what happens, often things drop out the blue. Like your exhaust! D'oh. I suppose that's what the contingency plan is for though, so at least your systems (pots) are working!

Can't believe the advancement of Xmas shopping already.....LOL! I am still saving a bit for fireworks, far more fun!

Thanks southerndave

Yes, I definitely need a little break from job searching and just need to be thankful that I have a job. Looking to change jobs has been stressing me out a little, so I just need to focus more on the 'now' rather than 'what could be'. Hopefully, as you said, something will come up at a later date.

My little savings 'pots' have come in handy as it prevents me from dipping into the Emergency Fund.

In terms of Christmas shopping, I put aside a set amount each month to cover all Christmas presents for family, so that it doesn't come as a shock at the end of the year. This means that when I get paid in December, it stays in the account rather than it getting spent on presents.

sweetdaisy

Took my car to the garage today and had a new Exhaust tail box fitted, costing £61. I'm happy with this as it still leaves £332 in the car savings 'pot'.

Did a food shop today and was under budget and also received a payment from TCB. Made a mortgage overpayment of £28 and paid £29 into the Emergency Fund.

southerndave

Not too an exhausting day then?!

sweetdaisy

southerndave wrote: »

Not too an exhausting day then?!

:rotfl:! :rotfl:!:rotfl:!

LauraJo

Omg you've started your Xmas shopping already! I normally start mine on the 23rd dec... Wish I was that organised!

sweetdaisy

LauraJo wrote: »

Omg you've started your Xmas shopping already! I normally start mine on the 23rd dec... Wish I was that organised!

I do try and be organised for Christmas . I've had some presents arrive by post already. I find it quite easy to decide what to get the children as they are young. I don't go mad at Christmas and they may not get the 'must have/No1 Christmas Toy' etc, but I keep within budget and feel that it's not necessary to keep up with the Jones'. DS1 is 5 years old and last year he was more interested in his Christmas Stocking than the presents :rotfl:.

sweetdaisy

Total overpayments made this month - £650. Including the monthly mortgage payment, net reduction was £1,024.14 .

I have finally finished sewing name tags into DS1's new school uniform. So everything is ready for Tuesday when he's back in school; gym bag sorted; cheques written for school dinners, after school club etc.

Going to take the children to a Zoo/Farm tomorrow as it is the end of the School Holidays. Will be busy in the morning making sandwiches and packing a picnic to take with us. Weather is forecast as dry and sunny, so it should be a good day.

southerndave

That's great going Daisy, well done! We have had all our days out for this summer, will be spending tomorrow getting the front and back gardens ready for winter. Enjoy your picnic!

sweetdaisy

Had a brilliant day out with the children today . Went on my own with the boys as DH was working. They were more interested in playing in the various parks than seeing the Giraffes, Penguins etc. DS2 surprised me by holding a Centipede - I was half expecting him to throw it on the floor as it wriggled over his hand .

DS2 is sleeping in his single bed for the first time tonight as he came into my bedroom this morning with his nappy off. After me rushing him back to his room so that he didn't wee the carpet - only then did I twig that he can now jump out of his cot :eek:. So, it's the single bed tonight and he didn't even get up when he went to bed - he is absolutely shattered from our day out, so this has helped.

Mortgage overpayment of £80 made today.

sweetdaisy

Redeemed some funds from a survey account and made an overpayment of £32. DH has bought some bits and bobs for his bike, so earned £4.68 by using TopCashback.

Had another sort out today. Filled a charity bad full of DS2's old vests, babygrows, blankets etc. Also thrown out some old baby accessories that weren't in good enough condition to recycle such as pram bag, hood etc. DS2 is now sleeping in his single bed, so his cot has been taken down and is up in the attic (should my Sister need it in the future).

I don't often buy clothes for myself, but spent £125 today on clothes and treated myself to some beauty/make-up products. I had £100 worth of vouchers to use, so only spent £25 . Seen quite a few other items that I liked and I am going to treat myself more often.

My Mother-in-Law has said that she will look after DS2 for me whilst I am in work on Friday afternoon/evenings so he no longer needs to go into Nursery. This saves me £60 a month - thank you MIL .