Countdown to Freedom

Tilly_MFW_in_6_YRS

Morning Peonie, a tree in the hall would be lovely. I use garlands with lights all over the place and take real joy in seeing the dining table ready for our meals. I always use 'sprinkles' everywhere on the table.

Sadly we have lost a lot of family over the last couple of years so this year, I am looking to introduce new traditions. I am already planning menus, shopping - mad I know, but for me it is part of the fun.

Have a good day, Tilly x

gallygirl

Mortgage_Reduction_Novice wrote: »

Hi Tilly,

Approaching 4 years in our house and in MFW status!

Speaking of £co... (took me a few seconds to decipher!) I've been owed cashback from a buildings and contents insurance for over 10 months! Nearly time to get start looking for the next year's insurance!!! I'm not with TCB but if they're faster I will think about migrating!

Try sending them a message as that seems to miraculously make it appear!

:wave::wave::wave::wave:ola everyone, Internet very poor but got on at last.

Tilly you know what my take is on savings v oping - more savings accounts means more columns on spreadsheets plus more frequent landmarks to turn green :rotfl:. But, as you say, not much in it so I will forgive you for plotting behind my back!

Mortgage_Reduction_Novice

gallygirl wrote: »

Try sending them a message as that seems to miraculously make it appear!

Done - thanks for the tip. If it gets paid I can put it towards the next policy which I'll be looking for in a few weeks time. In any case, thanks to Tilly's referral, I'm on TCB now so I can compare and get the highest cashback!!!

Morning Tilly, sounds like you had a cosy Friday evening with HM snacks and wine!:p

Tilly_MFW_in_6_YRS

Morning GG, rain forecast for tomorrow here, so get out in the sun and have a glass of wine for me please :)

Looks like we have gone back to the decision of just OP except for ISAs. Interest would help but after tax etc, we may as well just keep ploughing our way through. Almost within spitting distance of next goal :j

Enjoy your how, Tilly x

cotswoldaccountant

Tilly,
I just wanted to say how much I am enjoying your diary - have been following it for several months now. We are in a similar position with a massive mortgage (bigger than yours!) and I am desperate to pay it off as soon as possible, by overpaying as much as I possibly can. We have improved our spending habits and increased overpayments dramatically over the past couple of months alone, and I really feel we are on track to pay it off within the next five years or so as long as life goes according to plan. My question is - would you recommend starting a diary? I know on several occasions you've mentioned how useful you've found it - but I have been dithering about doing one myself for ages - mainly because of the size of our mortgage (£395k) and I'm not sure whether it would be well received or not on the forum. Would love to know your thoughts!

Tilly_MFW_in_6_YRS

Hi CA, thanks for stopping by. It really helps to know that we are supporting each other.

I would highly recommend starting a diary. It made a complete change to our lives, for all of us, not just me. Mr T, the kids are also on board.

I also wish I had started a diary the year I spent lurking. It has provided a focus and accountability that was needed. We have all learnt from our mistakes and our behaviour is very different.

I also believe that the size of the mortgage is irrelevant. You may have read me post about disposable income and methods of increasing it. That really is the main thing. Regardless of salary, the need to increase DI is key, whether it is ebaying, cutting cost, surveys etc - whatever it takes, as that is the potential OP pot :)

I have learnt a tremendous amount from this site and have found the virtual network to be practically helpful and understanding, in a way the outside world doesn't get. I never discuss mortgage freedom in the real world at all now. It is just not worth it. If you don't get it, you just don't get it.

Don't worry about the numbers, decide your goals and get the diary up and running. Let me know when you are start and I will come and find you The other thing I find which helps is posting regularly. We are all different so I am only speaking for me. This diary has kept me on track, in a way nothing else has, so popping in and updating is the routine which keeps me honest.

Beat wishes, Tilly x

Tilly_MFW_in_6_YRS

I just made a sneaky OP of 27p and then thought b&&gger it, and OPd a further £22. I thought it would get the bank to a good tidy number, but that won't last long. Looking forward to Monday, OP lodger £, and mortgage payment. This should take us down to £253k. I will be keeping a bit back as we have a holiday coming up, but i will OP any remaining spending money afterwards.

Spending diary up to date, credit card bill reviewed and ties out, receipts destroyed unless I needed to keep them. S&S uploaded. That is such a slick process and takes no time at all. I am just over a week away from another £10 Am@zon voucher. We are participating in a further trial thing with them so get a further 1000 + points per week which is great.

A little more gardening finished this morning. I love the change in the air. I need to get some winter pansies to brighten the autumn days. Washing flapping on the line and I feel quite peaceful this afternoon. I tend to whizz around a lot as I don't like sitting still, so will take advantage and see if MrT feels like making me a cuppa.

Have a good afternoon, enjoy the sun

Tilly x

Vala-Mal-Doran

I completeley agree with Tilly
Iv only had a diary for about a month but its helped me so much by knowing I would have to admit if I splurge and also gives me somewhere to shout about my good days (aka nsd's) with people who understand it! ...rather than think on stingy and odd!! Haha!

Vala x

[Deleted User]

hey Tilly
Hope you got that cuppa from MrT
well done on the amazon voucher!
I love the change in the weather into autumn too ... and the countdown to christmas!....

Radish72

I have just got really excited at the thought of Christmas, as now have a big together house to decorate and get to see it all the time instead of just when at BF's

Think a tree for the hall might be in order as well :xmastree: