Countdown to Freedom

Tilly_MFW_in_6_YRS

Morning, I forgot to post that FD have paid the £250 reward for having a mortgage with them. Have OPd it straight away - lovely feeling.

Relatively quiet day in the Tilly household. I managed 15 minutes of meditation yesterday. Head full of noise though but I did keep emptying my mind. I am not sure I will be able to get into it but I do feel it would be good for me.

Off for a dog run now so have a good day.

Tilly x

Tilly_MFW_in_6_YRS

In the spirit of keeping body and soul calm, DH is on the hunt for relaxation stuff to download. I really have had a great time away from work and whilst I am looking forward to meeting up with colleagues again, I have found it easy to slip into SAHM role. I guess we always think the grass is greener, wherever we are.

Weather has precluded a dog walk this afternoon, although it was great early this morning. We will have to fit another one in this evening.

I forgot to say that early last week I took delivery of a meat order from an online butcher, via TCB - superb service and the meat was reasonably priced for the quality. I have missed going shopping this weekend, which surprised me. I didn't think I was much of a shopper and I hate going clothes shopping, but not rummaging for my bargainous goodies was a bit of a let down. On a brighter note, I have £60 to add to the offset mortgage bucket.

DD skiing stuff arrived, all fits well, so it's labelled and packed into a case in the loft. At least I don't have to think about it and I really appreciated the advice I received. I certainly saved a lot of £ by being able to buy in the sales. Thank you.

In terms of money stuff this week, not much is happening. We have three nights out (in the week, however, will I manage), so I am expecting to feel quite bushed come Friday evening. One of them is a freebie, one is dinner with friends and the other a theatre trip which came out of the entertainment budget.

DKs are back to school tomorrow and raring to go. They both feel like they have had a long holiday and are looking forward to being back in their routine. They both seem to have a different approach to school, in comparison to me at their age. Even the tutoring is given in a more mature, logical way which they enjoy.

So I need a kick up the bu@ now to get me raring to go too.

Have a good week, Tilly x

coldcazzie

Hey Tilly, great news about the online butchers - really pleased you are happy with what you received!

Tilly_MFW_in_6_YRS

Morning Caz, I should have remembered to say thank you, as I wouldn't have tried it without you suggesting it

Also sorted another load of DSs clothes out, one has gone to the CS, one ready for free eBay weekend. Didn't realise we just had one - need to keep a watch for the next.

Have a good week, Tilly x

coldcazzie

Don't mention it, I'm just glad it's worked out for you!

brizzledfw

Hi Tilly (and friends!)

I can really sympathise with the liking the SAHM feeling Tilly, I am the same after a few days off. Although when I am back I do like the "kick, b@llix, scramble" as I call it of a week at work. I think I just find the transition between the 2 hard if I am honest.

You are doing really well. I just made an OP towards my mortgage and it feels good!!!

Brizzle

Tilly_MFW_in_6_YRS

Evening, well Monday went quickly - it seems like 5 minutes ago I was walking the dog and now I am ready for bed!

Going back to work today was a shock and going from zero to flat out was something I could have done without. However, it's all helping to clear the mortgage so that has to be good news.

I have made a couple of small OPs over the last few days and I certainly enjoy the flexibility of being able to do this. Every penny off, is another small step and as my diary says, countdown to freedom......

Had a great night out with DH this evening and the same again tomorrow and Thursday. I love our children dearly but the change in life as they grow up is a new chapter and we are really enjoying this phase too.

Night all, Tilly x

Tilly_MFW_in_6_YRS

Good morning, how come since the day we have a hose pipe ban come into force, it has hardly stopped raining. Haven't gone for a dog walk/run this morning as it is pouring.

So instead I have sat musing about the journey we have been on since 5 November 2011. What have we learnt?

To regularly do surveys so that there are always ones coming through the system To use TCB or £co whenever possible To pay phone line charge annually To pay CC tax by CC (no extra charge) and get cashback or clubcard points To keep a list of freezer/larder contents To menu plan at least 4 weeks to gain max benefit from offers To question why we want to buy something - not just buy To have Monday-Friday lodgers To take lunch to work To leave purse at home when going to the office To go to the cinema for free via SFF or NW To use coupons for bargainous shopping To use SSM To get to know YS fridge in SM To eBay things we no longer need/want To bake snacks for kids lunch boxes To not waste food - regularly check fridge contents as things migrate to the back and can be missed then sadly binned - no more..... To continue with veg growing but also grow more herbs in the house To use any scrap paper - print something and used to bin, now turns into papers to use for list of jobs, shopping, reminders for kids To turn the heating off when not needed and unnecessary lights To turn the shower off when washing hair etc To educate the children on finances To track receipts and daily spending activities To use S&S To LOVE earning free money To enjoy CSs and the occasional bargains to be found To realise what is important in life and financial freedom long term, means far more than a new pair of shoes etc To have an OS mortgage To keep a diary on MSE to retain focus To realise that every penny counts To recognise that we all have something to learn/pass on in terms of money savviness

Clearly the benefit of what we are doing is increasing disposable income but in summary, the whole family has benefited as I have posted before. We still go out and have meals, trips etc but it is controlled spending.

Have a good day, Tilly x

sweetdaisy

Wow Tilly, what a list! Wish I was half as organised as you .

gallygirl

Tilly_MFW_in_6_YRS wrote: »

Good morning, how come since the day we have a hose pipe ban come into force, it has hardly stopped raining.

Have you seen the old Ealing comedy, Passport to Pimlico? They discover an old allegiance with France, with lower taxes, so declare themselves part of Burgundy. Weather miraculously improves, no rain, as soon as they rejoin the UK it rains :rotfl:.