We are about to pull the purse strings soooo tight!

Alice_in_Poorland

Mrs_Money_Penny said:

Hi Alice I have been following your diary all the way through. Many congratulations on becoming debt free. What’s your plans for the spare cash? Make a nest egg? Pay down the mortgage? It would be lovely to see your savings grow. xx

Hi Mrs Money Penny, thank you I feel quite bashful with all the posts. I’m going to definitely build some savings. We do need to more substantial work done on the house so save and get that done. I would also love a little break when we can. Nothing fancy just to feel the sand between my toes.
xx

Alice_in_Poorland

Grumpelstiltskin said:

Alice you haven't posted on here yet.

The Debt Free Roll Of Honour - Page 199 — MoneySavingExpert Forum

Thank you Grumpelstiltskin I shall sort that out. 

Xx

Alice_in_Poorland

Baileys_Babe said:

Congratulations @Alice_in_Poorland I have been with you for many years, maybe from the beginning.
Remember to update your signature.

What are your plans for the money you used to pay the debt? Split between the mortgage, emergency fund and life?

Hi BB, I remember, thank you for all your support.
We’re going to save and get the house sorted, and yes live a little. Not spending unnecessary ...I shall never go back to where we were.... but try a relax a little. 

Xx

Alice_in_Poorland

triple_choc_chip said:

Congratulations!!! 🥳🥂
Do you know? I felt exactly the same, like there’s a void. Don’t worry, it doesn’t last long!
I had many things needing replacement: sofa, dishwasher, TV, car, clothes! I wrote a list and saved for them in turn before saving a mortgage deposit (you’re already well ahead on that). Eight years on I still write a list each year of things I’d like to achieve, (biggest thing for 2021 is tri-fold doors instead of sliding patio ones). 
Whatever you do, enjoy it 💐

Thank you triple choc chip, it’s so weird isn’t it. I’m going to still tread carefully but very much looking forward to feeling a little more free.  I think a list is a very good idea. Something to keep me focused.

Xx

Alice_in_Poorland

Spendless said:

Congratulations Alice. I've been anticipating a debt free update. What a journey you've been on especially since you've been keeping it quiet other than on here. It's up to you what you do next, think I'd give myself some 'down time' first. Keeping with the analogy of losing weight, the day you hit target it's probably not wise to celebrate with pizzas and cream cakes but you probably don't want a 600 calorie tea either. What about putting in place some 'look forward to' goals for this summer. I know not everyone is comfortable making holiday plans yet, as a celebration and something 'fun' to do with your wages rather than it going on paying debt off.  .  

Thank you Spendless. It’s been hard work but looking forward to not hiding a secret. Yeah I’m going to relax a bit....   not with the finances though.  I would love a little break when we can.  Food and food consumption is something I need to address now!

Xx

Alice_in_Poorland

Verbatim said:

Super congratulations Alice. I'm in awe at how you got through all the years with so much grace, grit and perseverance. Whatever you decide to do next you'll ace it. 
Is DS1 still in the US? Is he planning on returning or do you think he'll settle there now? Maybe that trip to see him would be something to consider now?
Your admirer,
V xx

Thank you V, it’s been a journey. Plenty of times I felt like throwing the towel in. It feels so strange so I’m going to savour the moment for now. Then we’ve got house repairs to do!

DS is staying in the US for now. I would love to go and see him but we’ll have to see. 

Xx

Alice_in_Poorland

A mahoosive thank you to everyone for your posts. I still feel very emotional about it all and I, sure I couldn’t of done it with all the support on here. 

Thinking as I write this one of the things that I find quite remarkable is that OH and me are still together haha. It’s been touch and go at times. I have been partly to blame too. Let’s see how we go now.

Xx

Alice_in_Poorland

We’ve had a productive day today. We’ve done loads in the garden, and most of the housework is done. We need to purchase some wood to repair the shed and a fencing panel. 
The home schooling desk has been packed away.....yay! I’ve had a sort out and have some bits to sell/charity shop. 

Went shopping last night, spent £121. Got petrol in the car as OH is going back to work next week, which is great. 😃
I haven’t done any washing today, which is quite unheard of. I’ve bedding to do so hopefully the weather will dry tomorrow.
Not sure what to do with my diary. I haven’t posted as much of the last few months/year but as I’m worried I’m going to fall of the wagon. I would like to have it to keep me on the straight and narrow. 
Xx

Eager_Elephant

Congratulations Alice.
I've followed you all the way through, you have done so well and are an inspiration to so many.
I hope you can get a holiday booked as soon as possible, you definitely deserve it.
Even though you are debt free you can keep your diary going if you want to, I'd love to read about the Adventures of Debt Free Alice  

dawnybabes

I’d keep your diary going ( I love to read it) it would def help me keep,on the straight and narrow