Lulabelle's MFW Diary

lulabelle1

No TT's today as no spare pennies in the accounts!

Had a lovely evening out last night.... Had a very nice dinner, but we were good and ordered from the two course set menu. The beauty of being with like minded people is that none of us ordered puddings or coffees - so we were very MSE indeed!!!!

I've reassessed the plans a little bit further....

I've worked out that I can afford to reduce my planned OP's slightly and still reach the MF date of 31/12/16 - so I plan to save some money at the same time.

Saving in the last hasn't always worked out as I find it tempting, however I'm feeling a revived sense of focus, so I'm sure I can do it. I will put the money in to ISA's instead.

I'd saved a smallish amount over the last few weeks, so I've just emptied this in to the ISA before the end of the tax year.

I'm learning that it's all about balance and achieving the end goal in a way that it most flexible for us financially.

I'm arranging to change the mortgage terms to 20 years to maximise the amount that will show as OP's. Should we decide to do a B2L before the mortgage finishes, we can then "simply" take back the OP's to purchase the B2L rather than needing a B2L mortgage which would have a higher interest rate and offer very little flexibility. Simples... Until I change my mind again.

lulabelle1

£35 received from Quidco today for the house insurance from the end of last year - I've broken with tradition and sent it to the ISA rather than OP'ing the mortgage.

lulabelle1

It's very white and pretty outside. Although, I'm not sure that snow at the end or march is really very normal. The film "the day after tomorrow" comes to mind and I'm currently planning our relocation to Mexico.

20p TT's

I've been saving some money for our holiday spends.... I used a but of it last night to max my isa. Thought I might as well make the most of it. Currently got an isa of 4.25% so might aswell fill it. Although, think the rate expires in 6 months so will no doubt need to find a new home for it.

Taking ds1 to see our local Kumon lady this afternoon... Ds1 will benefit from extra support with his maths and I've had this recommended.

Out for early dinner tonight with the neighbours, we're happy to go to nandos as I've been having my card stamped and we're due a free chicken... So this will reduce the cost a little bit.

Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend.

Tilly_MFW_in_6_YRS

Morning Lula, we seem to have a chicken theme going on today :)

Kumon does take time for the parent each day but I know from my own kids that it has helped their confidence no end. As DD has scored 100% in GCSE and A levels, she recognises herself that it has helped her. In order to transfer the stuff they learn at Kumon they need to learn how to apply to school and the centres round by me, run by the same people, focus heavily on that aspect. Hope the discussion goes well.

Best wishes Tilly x

nattypants

I think you're in a win-win-win situation lula in that you're saving, paying down mortgage and balancing with life's pleasures:T

Earlier on, when I said that projects suck I didn't really mean it. I actually LOVE projects.....it's the lack of finances that suck;)

HelenDaveKids

lulabelle1 wrote: »

You're right hdk, some of us just need to have some sort of project.... For some it's knitting a scarf, for me it's always been buying a new house this is the longest we've ever stayed somewhere.

Funnily enough was just chatting to DH and we're going to set some little house projects to keep us going over the next year. Some gardens stuff and a bit of decorating and new accessories here and there.

Did I read your post correctly... Phone box in the garden?

Yes, and it lights up at night on a timer, old fella whose house it was before us was a telephone fanatic, so all his family clubbed together and bought it for him, for his 70th birthday. Needs a bit of tlc now though. Quite a feature though, kids love it!


We always seem to be doing some project or other. We finished shed and although dodgey looking, its now watertight and will last. Agree NP re money, esp when decorating. We will need to repaint everywhere soon as cracks appearing as expected throughout new bit of house and needs titivating, but have neither the money or the inclination at mo.

lulabelle1

nattypants wrote: »

I think you're in a win-win-win situation lula in that you're saving, paying down mortgage and balancing with life's pleasures:T

Earlier on, when I said that projects suck I didn't really mean it. I actually LOVE projects.....it's the lack of finances that suck;)

Yup, lack of finances and hours in the day can be a problem when it comes to projects......

Thanks for popping by, hope all is well with you? L

lulabelle1

Tilly_MFW_in_6_YRS wrote: »

Morning Lula, we seem to have a chicken theme going on today :)

Kumon does take time for the parent each day but I know from my own kids that it has helped their confidence no end. As DD has scored 100% in GCSE and A levels, she recognises herself that it has helped her. In order to transfer the stuff they learn at Kumon they need to learn how to apply to school and the centres round by me, run by the same people, focus heavily on that aspect. Hope the discussion goes well.

Best wishes Tilly x

Kumon discussion went well - he'll start on Thursday - just in time to receive all of his workbooks for the Easter holidays!!

lulabelle1

HelenDaveKids wrote: »

Yes, and it lights up at night on a timer, old fella whose house it was before us was a telephone fanatic, so all his family clubbed together and bought it for him, for his 70th birthday. Needs a bit of tlc now though. Quite a feature though, kids love it!


We always seem to be doing some project or other. We finished shed and although dodgey looking, its now watertight and will last. Agree NP re money, esp when decorating. We will need to repaint everywhere soon as cracks appearing as expected throughout new bit of house and needs titivating, but have neither the money or the inclination at mo.

Phone Box sounds awesome, I bet it's a talking point with the children's friends.....

We've got a little list of things that we need to do/buy for the house.... it's like painting the forth bridge - never-ending!

lulabelle1

Accounts checked and verified! TT's completed and sent to the MOP account.

Sun is shining but there is still snow on the ground.... so still F F F Fffreezing!

Off to a meeting now, hope everyone has a great day!