2012 mfw

curlygirl1971

saver03 wrote: »

I am torn between my desire to be MF and my strong desire to have lots of holidays and see most of the world. I do keep telling myself that the sooner we are MF then the more money we will save and therefore this will enable us to travel more. But then this little voice says that life is too short and if I were die next week I would have rather seen more of the world than have paid more off my mortgage.

I don't think this is going to help. But.....

....you only live once and you never know what your health will be like in the future. I think you should (within reason and whilst balancing your own personal goals) take opportunities such as holidays. It doesn't mean you have to go all out travelling around the world - but work out a compromise plan.

I know this might sound dramatic and OTT but it's just my opinion based on what I see in my life. I have a sis with MS. Some months she's relatively 'okay' and some months, like most of last year, she can't even get off the sofa. She's early 30's with no family - she should be having a great time. I've watched her recently (she has good mobility at the mo) and she's trying to cram in as much as she can even though her budget is tight - because she knows that in a few months she might not be able to again.

Obviously not everyone has health issues and not all of us will develop serious health issues - but seeing it really makes you appreciate the opportunities we can take.

How far off are you being Mortgage free? If it's a couple of years, and you're relatively young, then fine put everything on hold and go all out for MF. If it's longer term then be more realistic and balance it against your other goals in life. Whatever your decision it will be the right one for you. If you go on holiday, then plan, budget and get cashback and enjoy!

I think a lot of my drive to become mortgage free is sub-conciously because I want to be in a position where helping my sis in the future isn't so much of a financial burden - in my own mind I guess if I can clear the mortgage then I don't have to worry about my income as much........but I will also be having a few days away in Wales and a holiday in the US this year, as well as continuing to OP.....all on an averge salary.

black_taxi_2

curlygirl---i hope your sis isnt stressed out by new government cuts--on disabled.

had a bloke in my taxi last week---use to ride/train horses---had a stroke---now can only walk short distances---health is something we all take for granted

curlygirl1971

Thanks BT. She's not 'disabled' all the time - although she's unwell for much of the time. So, amazingly she still holds down a full time job and seems determined to do so for as long as she can.....I think this has been to the detriment of her physical health, but good for her peace of mind. Fortunately she has been able to get contracts with Local Authorities and also been able to negotiate working from home when necessary; but at times the major stress has been to go through disciplinaries etc. (after sick leave) and dealing with people who see someone who looks young and fit but isn't well inside. When the times comes for her to give up work ....yep, we're not looking forward to that even though as a family we're in a better position than some.

Spiggle

Hi All,

Sorry to have been MIA, had one of those weekends. :eek:

If you're saving hard pammyj can I take it you're after a pedigree pup? Your OP is updated.

Great work on the survey income sweetdaisy, all updated for you.

Fantastic ebay sales greent, I've updated the spreadsheet with your OP.

That's an excellent OP fillyfop, all updated on the spreadsheet.

Your OP is updated on the spreadsheet froddington.

It's all about balance wrigleydl and the little one will need things, your OP is now listed.

That's a great top up OP Needhelpsaving, all updated for you.

Great steady progress coldcazzie, all updated for you.

And from the googledoc, your May OP is updated dark^knight.

I think saver03 it really is about balance and considering age, health, wealth as the others have said. I wouldn't say no to a holiday a year but my priority is very much about getting rid of the mortgage and I am 51. I do have to agree wholeheartedly with black taxi though, if you have to take on debt to have the holiday then perhaps some more consideration needs to be given to the idea.

See you all tomorrow,
Spigs

coldcazzie

Spiggle wrote: »

Great steady progress coldcazzie, all updated for you.

Fab, thankyou

theyorkbrood

Pay day today Please can you put No 140 - theyorkbrood down for £200 for May ..
Thankyou

SimbaSimon

No 54 checking in. I made a nice payment of £200 yesterday bringing my monthly total for April to £300 which I'm very pleased with, it's been a while since I made a monthly OP that big.

dark^knight

Spiggle wrote: »

And from the googledoc, your May OP is updated dark^knight.

Thank you! :T

saver03

Thank you for the advice guys :T

We would never get into debt to go on holiday as I would hate to get back into debt as it was so easy to spend all the money but very hard to claw our way back out :mad:

We have about 23 and a half years left on the mortgage, without overpaying, so it's not in the foreseeable future. I am 32 and OH is 41, he has good health whereas mine has been very questionable over the years. Since my last surgery where I "got my life back" we have been going on holiday every year and generally just trying to have fun, within budget though :rotfl:

lippy1923

#116 - £100 OP made with my mortgage payment today
£500 in total. All updated in my signature.