I have a dream...to be a MFW

[Deleted User]

Aw well done MrAJM nothing like a nice new outfit to cheer you up - especially in this cold miserable weather!!

I know I can get into a real downer on feeling Im not doing "enough" to save/make money - but have to remind myself I need a life as well! sometimes on here I see such quick MF plans (like a year or two of 5 even!) and think I can do the same, even though in reality even with both salaries going on it Im not sure itd work!!

Holidays are, for me, essential , as are social times ... I have to sometimes learn to let go a bit and enjoy rather than constantly thinking of the money - it would be different if we have spiralling debts, but really its just the mortgage so needs to go along with living life iyswim?

Another thing I dont count eating out in food budget , comes out of fun/social money so I dont feel so guilty about suddenly spending a weeks worth of shopping on a takeaway/meal out! works for my brain anyway :rotfl:

lulabelle1

Ikwym youngone - I'm always counting the money and wish I old switch off and enjoy a little bit more sometimes. I also have separate money for takeaway/going out......

Tilly_MFW_in_6_YRS

Hi AJ, I think everyone on this forum probably feels the same. I do quite mad things to reduce our costs at times, but I do have lots of savings pots for holidays, entertainment and like Lula and TYO, takeaways, meals come out from the entertainment pot.

Given most people's attitudes towards a mortgage is to pay every month for the life time of the mortgage, then whatever we do to reduce that saves money. Whether we reduce it by 2 months, 10 years etc, that's just down to the disposable income available - TYO is absolutely right, we need to enjoy our life, so finding a balance is key.

I swing between not wanting to spend anything, to emptying our entertainment budget for the month, on one night out :eek: However, what is different now is the enjoyment we gain from doing things as a family.

Hard to give advice as all our journeys take different routes but the goal is the same.

I know I wobble at times but that is when the support from everyone helps lift us up again

Best wishes Tilly

ajmoney

You are all brilliant and are why I like being on this board, so thank you xx

ajmoney

I have just got my work schedule for next month so I am starting to think of meals to plan. I have the first 3 days of the month off so I am going to do some batch cooking and have also highlighted some days throughout the month if I need them.

ajmoney

February challenges

5 x 30 min exercise each week
Keep all receipts for food shopping for the month, note any food wastage to help meal plan better
Try 1 new meal
Bake 1 new thing

I need to think about these and see if there is anything else I can add

lulabelle1

Good luck with the new challenges!

newgirly

Hi aj, good luck with the feb challenges, I still can't decide what to make mine!

nattypants

Great challenges AJ:T

ajmoney

It looks as if things could be taking an interesting turn. My boss approached me yesterday about being moved within my job yesterday which will mean me working on the south coast in an instructors role. Mr AJM would not be coming with me as there are no teaching jobs and we discussed a long time ago that I would commute initially if it happened. It will be more 8-5 than I do now with most weekends free so we will be spending a lot of money on flights for both of us. The good thing is I will get about £300 a month towards these costs and get free accommodation. My food costs are minimal down there and everything is in walking distance so will only be using my car once a week to get it moving. I am not sure how this will affect us financially as I need to do some sums but we shouldn't be worse off. I am planning on setting up another(!) small account where I can transfer the travel money into and monthly money from both of us (the money that normally goes into paying for all our food and entertainment) and that we mainly be travel costs and then what is left at the end of the month can go to the mortgage.

I am looking forward to the job if it happens and it is in a place I love living but it is going to be hard being away from Mr AJM so much.

This has changed my goals for the year and each month a bit. I am aiming to get all my Christmas shopping done if possible before I go (if I go) in September, if I don't manage this then it will all be done online. I am also going to finally try and sort the house out a room at a time and try and get the furniture we want to make it more cosy for Mr AJM as it will be hard for him being by himself. I am also hoping to OP as much before I go in case the payments take a battering with our added travel costs.

Today's job is pricing up our home insurance as the renewal came through yesterday.