Ultimate Challenge. 457 days / £16600!!!

Buffythedebtslayer

Impressive work Kat, I bet your folks are thrilled!

Well done XX

clippy_girl

Your travelling plans sound amazing! Your hard work has been sooo worth it

NinjaSavingKat

Hello Ginny - where have you been! Thank you for your kind words though.

Buffy my parents were worried I'd work myself into the ground but honestly didn't think I would do and were hoping I would add another three months on the end to ease the pain a bit. But unfortunatly the don't realise the fortitude and determination they built within their own child.... another 3 months?? Honestly....:rotfl:

Clippy I am watching a nature programme ( as you do ) today and the sound of Australia just makes me all nostalgic... can't wait... I was looking at my certificate form last night and will make a point of sending it off to get the Oz passport ball rolling....:T

UnaidedSpud

Well done Kat! So glad you got to the end of this Journey and wish you luck in the next one!

killerpeaty

Hey Katkat, congrats!

Sooo... let's have a savings race? >D

Listerbelle

What an achievement!

Well done Kat!!

NinjaSavingKat

Ha Peaty I think you are a little ahead of me... Whats the aim for 2014 then. My £10,000 is minimum... the real "sell my bike and include last months wage and overtime every month" target would be £18,000.

Although that might be hanging myself if I declare that my target.

Will careful living and seriously cutting back even more ( cancelling gym lol) I can put away £1000 a month WITHOUT overtime....

So I aim higher then....?

killerpeaty

I was thinking £10k (62.5% of net income) as my challenge, 6k (37.5%) as my aim and 1.6k absolute minimum saving (10%). This will include any investments (looking at garages, investment funds and pensions for this) and ISA (would really really like to fill my cash ISA to the max next financial year). This year I have managed between 70-75% net income saved. But I pay very little in bills and this will be changing.

I know your aim is to travel, but mine is to increase my net worth and I plan to every year until I retire. This is why I'm including investments.

Right you, you need to sort out your bank accounts, you now should be accumulating money so where are you putting it? You can get 3% before tax from TSB, RBS and Lloyds (up to 5k only), Yorkshire BS is offering 3% on an actual savings account, santander is offering 3% and cashback but they have a fee (£2 a month I believe). Since you want your money before 1 year, ISAs probably won't be of much use (Coventry BS at 2.5% if you've had one with them before?) same for regular savers (first direct 6%).

Also I'm making some personal finance reports, I have a cash flow and a net worth calculator, what else should I make do you think?

NinjaSavingKat

Peaty I intend to do both. But some things have to come first and yes the experiances gained through travel are imperative to my sanity because when I am old and decrepit I will be building one of those thingy-ma-bobs (seen a few posts ago) in my Dad's garden and regaling stories to my multitude of grand-childers of my wanderings across our beautiful planet..

I know there is need to plan for retirement ( which I am ) but what else if your aim Peaty - you can't accumulate wealth for the sake of it surely?

My Nationwide account offers 5% so I am sticking with them... :T and there shall be investing along the way as well. I will need a "re-entry" fee when I return the the UK so intend to build a cushion for which I can use when I decide to return. But more on this in my next post.. am stuck at work and it's getting busy....

#yawn!

Determined_diva

WOO HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!! Best news I've read all year! I've been so excited for this day to come to you!

I personally need to say to you that you have been the most inspirational person to me. Your determination, advice, ups and downs have made this journey all the better.

To think this time last year you was in nearly £17k worth of debt is actually quite mind boggling! I mean what nutter puts her mind to it, works all the hours god sends, cuts back on food, sells practically everything AND clears a mountain of debt which is like a deposit in a house that a couple could spend years to save up for!!! Oh wait ninja saving Kat does!!!!

Your like the top dog in the army - mean business and have your troops right there behind you.


Massive congrats my darling and good luck on your next financial challenge

Thankyou for being you - you have been so inspirational

DDx