Squeaky spreadsheet diary

Tiglath

Don't know whether I'm coming or going. The sister I grew up with just called, and my adoptive Mum (her bio-mum) has to have a hysterectomy because her uterus and bladder are hugely infected and have finally fallen out (a saga that's been going on for a year). I haven't even told Mum about my birth-mum dying yet because she'd turn it around to make it all about her, but I'll have to bite the bullet this weekend and just get on with it. Don't know yet when birth-mum's funeral is - it could all get a bit 'political' as I haven't spoken to one of my half-sisters in several years, and there are members of the extended family there who don't even know I exist. I think this counts as my suckiest week ever.

lurvlyloz

oh tigs that does sound awful. *hugs*

bast

That sounds hugely complicated... I hope you manage to do what feels right for you... x

Tiglath

After the horrible events of last week, I decided life was too short to be miserable and I had to do something radical. I spoke to my bank who were brilliant, and got a loan which cuts my projected total interest on debt to 40% of what it would've been if I'd carried on as is. I've paid off my overdraft and all credit cards, and have booked a holiday on my own in June out of my spare salary. The funeral is this Friday, and I think it will be okay (as okay as these things ever are). I'm now in a position to start paying into my pension and savings again from July, while the loan chugs along in the background. I should be in a position to pay off the loan completely 15 months early. It's a huge weight off my mind so it was the right decision, and makes things that bit easier and less drudgelike. If the past few years have taught me anything, it's that you can't put a price on peace of mind.

lurvlyloz

Tigs well done you for taking life and sticking two fingers up. like you say it is too short sometimes.

Tiglath

The funeral went well yesterday, despite some people thinking I was my deceased mother's half-sister (gosh I must look old) and that my sister's partner is in fact our brother! The vicar was hilarious - very camp chinless wonder type, but definitely well-meaning. Too many cousins (mother had 50+ first cousins) and associated rellies to keep track of. Anyway, all sorted, and I'm going to be an auntie again in August as one sister is preggers.

Been faffing with my spreadsheet (as usual) to make all the new figures work, and I'm optimistic about the future. I'm just so glad the overdraft and credit cards are gone; my outgoings are reduced by about £500/month and I'm in a position to finally start putting some aside. Really looking forward to my holiday in June (Malta on my own), and I may also be able to get a few days away with a friend over Christmas somewhere warm. My spreadsheet is considerably smaller and simpler now, but the savings tab is looking really good and I'm eyeing up cash ISAs for the best possible rates. For summer 2014, somewhere Scandinavian to see the Northern Lights is looking like a distinct possibility for both of us.

So it's all looking good - I have next week off so I'll be decluttering and studying, which will be my default for the rest of the year. Horrible couple of weeks, but on the up now. Off out to lunch with DH.

Tiglath

Not a great deal to say, but things are going well. I started a cash ISA last week. Got more leave left to me at work than I thought, so carrying over an extra 7.5 days into the next year starting 1st April. Will probably take 1 extra day before and 2 after my holiday in June. Still fiddling with the spreadsheet except it's the savings tab that I'm being enthusiastic about I managed to overpay the settlement on one card and just got a cheque for £164 back which is very welcome.

lurvlyloz

excellent news on the AL and the over payment you're doing great

Tiglath

Feeling smug - just saved £200/month on a new mortgage deal, so can increase my pension contributions and have my employer match them for free.

lurvlyloz

well done you!