To Freedom...

kirstypark

have decided that i am going to met my target - don't care how i do it, this family can live off soup if need be (for a couple of weeks anyway). I had invited my brother and his 5 kids to christmas at us, but they have decided not to eat with us, but just visit after our meal instead - so that will save a bit of cash. so tidied up the accounts today and overpaid £86. Grand total outstanding is £94749.71 today...

BlueMoo

Sorry to hear about the tax bill! How annoying as welll that you are so close to your target.

Good for you for still going ahead full steam anyway.

Sorry, been _pale_ so not been around. How's the kitchen coming along? Bought any more bits?

kirstypark

sorry to hear you haven't been well bluemoo. Only thing i have bought new was an orginal bush radio from a vintage fair at the weekend - that was before i found out about the tax bill, or i would have saved the cash. but my dad got it to work and it looks and sounds wonderful now :j

kirstypark

really wish i wasn't going to the work's night out on saturday - has been expensive getting new dress and hair appointment, and quite a few people not going because it is an expensive venue and they can't afford it. And those are the people i would like to socialise with, rahter than the ones who are going...would rather be at OH night out which is being held in local pub.

Have a hospital appointment tomorrow, going back to see about my throat which still feels rubbish after having the tonsils out in August - not looking forward to having camera down my nose again - hope they can sort it out though as it is irritating all the time.

BlueMoo

OOO, sounds like all MSErs seem to be battling illness at the moment

Here have a cup'o'tea on me!:coffee:

kirstypark

thanks for the tea, very nice...any biccies?

Camera down my nose was dire - worst pain ever! There is a load of scar tissue and inflammation there, but nothing else. So have some steriods to take for a few months to calm everything down. As the lovely doctor said they don't often take out 44 year old tonsils so don't know what the common side effects are when they do.

Kids got paid today, and paid me rent and some cash daughter had borrowed so overpaid another £109 into the pot. Nationwide now have the overpayments showing online as well as giving me a total of both mortgages together. total now owing is 94,660

kirstypark

I was only £4 away from making my target so have overpaid £30 today - that is definately the last for this month. I danced all night at the christmas night out so only put into the kitty once and that saved the £30.

We are having our annual open house on saturday so have had to buy rather a lot of drink for that - i was going to just serve mulled wine, but OH talked me into getting a few bottles of spirits. Even with discount card it was £150 :eek: Not going mad on food though, just going to serve bowls of chilli or soup, so that will save some cash. I reckon every 2nd year we can do this on a budget, without folk noticing. We didn't have a housewarming in August when we moved as were too busy with operations and flights to Spain when daughter was diagnosed to bother with a party so definately due a knees up.

Been thinking a lot about future plans and whether to continue overpaying at this rate - i don't want to get to 50 with no savings or memories of this time. I have been enjoying little things this month like getting a facial, an updo at the hairdresser and a new dress for christmas. I have the money to do this every month if i want just now, and maybe spending a bit will help keep back the years. I could hold off my vanity a couple of years, but i don't think i am prepared to do without it for the next 8.

OH would love a vintage motor and that would give us both a bit of a hobby for a few years whilst we are relatively young enough to enjoy that. Again, that would be expensive, but could get such a lot out of it.

I am also debating giving up my 2nd job - i haven't done shifts from them in months because i enjoy having my time to myself. The overtime at my own job might dry up soon as we have more staff, but, again we could manage with the hours i have.

Feeling very reflective, this is the first year we have been disciplined with our money (and had a holiday to Vegas and bought a new house, maybe we are not as tight as we think!) But have learned such a lot along the way, and no longer addicted to the latest handbags or spending a fortune in the supermarket every week on junk. Saving pennies and discount shopping whilst appreciating our health and our freind's company more. I guess it is all about balance.

skint_spice

I totally agree there has to be a balance, when I was getting out of debt I did really go without but that was knowing that it would be gone in a year or two there's no way that you can do that with a mortgage - if only...

BlueMoo

Sounds like you are being very considered and thoughtful.

From my view, I would definitely do those extra things. It is so nice to have things to look forward to, and like you said memories are priceless.

Vintage car sounds fabulous! Always reminds me of that Bridget Jones scene when she is heading to the country with Daniel Cleaver :rotfl:

I would say as long as you have thought about what you want and what your priorities are - GO FOR IT! Be it the car, treats, just relaxing spending time with your family or going ahead with OPs at continued rate.

kirstypark

I know what you both mean. Skint spice, we did the same to get out of debt, but need to stop thinking of the mortgage like that.

Party tomorrow, but am tucked up in bed feeling a bit yuk right now. work going badly - we have a new partner and i am not gelling with him - or him with me...There is another job advertised that i have been thinking of going for, more hours so more money, but not sure i need the added stress? A few more bad days like today and i might apply for it though.

OH now on holiday for next 2 weeks - lucky git. . Downside is that he won't get a holiday in the sun this winter. That will be good for the budget, but not so good for my year round tan :rotfl: