Balancing not just the budget

doingitanyway

I second Tink and don't want to lose you either. You have so much wisdom I need. I know, selfish, but it isn't just me...Actually, I might order that book too. See...that is what I mean...wisdom...

kerri_gt

RosaBernicia wrote: »

Sunday shuffle time

I've bought cards today (50% off in M&S )

I managed to get a pack of cards free via O2 from WH Smith...for next year as I already had some for this year I'm only feeling a tad smug as most of my cards are written and stamped ready for posting and normally I'm still malingering around the last post days for writing them (start off ok then lost the motivation after the 90 billionth time of writing 'best wishes for XXX year')

We had an independent surveyor do our home buyers survey. Basically (from what I learned) there are 3 levels of survey - the mortgage one - which pretty much just checks the house is actually standing so you can borrow against it, the home buyers - which is more in detail and generally enough unless you're buying a specialist or older property and the full structural which is the greatest detail (and cost).

Now oddly our MB advised us to get an independent surveyor to do our HB survey, not tag it on with the mortgage company one as the surveyor would be working for us then direct, not the mortgage company. Speaking to a few people after the event, they seemed to think this was unusual advise. Overall - since the service from the MB was good (not that I have anything to judge it against in comparison) I am still happy we followed his advise - when you're spending out that much on a house, £150 to be on the safe side isn't something i'm going to lost sleep over.

Perhaps you could be the DF board as 'diary inspiration' for other readers? Don't go anywhere without telling us that's for sure xx

MuffinTops

You see Rosa, even you're starting to notice how organised you've become. You put me to shame so often and I don't think I have half the time commitments you have.

Just a personal note, I never fitted in on the Mortgage Free section. I'll stay here when I get a mortgage and will decide on how much I want to pay off from my mortgage each year and give that a debt status. I know it's cheating but the DF diaries feel more focused which is pretty much what you seem to have mentioned too.

You'll be pleased to hear that the dancing girls managed to free their little legs from the mess I made of the DIY bed. 😃 I should say that the problem wasn't with the bed but with the batty woman trying to build it.

MTxx

Tinkerbelle2000

You're not allowed to go anywhere either MT, and breaking your mortgage down into yearly chunks as debts sounds like a really good idea. I don't want to be in debt forever but I never want to leave these diaries and the friends I have made.

I had a giggle about the dancing girls stuck in the bed too and can I say I am going to be very envious of your study room.

Take care.

Tink xx

doingitanyway

MT, you are leading the way with legitimate ways we can stay here forever. Yay!

EssexHebridean

MuffinTops wrote: »

You see Rosa, even you're starting to notice how organised you've become. You put me to shame so often and I don't think I have half the time commitments you have.

Just a personal note, I never fitted in on the Mortgage Free section. I'll stay here when I get a mortgage and will decide on how much I want to pay off from my mortgage each year and give that a debt status. I know it's cheating but the DF diaries feel more focused which is pretty much what you seem to have mentioned too.

You'll be pleased to hear that the dancing girls managed to free their little legs from the mess I made of the DIY bed. �� I should say that the problem wasn't with the bed but with the batty woman trying to build it.

MTxx

Yes - I found exactly the same as what MT says. I think a lot comes down to how hardcore you want to be - we were determined throughout to live life as well as getting the mortgage cleared, so being tutted at for daring to spend on something OTHER than mortgage OP's REALLY didn't sit well with me. I've barely been in debt in the traditional DFW sense since I've been here though - and nobody's booted me out yet! :rotfl:

Kerri is spot on about the surveys. The one the mortgage company insist on is often fine for flats within a block, for example, but essentially all they are interested in is that the place is worth the amount the loan is for. For a house though, you do need something a bit more, that will tell you if there are any obvious issues that you need to be aware of.

ZTD

RosaBernicia wrote: »

Haven't tried Ic3land - there is one near one of my work offices though, so could have a look.

They may very well have to change their name to that if they lose their court case - http://news.sky.com/story/iceland-v-iceland-retailer-seeks-thaw-over-name-dispute-10676997

I can't tell the difference between a country and a supermarket - I'm all confused... /sarc

RosaBernicia wrote: »

I've bought cards today (50% off in M&S )

It's been a while since I bought cards - last bundle I bought, I got a shilling in the change...

RosaBernicia wrote: »

I don't know yet. I feel a bit of a fraud being on the DF board with my present disposable income , compared to how it was when I arrived here!

That's the thing about the DF boards - they're welcoming, and welcoming to everyone.

RosaBernicia wrote: »

But I don't know that I feel a need to track my journey in the same way about aiming to become MF (once I am even M, that is), because it just doesn't have the same urgency

But do you wander if you don't have urgency?

RosaBernicia wrote: »

In some ways it would be good to continue a diary and keep myself on track, but in other ways it would make sense to lessen my focus on money and put that energy into other things.

I've just ordered the Early Retirement Extreme book for some potential inspiration so will let you know how I get on!

Isn't that just money as well?

RosaBernicia

Tinkerbelle2000 wrote: »

Wow I go away for a weekend and look what happens!! So pleased for you Rosa and at least you aren't pushed for time on top of Christmas.

I am really going to make an effort to use my YNAB next year as it is just a waste of money if I don't and I'm not into wasting money any more.

I really don't hope we lose you altogether from your diary. Weekly or monthly updates would do ;:D Please don't leave us, I will really need a kick up the rear next year from everyone lol.

Take care.

Tink xx

Thanks Tink :A

I was thinking that staying here and just doing less diary posts might work. And I will need keeping on track next year too, as if I do have the house I'd like to get it all sorted in the first year or so.

I've already bored you all with how much I love YNAB, as once I've got it sorted it saves my sanity, but just to mention that they do weekly emails with videos to talk through topics and there is also a Facebook page that drops useful things right into your newsfeed. I find those much easier to learn from than having to go to the webpage guides or do a webinar class.


Rosa xx

RosaBernicia

doingitanyway wrote: »

I second Tink and don't want to lose you either. You have so much wisdom I need. I know, selfish, but it isn't just me...Actually, I might order that book too. See...that is what I mean...wisdom...

Well I will report back and let you know how it is, although I haven't got to it yet! I am not sure that everything he says will work for me as from reading the website I can already tell there will be differences, but it's always good to have another source of ideas.

I may in need of wisdom on house decorating so all a fair swop


Rosa xx

RosaBernicia

MuffinTops wrote: »

You see Rosa, even you're starting to notice how organised you've become. You put me to shame so often and I don't think I have half the time commitments you have.

Just a personal note, I never fitted in on the Mortgage Free section. I'll stay here when I get a mortgage and will decide on how much I want to pay off from my mortgage each year and give that a debt status. I know it's cheating but the DF diaries feel more focused which is pretty much what you seem to have mentioned too.

You'll be pleased to hear that the dancing girls managed to free their little legs from the mess I made of the DIY bed. 😃 I should say that the problem wasn't with the bed but with the batty woman trying to build it.

MTxx

Excellent :T

Maybe we need a DF Alumni Diaries section :rotfl:


Rosa xx