Dot's Diary - MFW as part of simplifying my life!

Dot_Common

Taking the opportunity to revisit my diary at the start of the New Year - it's great to read it back and remind myself of the journey so far! Hello to anyone who read this diary way back when!

So, progress since March last year. My 3 days a week contract that was initially only for 3 months lasted all year, and has just been renewed for another 6 months, so freelancing is working out very well for me so far. Looking back, it was absolutely the right decision to leave my job, distance has only reinforced what a difficult situation it was. I'm in a much better place with my health now, even when things have got a bit stressful along the way.

With both of my children now in school, the childcare costs are looking much more manageable. Mr Common has been working away or long hours a lot this year, which has been tough at times, but his hours have added to the savings pot too. Plus he's really enjoyed the work, which counts for a lot.

So we reached our savings target that gives us an income buffer by April last year, and the savings we have made since then have been offset against the mortgage, which combined with the normal repayments have knocked off £20k. We haven't included the £10k buffer savings in that, as we need to treat that as separate. Just a little bit longer to get the mortgage under £200k!

And I have made some good inroads on the organising and decluttering front too. I've been slowly sorting out belongings, getting rid of what we don't need and most importantly working out where things need to be kept! Still a way to go, but the loft is empty (and insulated!), and the garage is in much better shape. Still need to sort out toys post Christmas - a never ending battle!

Have updated my sig with the new figures. Onwards and upwards!