The impossible dream

Tahlullah.H

Last day of the month tomorrow, and have been driven in my MF quest.  Everything still on track, so looking to make savings in small places.  I have 2 more monthly payments to make this quarter, and then I have to find an additional £1k to be fully on track.  Not a problem so far.  2 months to find £1k.

Selling stuff on ebay definitely not a thing, so the CS is getting regular donations.  I get to de-clutter and others get some nice stuff that is too good for the landfill.

The washing machine is now upstairs, but the cupboard is still to be built.  Focusing on putting the kitchen back together first.  Nearly there.  Think I will paint when the temperature warms up.  That will be the finishing touch to that room, and I can then focus on getting the bathroom done and painted.  The 2 rooms are functioning so much better already.  Should have done this years ago.

Not doing so well on the making money front.  Everything seems slow, because I want this all over and done with.  But, I am making the most of the current account switches.  I switched to the Halifax in December for £175, after switching to Nationwide for £200.  Just switched again to Santander for £200, and in the process of switching another account to Lloyds for another £200.  These amounts make a difference when you can't get money in the conventional way!  Keeping a record of where I have switched to and when to make sure I don't apply for something I can't in the future.  Anyway, the money is helping me with general living expenses, so I can pull other bits together for the mortgage.

NSD's going well, food shopping not excessive with plenty in the freezer and left over treats from Christmas to get through.  Fuel bills under control.  Still have wood for the open fire.  Not spending cash, so not really able to increase savings for change, 50p's, £2 coins etc.

Holiday in March fully paid for, only the cat hotel to pay for. 
Still waiting for an outstanding bill that should have arrived in November, but hopefully, it's fully budgeted for.  If not, should be able to find the extra.
Otherwise, everything is doing ok.  Its heading towards spring and 11 months to go!

Tahlullah.H

New month and hoping to make overpayments to bring me into the £20k's.

Trying to take extra steps to make a difference, so as soon as possible, I will cash in the coins that I have saved - that should be £100 in a mix of £2 and 50p's, which can reduce the debt.  Better to use them to reduce the mortgage than sit in the tin waiting for their friends to join them!  I am also looking to move £100 from one of the Current Account switches.  So far, they have been absorbed into the accounts they have been switched to.  This is good, because it allows a bit more operating money without having to find it, which allows me to make the current mortgage overpayments.

However, I made the effort to refocus and watch some YouTube video's for inspiration and motivation, and they reminded me that I am supposed to pay myself first!  So, that is what I will do.
When I get my next switch, I will remove £100 and pay it to the mortgage, and I will continue to do this every time I manage to switch going forward.  Currently eyeing up the TSB switch.

I have also cancelled my Omaze monthly payment.  Realistically, what is the chance of my winning?  I have made 3 payments since joining.  If I stop now, I will save £100 over the year, so I am going to re-direct the money to my savings account and when I reach £100, into the mortgage it will go.

I have given up on trying to sell on eBay, so I will try packaging up some of my bits and bobs and send them to Vintage Cash Cow in Leeds.  I might not get much, but it is better getting something than nothing.  If successful, into the mortgage it will go.

The Bank of England Base Rate rise will have an impact on my payments, especially as I had decided to stay on the banks standard variable rate when my fix ends in March.  I was hoping it would have stayed static, but I was clearly deluded.  Along with the Water Rates increase and all the bills increasing across the board this year, reducing the capital and therefore interest on the mortgage is important.  The plus in all of this is, no Council Tax bill for the next 2 months allowing a buffer to be built up, to help with the increase on all the other bills over the year.

2023 is shaping up to be a hard year for everyone, it's a shame its becoming 'the norm'.  But, it's nearly March - holiday time!!!

savingholmes

Holiday time sounds a nice thing to aim for!

Well done on progress so far. Sorry the sales of surplus items haven't been cooperating. Good that you are clearing the decks regardless though.

Tahlullah.H

It really is shaping up to be one of those years.  The shower died - nice burning smell - so another large sum of money flying out of the account.  Not sure what else could go wrong.  Scratch that, any number of large electrical items - washer/dryer/oven/microwave/dishwasher.  Or, the car.  Anyway, good things come to s/he who waits.

Moneyfordreams

I'm feeling you pain with heavy outgoings - hopefully just getting things out of the way. 

Tahlullah.H

So, mumf's post on 'What made you pull the trigger' thread today puts everything into perspective.  @mumf, thank you and all the best going forward.

I shall concentrate with renewed determination to clear the mortgage, and get on with living life, while I can still wake up to another day.

TallGirl

So true I certainly do not want to work this hard and not get to enjoy it. Mortgage freedom does help indeed. 

savingholmes

Sorry about the big things going wrong

Tahlullah.H

Thanks Savings, but big things going wrong are relatively minor in the grand scheme of life and living life to its fullest.

savingholmes

Glad you are doing well