This Time I'm Really Going To Do It

Watty1

Been thinking over my year and wrote it up in my notebook.  There have been some really big moments.  My darling Charming Cob recovered from the life saving surgery, a year ago I was so scared of his recovery process but here he is, recovered and ambling through the local forest with me

Getting the Occupation Order and the Injunction from the ex was another huge moment.  It really turned the tables and stopped the aggression and bullying i was subjected too.  

Being able to change the locks in April was another big moment.

I was finally able to purchase the house at the end of September and I've paid all the associated legal bills.  The house needs a lot of work to restore it after the years of neglect but a start has been made as three windows have been replaced, the wood burner looks fabulous and works better than it ever has, the back garden is cleared, some fencing has been replaced and when I lock the door at night I know I am safe and it is mine.

I've had a nice social year with my girlfriends and the VNM.  The ex left WattyDog behind so I got a dog I never expected.

Financially I survived very well.  I paid everything that came up.  I actually managed to pay off the ex and the associated bills.  

Looking forwards to 2024 there is a lot to do:  the house needs renovating and from reading and posting on the pensions board I know I am about 250 K short in my retirement pot (yes I was on target until I sold the rental property to pay off the ex).   I'm carrying credit card debt (maybe I should not have had a spend up before Christmas but everything I bought was a need, I need to stay warm and dry and comfortable so I am going to allow that).   I believe I have enough to pay my January tax bill (waiting on accountant) and for the first time in a very long time I'm looking forwards to a new year. I've a planner ready and I'm working on my budget for January.

I think it is possibly time for a new diary.  I'm not the same person I was when I started this one.  I'm not even in the same situation.   I'll post a link if I start one. I may just continue with this one.  I've grown so much, I've changed, my life is different and I've a lot to do in 2024!

ajmoney

I keep thinking about starting a new diary too

KajiKita

It’s not a bad idea to start a new diary - you gave done so much this year and like you say you are it the same person who started this diary. However,  remember everything you have been through has contributed to the strength and wisdom you have now as well as any lingering negative effects 😊

KK

badmemory

What a year of battles & achievements.  Will the sale of the rental property mean no tax to pay on that?  If so yet another win.  It only seems recently those locks were changed, time does fly.

Humdinger1

What a brilliant year you've had @Watty1! Some sadness of course but onwards to joy and growth.  I hope you're proud of yourself love Humdinger xx 

Watty1

badmemory said:

What a year of battles & achievements.  Will the sale of the rental property mean no tax to pay on that?  If so yet another win.  It only seems recently those locks were changed, time does fly.

it really does seem to have flown by.     I think the trauma and starting the recovery process was a big part of that.

I had to pay capital gains tax on selling the rental property and I will need to pay tax on the final part of the income but i have reduced it down to only paying tax on half the income.  Previously I paid tax on all the income but i have many letters from the Ex solicitor telling me I was to use the income to pay his bills as half the income was his so I am going with half the income was his and he gave it to me to cover his bills .  My accountant is happy with this.

daisy_1571

Happy New year watty, you are going into 24 in such a good way.  Wishing you much contentment and more items ticked off your list in the coming year

Daisy xx

Watty1

Thank you @daisy_1571

Watty1

And just like that 2023 is done.  The VNM and I watched "Gone With The Wind"  as neither of us had seen it and it is a very long movie so seemed right to fill in the time slot between dinner and the fireworks.    Fortunately only the local hotel let off fireworks and the horses don't mind those.  i have leaving them alone when there are fireworks so that we stayed in, watched the film and then watched the fireworks from the yard.

We shared a bottle of fizz and I had another glass of wine and this morning I have yet again noticed late nights and wine do not agree with me.  Although I still do them.

Watty1

New Year, New Plans, New Diary.

Everything in my life has changed.  I'm MF but without adequate savings so I'm doing things in reverse and it seems time to start a new diary to go with my new life

I really hope some of you will hang out on my new thread too because I would just miss you too much if you did not.   I survived because of real life support and online support and everyone of you has meant a lot over the last few years.

Watty's Awakening — MoneySavingExpert Forum