The end of the beginning - chapter 2 of my MFW journey

EchoDelta

First diary is here - https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/4694905

I hope it's not horribly OTT to have a chapter 2 already!

Started the MFW journey back in July and have shaved 1 year and 9 months of our mortgage term so far. Also saving for another go at maternity leave and paying back my parents and in-laws for money they lent us to fix our house when we had dry rot a few years ago. We are very lucky as they are not expecting any interst or even any repayments - all very relaxed about it!

Since July we have paid off our car finance as well as shaving time off the mortgage term. We have got into the swing of the frugal lifestyle. All bills have been inspected and reduced. We've got a cash back credit card and current account.

So all that together means it doesn't feel like I am just beginning the MF journey. I'm nowhere near the end but to use the words of Winston Churchill it does feel like the "end of the beginning.

EchoDelta

Starting off chapter two with some good news - our former energy suppliers have confirmed that they owe us £103 so we are putting that towards the baby fund.

sleepygirl126

ooh that's a really nice surprise...it's not often we get anything back from the energy suppliers!!!:beer:

Watty1

A new chapter!! With a positive start from the energy company ..go you!!

EchoDelta

Thanks

I got £9 expenses back from work so put that in the op pot.

EchoDelta

Expensive day today because we took some friends out for dinner. Totally worth it as they are very good friends who are having a tough time and they were really chuffed.

Tomorrow should be a nsd because Small is going to a birthday party (gift long since purchased) and that's all we have planned. I need to wrap some presents so will get her "helping" too.

Just going to check one poll for surveys, see if there is anything to Tilly Tidy and then get to sleep.

Night all.

EchoDelta

Unexpected windfall today - my expenses last week was for parking at the station (I had to get a train to attend a meeting). I didn't ask for petrol money because I had just driven to station rather than to work. However lovely accounts lady made me take money for petrol, even though I explained I had just driven in a different direction rather than any extra miles. £35! Dutifully stashed in op pot. :money:

5 nsd so far this month, not great but not awful I guess. Not been spending heaps, just frequently!

EchoDelta

What a slog this week at work is so far!

I can't wait for the Christmas break for some quality time with Small. I've been so tired and stressed lately. She's definitely not getting the best of me.

Putting in some extra time tonight so I can enjoy my "flexible arrangement" day tomorrow. Weather permitting we're going to a National Trust place which is decorated for Christmas, craft activities etc. Also have to post some parcels to sister who was coming for Christmas and now isn't anymore.

Back to the grindstone...

littlegreenpeas

Keep going not long now till you can have a bit of a break:)

EchoDelta

Thanks littlegreenpeas, definitely on the home straight now.

Day with Small today and we just hung out achieving not very much. It was just what the doctor ordered! Bought her some socks, tights and slippers in @sda. She loves the slippers so much she took them to bed to cuddle!

Got work tomorrow including lunch out as close colleague's last day and then she is on maternity leave. Meals have been pre ordered and I chose frugally so no risk of me losing the plot once we arrive at the restaurant!

Statement arrived today from cash back account. Costs us £2 per month but we are getting about £16 per month cash back. :money: We are stashing it in the baby fund.

And the bits and pieces are adding up. There is £250 in the op pot. I need to check but I think that's "only" about £100 short of reducing the term by a month so fingers crossed I think we should be able to kick off the new year with an op!

Definitely feeling much better today - have kicked the "woe is me" into touch!

(just need to remember that when I leave for work at 7 tomorrow morning!)

EchoDelta

Oh dear mse fail today...

-lunch out plus bought colleague's as she is off on maternity leave now
-2 x sweepstakes for day of arrival and weight of baby (office tradition!)
-raffle tickets to win lovely champagne (got a bit giddy because it was the same as the champagne that we had at our wedding and so I really feel like it should come home with me!)

A fun day though.

And only tomorrow and Monday and that's work finished for the year and free bar at the work do time! :beer: