One more step along the world I go.....

LydiaJ

Just spotted your diary, Allium. I am so sorry for your loss.

Also want to say, though, welcome to MFW :hello: and congratulations on your great big OP. :T You have such a great attitude, and I'm sure you'll get that £40k licked in a lot less than 11 years.

I'm in a somewhat similar situation - took out life insurance in 2000, when we were living in a tied house with my husband's job. We chose the amount so that if anything happened to him, I'd be able to put it together with the death in service lump sum from his pension and buy a house outright. Then we didn't review the amount when house prices went up. :wall:

So, like you, I have a house but a bit of debt on it, although my debt is to my dad, and I'm hoping to pay him off reasonably soon when I get my compensation for the accident that killed my husband. Like you, I'm working part time and bringing up two kids, but mine are a bit older (13 and 10) and my journey from being married to being widowed took a circuitous route via separation and nearly all the way to divorce, but not quite.

I've been around on MSE for ages, but am a newbie to MFW. The folks here have all been very welcoming and supportive to me, though, and I'm sure they will be to you too - well, I can see they already have been by reading this thread! I'll be following your diary as you go along.

edinburgher

Well done on the massive OPs - most of us just start with Tilly tidies and the odd cashback payout :rotfl:

Hurdler

Allium wrote: »

Thanks for the advice Alchemilla.

I should have said, I was made redundant in June last year (it really was annus horribilis) and have kept that nest egg tucked away. I don't want to use it towards clearing the mortgage as I do want an emergency pot. Living on one wage seems scary after having two! So I do have a few months worth of bills set aside.

The savings target on my signature is what I'd like to put away this year. I may then use the savings to pay a lump sum off the mortgage at the end of the year if I've not had a catastrophe along the way!

x

Just read your diary - your outlook and practicality is just awe-inspiring in light of your loss.

I definitely believe in emergency pots, to the point where I might declare it as my religion. My redundancy pot was my life saver when I was really being messed around and maybe only bringing in £250-£400 a month. And now you have reminded me to make sure I top up my car fund!

All the very best with your journey.

Allium

Happy new year everyone, I didn't do very well with 2014's diary did I?!!

I did make regular overpayments last year, though not so many in the first half of the year while I got myself straight. Think I overpaid about £1100.00, which isn't great but ok I think.

Aiming for at least £1800 this year.

All the while putting money into savings too and then hopefully when my savings have overtaken my mortgage balance by a few emergency months bills, I'll pay off!!!

Still confident of my end date in four years. Fingers crossed!

Hope everyone else was pleased with their 2014 MFW progress.

Onwards and upwards.

Allium x

ourcornercottage

I read through your whole diary last night and even though I don't know you was very moved by your experiences. A lot of people could learn a thing or two from you.

Well done on your OP's you must be very proud of yourself.

Allium

Had a really lazy daytime today. My 7 year old's footie match was called off due to the bad weather so we had a free morning. The children then went to my Mums for an hour after lunch whilst I did some work and then we were out for tea with my sister and brother in law, niece and nephew. I like to balance out the saving up to be MF with enjoying life - the children don't care about the mortgage!!!

They were very naughty and paid the bill without me knowing so I guess a few more pounds should go in the MF pot, but I think I'd rather return the favour in a month or two!

Happy weekend everyone!

edinburgher

Welcome back, here's to 2015 being a good year

Allium

Monday, pah!

It's freeeeeezing, we've had beans on toast for tea. Waiting for the grocery delivery to arrive then I can go and watch tv wrapped up in bed!! I find online shopping saves me plenty, I'm too easy to market to and buy all sorts if I go into store!

Hoping for a bit more towards the mortgage this month so my plan is to meal plan and run my freezer and cupboards right down.

Wondering if I added any goodies to my online shop! Here's hoping!

Allium

Can't sleep! It's usual for me, an annoying symptom of grief I guess!

Trying to do something productive ( and bore myself to sleep!!!!) so thinking about things I could sell on the bay of e.

Obvious place to start is the children's playroom as it's packed with things they've grown out of. We need to commence negotiations!

Have a good Weds everyone!

Allium

Allium

Also guys, having trouble updating my signature on my iPad. Is this something that needs to be done on a PC or am I missing something obvious?

Any advice appreciated!

Allium