The journey to financial independence.

Cream_Tea

We're back after our long weekend away. We spent more than I hoped but less than I feared so a part win.

DH has taken a rotivator to our garden today while I was at work and our little one was with the grandparents and has roughly levelled the ground with help from a friend. He think she he has one more day of work and he'll be ready to seed it. The pile of garden waste, rubble, etc out the front is massive now but I've been reassured that once the back garden is complete we can clear it and start the drive!

Another £96 put away for FIL loan and I'm hoping for another little bit off the credit card this week once we know what DH needs to spend on garden.

DH handed his notice in this week to go work for his Dad. It's a couple of thousand less than he's currently on but to achieve that he worked nights, occasional weekends and 12 hour days most weekdays and doesn't get to see the little one most week days as a result. We decided family life was more important. Plus there is an option to work weekend if he wants. We feel really nervous. Asking this move but feel it is probably the push he needs to set up on his own. He's very comfortable in his current job despite his long hours.

Big changes ahead so fingers crossed we made the right choice.

CT

shangaijimmy

Big changes but you're well organised to handle it...

CathT

DH took a pay cut for better hours when we had DS. We haven't looked back as he is home every evening and is there to pick the children up from school each day which I can't do working 9-5. Am sure you will adjust and as you say there are optional extra hours.

Cream_Tea

Thank you Shangaijimmy and CathT. We're less nervous and more excited now. Roll on next Monday.

CT

Cream_Tea

Now I've got my MFW head back on I have started preparing for Christmas. I've been out with my Mam and picked damsons yesterday and today we spent the afternoon making damson gin and spices damson chutney. Both tried and tested recipes so I am very excited!

To do
Call Tesco about login and vouchers
Apply child tax thing that everyone get each month and I've not got round to doing and he's over 1 (and they only back date 3 months)
Meal plan

CT

Cream_Tea

Also sworn some time today working out that we've cleared £1,125 off our debts (not including mortgage) this month. It means we will be debt free in two years not the four that I'd anticipated. It feels a little more achieveable now.

CT

Viking_mfw

Yay for the timeline and also whoop for the damsons.

Cream_Tea

Thank you Viking. My Mams friend picked her Damsons I went round to collect them. I weighed 24lbs! It's going to be a busy few days! Tonight I made damson ice cream with 2.5lbs now to make plans with the remaining 22lbs!

We paid £211 off debt with this weeks pay! The positive feeling continues.

CT

Viking_mfw

That is a shedload of damsons!

Cream_Tea

I've made a good payment this week of £193. I'm hoping that there will be a little left over before DH payday on Friday which will also be paid off the CC. If I want to maintain trajectory and pay our debts off in two years I'll have have shift £1,125 a month. So far this month I've done £713 and DH has two more paydays so fingers crossed it's within reach.

I've made damson ice cream this week and damson ketchup with the damsons from my parents friends. The ice cream was lovely but too sweet or strong flavoured for my taste (and I have a very sweet tooth!). The ketchup will be used for Christmas presents I think.

CT