Finally facing up to the Finances in 2015

laurasavon

:j:j:j:j:j:j:j:j:j

Oops I hadn't realised it had been so long since I had posted.

As you may have guessed I am very happy. This is for two reasons, firstly I had some new tenants collect the keys yesterday to my rental house, which had been empty for months, they have agreed to finish the cosmetic work to the house themselves in view of a £50 reduction in rent for the first 3 months - they were desperate for somewhere to live having just returned from abroad and I am greatful to just have a tenant as it has been sat there and I can't afford to do anything with it. Hopefully once the new tenant is sorted they can claim on the government grant for a new boiler! The only thing still not sorted is the insurance (hence why I've not been able to sort any more repairs / decoration as they haven't refunded me the money I have already paid out), I have taken my complaint to the Ombudsman who has given them until today to respond to his recommendation - fingers crossed!

On the other positive note the pay scales at work have been restructured leaving me with a payrise of just over £5k, yes £5k :eek: I couldn't believe it when I was told last week, it should mean I'm better off by £200 a month after tax. I'm almost tempted to find another role within the company before my redundancy next year.

Hope everyone else is well

killerpeaty

FIVE K!?!?!?! That's amazing! Definitely try for another position, they seem to be a pretty good employer!

Really happy to hear you have new tenants. I'd love to know how you get on. I'd love to have a btl but I'm so risk averse I don't think I ever will..

laurasavon

I was just as shocked, I was recently promoted so at the bottom of my old pay scale so my colleagues got a little less than me to bring them up to the new minimum pay, I'm so happy. The only downside is the 120 mile round trip to get to work each day otherwise it would be the best job! I did work from home yesterday and I don't work Friday's so I can't complain too much.

There is risk with renting out a property and my previous tenants were awful but long term I think it's still the right thing for me. I have the mortgage on repayment so I have no lump sum of capital left to pay at the end so when I come to retire the income from the property will all be mine and then it will be something I can leave to my son. I've gone through an agent this time so although they take a cut of the rent (at least it's tax deductable!) i have that extra peace of mind that they will check the property, get on the tenants back if rent is late, ensure all of the legal requirements are done and if the tenants leave get some new ones in pronto. I suppose you need to be willing to loose the deposit you put down and if your against risk it's not for everyone.

laurasavon

And I forgot to say I made an over payment on my residential mortgage today, I know it's naughty when I have debts that need to be cleared first - but it was only £3.51 to get my outstanding balance to £100,000 - the mortgage will no longer be six figures!

killerpeaty

I'd love to have something like that to leave my family. I know people say you can't take it with you but there's actually some pride (for me) in providing a little something after you're gone.

So exciting about your mortgage!

laurasavon

Fingers crossed it will be a retirement income for me and then do the same for my son. I agree I'd like to be able to leave him something so he can maybe retire early and spend more time with his family - he's one so a long way off!

laurasavon

Last day at work yesterday before the Bank Holiday weekend (I don't work Friday's :j) and I've booked Tuesday as holiday to go to an Avon conference so a nice 5 day break for me.

Will spend today giving the house a good clean so we can relax the rest of the weekend.

Hope everyone is well :beer:

laurasavon

The other half has been away for a week so I've done some declutter ing and eBay listing (mainly Avon stock), sold a few items this week and I have a few more listed finishing next Friday. Will let the PayPal account build up then make a payment against the car once there is a reasonable amount in there.

Unfortunately the new boiler at the rented house couldn't wait for the government scheme but at least the estate agent has paid for it and they are deducting the cost from the rent coming in.

The insurance company are, finally, coming out to look at the rental property to look at all of the work that has been done and refund the money I had to pay for re-wiring and plastering. I'm also hoping I can claim something for loss of rent whilst there were no tenants in the property. Whatever they pay should be a nice amount towards the car loan, and a little to put aside for the car insurance renewal.

My little Avon business is building slowly and they have a few incentives on the table which is good, as well as the opportunity coming early next year for us to have our own online shop which I'm really excited about as I'll be able to sell all over the country and the customer will get direct delivery.

Back to work tomorrow, but Friday is payday, with Wednesday payday from Avon as well. Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

laurasavon

Oops it's been a while since I last posted, life just seems to have got in the way. Work has been busy and I've been working hard towards the latest Avon incentive, a £250 bonus on top of the usual commission, fingers crossed :j

Also had an exam at work last week, just a waiting game for results which they said could take up to ten weeks :eek: and I've booked my final AAT exam so need to find some time to study for that.

I'm still waiting for the outcome from the insurance companies visit to the rental house, getting really annoyed with them now, I just can't see why it takes them so long to do anything.

I have Monday off to spend some time on my Avon business so a nice three day week next week. Have a good weekend everyone :beer:

PinkPoppies

Nice to see you back Laura!