The 'I'm less money-idiot more money-savvy' Diary

Bobarella

Good luck Judi!

I am also hoping to start kicking the mortgage down as the 3rd next step. I agree that it's amazing how this site changes how you think about things. I'd never have thought it possible for me a few years ago.

All the best for 2016!

Bob

Butti

Good luck in 2016 Judi. X

(3.15pm here!)

judi24

Thank you all for the lovely new year messages - happy New year to you all too!


I have a great feeling about 2016 - not just in relation money but in other areas of my life too!


Got a list of things to do to get my self financially in a good position to mortgage in the summer - like closing all unused bank and CC accounts - I have several! and for once I am getting letter after letter offering me balance transfers and increases in credit limits - in the past I would be looking at ways of moving debt around or borrowing more but now I don't need any of their offers - its a very different position for me! and I like it!!!


Been thinking about financial independence - and wondering if I should be paying more into my pension to reduce what I pay in higher rate tax rather than just planning on throwing money at the mortgage - might need to look into this and understand the pension situation better!


Booked to go to Mull Music festival yesterday - I have wanted to do this for years - and I have finally found someone who wants to go with me - Its at the end of April and my goal is to be credit card debt free by then! I may have a couple of loan payments still to go - but I will be quite happy with that!!!! I will no longer have to feel guilty about spending on something I want to do!!!

takingcontrolatlast

I can feel your enthusiasm and its so close now to being debt free - i'm sooo happy for you.... all that hard work has been worth it... :j

beanielou

All sounding good :j :j

Butti

Mull music festival sounds fantastic. I'm going to see 10cc in Amsterdam .......very excited about that.

kdalwayskint

Yoohoo Judi ☺

I'm sorry I've been AWOL for such a long time. I hope you've had a lovely Christmas and looking forward to the year ahead.

I need to catch up on your diary properly so I'll try and do that in the next few days.

Happy New Year xxx

judi24

Thanks Beanie and Butti - its nice to have something to look forward too - and all the studying and debt over the last 20 years has stopped me indulging in hobbies and interests and at the moment music seems to be the thing that inspires me most!!! Listening, singing etc and would love to re learn the piano - but that might be a way off yet!!!


Hi KD :wave:nice to see you!!! Hope you are well and have had a good Christmas and new year too?


I know I have been getting a head of myself but I've been plotting and scheming about longer term goals - It helps me stay motivated about clearing debt and also allows me not to get too complacent with the thought of having extra money - I want it all planned ( maybe with a little extra flex in the budget for fun!) before it burns a hole in my pocket - and it will!!!! But oh my goodness it is a minefield!!!! Pensions, tax savings, mortgage over payments!!!! Debt payment is simple by comparison - spend less pay off more debt!! But I now kind people of other boards will help when needed!!!!


Feel like I am standing still till pay day bit I'm not really - just researching how to get best mortgage deal is helpful and making sure my accounts are all in order will help I'm sure!!!

enthusiasticsaver

Congratulations Judi on having paid off so much of your debt and 2016 looks like being a great year for you.


I would second your desire to build an emergency fund ( I am a big fan of these as it avoids the need to use credit cards) and to start making overpayments on your mortgage once the debt is paid off. You have got so used to budgeting and making debt repayments you will have lots of spare money once the debt is gone so that will obviously mean you have more spending money for holidays etc but setting aside some for savings, mortgage overpayments and additional pension contributions are also good things which will contribute to your financial security.


Happy New Year.

beanielou

One of my good friends has just released a folk CD.
Was a very long standing dream.
So so proud of her