Hope is not an Effective Financial Strategy

themadvix

It is hard Jimmy. I think the fact that we don’t really know when things will get back to normal makes it harder. I for one know that I don’t really consider that it’ll be a holiday if we have to socially distance and wear masks, whenever/if we ‘get away’ (no escaping this though, is there?). I’m sure you’ll get to the caravan soon though - at least you know it’ll be there for you when you can go!

But you are allowed a whinge - is only natural to get fed up at times. And we’re all happy to listen here!

LeighofMar

I think it's natural to be somewhat restless, especially if you're used to traveling. And the gorgeous weather isn't helping. My DH has taken it upon himself during lockdown to remodel our travel trailer. Some parts in the States are opening up for camping but it's still too soon so we probably won't travel until fall. I hope you can enjoy caravanning soon with your family. 

shangaijimmy

Well paying out day has arrived and all as expected. I've made a small adjustment to a direct debit into Mrs SJ Isa (which is actually the kids uni fund), as I had amended it to put our fuel savings in there. However with my small wage cut I've put the amount back to the original to cover the smaller wages. If we do have any cash left at the end of the month I'll just add to holding pot.

One dog walk done this morning which covers 50% of my daily steps total. A day in the garden beckons and then I'll finish off my steps with another little walk later.

shangaijimmy

End of the month and time for some figures. Very little going in relation to overpayments but I will be importantly tracking our quest to mortgage neutral as this takes into account the monies no directed towards pre retirement savings than otherwise would have been overpayments.

Month 63 - May 2020

• Closing Mortgage Balance - £74,123.24
• Overpayments - £41.71
• S&S Isa Payments - £400
• S&S Isa Value - £6,707.89
• Left to Mortgage Neutral - £67,415.35
• Adjusted Target Date - Nov '26 (79 months)

Life of Diary Figures

• Total Overpayments - £32,685.50
• Overall Balance Reduction - £61,877.76

longway2go

Wow SJ, the total balance reduction figure is fab.

shangaijimmy

Well happy to report that I won £25 on premium bonds with our first draw. I've just placed our holiday funds in there for 12 months. So happy to have done it, even if we don't anymore for the year. 

try_harder

Wow another PB winner ,the third I have heard of this morning .Well done !!

Suffolk_lass

Ooh, premium bonds... Off to chat to DH about that...

debtfreeoneday

We didn’t win this month!  Glad you did though SJ!  One other date in my diary where I can do something money related and check the winnings!

shangaijimmy

All quiet in SJ Towers.
I sent a small OP this morning which consisted of some TT's. £9.45 in total. I also got notification that my bonus interest rate with Marcus that holds my Emergency Fund has ended and will drop to 1.05%. I'm just debating whether to hold this in more premium bonds or in a NS&I direct saver (currently at 1% but more than likely will also reduce). Figuring that I'd rather help the countries finances than a bank. And a side issue is that it further streamlines our banking approach by getting rid of a provider on our list.

Happy to report that both our ISA's have fully recovered and now sit at a nice profit. My SIPP has also recovered, and with a few months of 'sale' purchases it has done well.