Another Foolish Newbie Here!

LastFewSteps

Oooh exciting times, sending you lots of good luck !!
We also made a huge change to our life with dh job change and selling home and even though we're not settled in a new house yet it's the best decision we ever made and would do it all again so I'm sure you're going to be ok
You are still moving up the ladder it's just in a different way to what you thought

asparagus1968

Hi,


good luck to you, sounds like you have made a good plan. Onwards and upwards.


have you filled out a Statement of Affairs at all? you can post it here on your thread and others can advise/give suggestions. here is the link if you fancy it;
http://www.stoozing.com/calculator/soa.php


Also, have a read of this, very inspiring story ,with similar themes to your own.


and keep posting, it really keeps you on track and is great to have support, especially if you don't want to share your debt journey in real life
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5047454


http://www.stoozing.com/calculator/soa.php

Teacher2

"Well I am about to make a massive life change which should get me debt free and reduce my expenses ongoing to help me think about actually saving money/proper pension provision. I am downsizing my home. "


This sounds like a splendid move if it all comes off. What you will gain:- security, independence and freedom from debt, will be well worth the sacrifice of a little space and the abandonment of 'property ladder' ambitions. The new place sounds lovely, too.

Good luck with the process. I trust you will let us all know if it happens as planned?

Pollygarter

Thanks all for your lovely messages of support.

Having been through the process of exchanging Forms E,which is what you do with your ex and lawyers in the divorce process so everyone can pore over your every can of beans, auntie's pearls and get to look at exactly how poor your pension provision really is, I am not exactly racing to do another statement for yet more scrutiny! I think for now focussing on the debt and the move is enough for me.

The house I am hoping to move into is now "sold subject to contract" on the website. Yes! And my end is all tied up, just waiting for the top of the chain to sort itself out

I do enjoy reading your diaries and the threads. And am impressed by how people turn their ships around.

One thing though... Spending money can bring new experiences, travel and interest into your life. Quickly and easily. I have this worry life could be flat and dull without those outlets which cost cash. I wonder if I have the inner resource to go back to simpler ways which I've forgotten about for years and find the richness there. Do others worry like that?

andyfromotley

Try reading the Mr Money Moustache blog. He is very much into leading an enriching and full life on a small budget. It can be done.

Pollygarter

Hi all, and hi to another Polly...hope you're doing well.


Thanks for the Mr Money Moustache referral Andy, that's very interesting reading. How much info is there on there? Masses and masses. I feel very late to the party. That would be because I stopped off at too many shops on the way to buy shoes for said party. And then saw some others which would do even better. And oh, look at those lovely boots...they're practically giving them away...you get the picture!


I can confirm no shoes have been bought since I started posting here.


All was going really well with the money saving and I am seeing my bank balance not spiralling down at the usual rate.


However, I have this big moving plan. And of course, with big plans come expenses. I know I will save long term, but have just had to shell out a few hundred quid on some essential repairs to my current house. And start putting my hand in my pocket for the legal costs of purchase. Searches. £325. Sheesh. That's mostly the local authority search for planning issues etc. Outrageous. They have a monopoly. They can take my cash and there's nothing I can do about it! Land Registry fees, for which they have to do considerably more, are slightly more reasonable.


Local searches reminds me of a long ago temporary job I had when it was all paper based. And they'd send me as the temp down to the basement and up to the loft in the big old Town Hall (now pulled down) to go through papers. I used to use it as a chance to have a quick ciggie.


Blimey, at least it was only my money that went up in smoke being around all that dry-as-a-bone paper. Haven't smoked for 15 years.


I can assure you I am very responsible now. Probably.

Pollygarter

And thanks Asparagus...that was great reading the story of a wayward one back on track you gave a link to.

Red-Squirrel_2

Hi Pollygarter, I'm also putting my flat on the market and planning to clear my debt from the sale. I've worked out though that it will cost about £5000 to move between the costs of getting the place fit for sale and the various fees!

It feels wrong to be shelling out so much when we've just got into the mentality of being frugal, but I suppose you've got to think of the long term goal!

Pollygarter

Good luck with your proposed move red squirrel..here's hoping we both achieve smooth moves!

Well I decided a while ago to take my financial position at the end of each calendar month as the snapshot of how I am doing. Its equidistant from payday. I guess also I am looking to feel good this month at some progress before I start going backwards with move costs!

Well I am delighted to say that my overdraft today is just £130. Alright!! All that eBay money in, and minimal expenditure out and I have reduced my overdraft considerably. By £1,870. My debt total now comes in under £10k at £8,930.

Gosh, I like this debt reduction business.

I have to remember also that even with the costs of moving I have made significant changes in my expenditure which means the underlying momentum is in the right direction. Feels great.

nuttyarab

sorry another newbie.... I have worked out how to reply but cant find how to post a new thread?