sarahevie's single quest to mortgage freedom

debtfreeoneday

if it's let for this year, why not save throughout the year knowing next summer, you will need to do some work on it but you'll have saved up for it?

beanielou

I would do the doors & leave kitchen meantime.

sarahevie1

debtfreeoneday wrote: »

if it's let for this year, why not save throughout the year knowing next summer, you will need to do some work on it but you'll have saved up for it?

I struggle to save for it, although should be easier this year as I'm getting £4000 more in rent than the previous two years.

I've currently got around £5000 which I was considering Oping but think I will save it for the house.

sarahevie1

beanielou wrote: »

I would do the doors & leave kitchen meantime.

That's what I'd thought. Doors definitely need doing. May even replace the beds (as students care more about those than kitchens) and I don't blame them.

I've been recommended a local kitchen/bathroom place so will go and get a quote. It can't harm - I know an extra toilet would make the place so much more appealing!

mortgage_girl

Sounds like a good plan to tackle a bit of it at a time. Doors this year and maybe kitchen or new beds next year. Sounds like you're doing lots of fun stuff in your spare time, enjoy.

MGx

sarahevie1

Seem to be spending money like water at the min.

Sunday for example, took girls trampolining with a friend. £9 each so £18. Then decided to to go to the park and popped into Co op for supplies, £9 (much cheaper than a cafe but still expensive for lunch.) Went to a charity shop spent a further £10. A couple of books, mountain warehouse fleece, next party dress and a couple of jo jo mama bebe tops, so good value but still.

£40 in ONE day:eek::eek:

Grocery shopping also quite bad. Spent £20 today hoping it will last as long as it can.

debtfreeoneday

Hope you're ok, you're pretty quiet in here of late x

sarahevie1

(sneaks back in)

I can't believe its been so long since I posted, I do keep having a browse though and its great to see you all doing so great.

Lots has been happening, I've finally relented on DH (so I'm no longer a single Mummy), he was here every day anyway so he's moved back in. He still has his flat though and as the house is now officially mine, I'm paying everything for it. Bills, mortgage, maintenance etc.

Do feel like I've changed lots though, i.e. end of term drinks and decided to go! I've stopped saying no to everything and instead find myself saying yes all the time. It's led to lots more money being spent, very unlike me, but also so many more fun memories for everyone. I'm much happier and don't feel like life is passing me by anymore.

This year hasn't been about the OPs (but building the savings currently up at £13000 feels much safer.)

Financially I'm probably the worst I've been for a while, as no longer entitled to tax credits, because DH is back, but as he's not contributing to my household mortgage/bills - I'm not feeling the benefit of his income. Will have to sort something out longer term. Unsure what as yet.

sarahevie1

So ultimately why am I resuming the diary.

To take back control of the spending.

School hols and I've spent £150 in a week, entertaining the children. We have had some really lovely days out with friends, but seriously this is not me!! Need to get back on top of this.

Having a much needed no spend day today, as going into school to crack on with school work. (Went in yesterday morning as well for free fun, cancelled out by meeting a friend and going to a local climbing wall- £27 later. ) After the climbing wall, in an attempt to keep spends down we went to a park for a lovely couple of hours.

Also food spends are now £100 per week:eek::eek: We, as a family of five, should not be spending this:eek::eek: (I pay for the food at home, then DH (spends nearly £10 a day on lunch and extras.)

Need to get back on with the SOA. My income has increased as increased my rent on the student house, still have my supermarket job, also have started some ad hoc tutoring. (DH now gives me housekeeping - sometimes this feels a bit 1960s but it works for us.)

Will post a SOA later.

debtfreeoneday

Nice to see you back. Surely DH should be contributing to childcare costs if you are no longer getting tax credits as well as a portion of bills as he is eating food and using fuel? I don't know know how this works in terms of him not then being able to stake a claim on the house, but aside from that and appreciate it's early days - I assume you are planning on staying together so it's all for the same goal?

As I said, nice to see you back!!