My Single-interest only-mortgage journey

Monkeychops16

So middle of the month-no csa. The girls dad has reduced it by £100 and still finds it difficult to pay :-( I have looked at my figures £102,792.68 and pade the £92.68 to round it down. I suspect I won't be able to o/p any more although I would like to. I would really to get some more xmas presents sorted this month so that needs to take priority.

I do feel pleased I have reduced my balance by £1000 since starting o/p-wish I did it 9 years ago though!

Monkeychops16

Money, money, money it's all I seem to think about!

My o/p has credited the account now, I love seeing the figure decrease!

I have created a new YNAB budget today-my figures were out slightly and it was bugging me. It's nice to a have a fresh start once in a while.

I wrote out a Christmas list for who I need to buy for. I took one look at it and thought I can't justify spending nearly £200 when my income has decreased. I will broach the subject with my family soon. It's interesting that although they moan they have no money, when I suggested secret santa last year they said no!

The children will be with their dad Christmas eve and day, so I have been a bit crafty and said that Father Christmas will be going to his house and only dropping one or two presents off at our house. I know that sounds harsh, but DD1 has a birthday in November and I have bought her a present 3 times what I would normally spend so I need to be frugal.

Their dad has decided he will pay £40 a month CSA. I'm still trying to get this off him for September!

I have moved the girls swimming lessons which will save me £30 a month. They were having private 1:2 lessons due to DD1 disability. It was becoming increasingly difficult for me to maintain this and also for the teacher to teach when they are now at different levels. DD1 was refusing to cooperate and her occupational therapist suggested it was too intense for her and she would be better in a group so she can copy and not feel so much pressure. They are starting at the local leisure centre on Thursday and are in separate classes. Fingers crossed this will work out.

***
I don't think I have mentioned this in my diary before but I do have a boyfriend who has and lives in his own house (all finances are separate).We've talked a little about the girls and I moving in with him one day. I was hoping it would be next year. He said we should keep my house and rent it out... I think I would get consent to let for 12 months. I don't want to keep it and be a landlord but I guess it's a safe option for now to make sure living together works out (for the children's sake).

Right I'm off to hound the ex for the £40 :-)

Monkeychops16

I am running out of time to get £200 overpaid before the end of the month. I've swapped some things around and paid £65.45 today so that leaves £33.55 to find....

Things I have done today:

* Overtime at work and put my name down for tomorrow which will go into November's pay.

*Batched cooked some dinner's and popped into the freezer.

*Meal planned for the week

*Checked bank accounts and YNAB

*Listened to YNAB's new podcast

*Picked up library book Mari Kondo tidying method-hope this helps my life :-)

Luckyinlife

Out of interest how long does it take for yor OP to come off your balance ?

im sure you'll find the £33.55 have you got a money jar for such occasions :]

Monkeychops16

Hi-it normally takes 2 days ish-hopefully see it wed or thursday. I wish it credited as a faster payment that would be nice! I have stolen the 33.55 from my food budget! No I don't have a jar-as every penny is accounted for in Ynab-thanks for the thought though:-)

Luckyinlife

I see :] thats not to bad ya a faster payment would be wicked

ohh that was quick hehe :] good work :j

sarahevie1

Monkeychops16 wrote: »

I do feel pleased I have reduced my balance by £1000 since starting o/p-wish I did it 9 years ago though!

No point wondering what might have been, we can only think to the future, and yours will be bright. Well done

Monkeychops16

Saved some money today-what a good feeling. A friend at work gave me a goody bag (think it was a promo one). Inside it had a barbie doll and some other bits. I am going to give the contents to DD2 for Christmas!

My o/p has hit the mortgage so my balance is reading £102,600.

My boss asked me to do overtime tomorrow but I can't as I have the littlies. Shame-o/t cut off is monday. Not sure what to do tomorrow with the children. I want to take them the zoo but it would cost about £60-so may put it off and try to do something free/cheaper :-)

A_Frayed_Knot

Reading your above post, reminded me of a Christmas past, when I spent a small fortune on my only nephew.(in the days before MFW), Well what did he have more fun with, a toy I picked up for 40p (probably the equivalent to £1 nowadays) everything else was left, and he had great fun with that toy. Poundland ?anybody ?
Are your kids, arty or crafty ?? I spotted a Frozen "make your own Christmas Cards" pack or "paper chains" and I do believe they had make your own "gift tags" as well. Lots of ideas to keep them busy.:)

Monkeychops16

A_Frayed_Knot wrote: »

Reading your above post, reminded me of a Christmas past, when I spent a small fortune on my only nephew.(in the days before MFW), Well what did he have more fun with, a toy I picked up for 40p (probably the equivalent to £1 nowadays) everything else was left, and he had great fun with that toy. Poundland ?anybody ?
Are your kids, arty or crafty ?? I spotted a Frozen "make your own Christmas Cards" pack or "paper chains" and I do believe they had make your own "gift tags" as well. Lots of ideas to keep them busy.:)

Yes I can quite imagine it was the cheap car! I will can an eye out for those craft things thanks :rotfl: