Two thirds of the way there, final hurdle

Moneywhizz

The new Isa looks like a good way of saving for a deposit. It must be hard to save while paying for a private rental, but if you know what your goal is, it makes it easier to cut back and put as much as you can into savings. Good luck with your plans and with job hunting.

MERFE

Thanks Moneywhizz

I wouldn't say the private rental makes saving difficult (although endless moves with fees each time doesnt help). Kids make saving difficult. They are always growing, they break things, they lose things. Eldest has lost her coat, not impressed at all. But I now have a rule with them that if they break it or lose it it comes out their pocket money, if they outgrow it I replace it. I have given her this week to find it, if not shopping on Saturday and no pocket money for a while.

Halifax CC now under £3000, feels good to see it going down.

I am going to have a go at updating my CV as not much should change between now and the summer when I want to look at changing jobs. Although I am wondering if I did go back to something else what would I do with the kids in the holidays. Something to think about. Might have to do a year with OH taking opposite holidays but it still wouldnt cover them all. My dad has offered to have the older 2 for summer before so that is a possibility but still the youngest to think about. Will worry about that if I find something.

MERFE

Back from the post office had a few to post. £58 on ebay not bad, it all adds up. Still got a fair bit listed but will try and list some more today.

We are going to change upstairs around so youngest 2 have our room and we go in the middle size room. Reason being OH thinks he sleeps better in their room. They only have 1 small window whereas the one we have has a window at the front and the back. Also when the kids are out at the school at lunchtime you can hear them though the back window, especially in summer when you want it open.
So OH was looking for storage for them because they have a built in wardrobe at the moment but I have managed to reorganise our clothes so they can have our drawers and may be able to declutter and then they can have our shelves too. I really dont want to be buying any furniture right now. We are living with clothes rails since the last house has built in wardrobes but they do the job and wardrobes dont move well so I would rather wait till we are in the forever house to buy anymore.

MERFE

Moved the kids room round with ours. It's made me realise how much I have to get rid of with my craft supplies, there's lace, ribbon, embellishments, fabric, felt, glitter fabric, elastic, dies, stamps. Then there are the displays I used for at fairs. I also have a massive pile of outgrown clothes too, boys and girls. I might have to try and do them as bundles, been doing individual items but its taking so long and now we need the space back.

Got my other food survery voucher so £20 saved for extras at Christmas and I've been religiously doing swagbucks so that is close to payout as well.

MERFE

Was thinking about seeing what was left at the end of the month to make MBNA overpayment but I think that way the money get spent as extra and just disappears. So paid an extra £200 off instead. £125 was the council tax payment we don't have this month and another £75. There may be more at the end of the month but doubt it with DS residential to pay for. It is all heading the right way though.

MERFE

Seriously pricey half term. Had to go to a hen night that ended up spending more than I planned. There is a reason I rarely go out anymore, how much are the drinks. Was good fun though. Took the kids out a couple of days, one to a castle so that just cost petrol as we have english heritage membership and once to swimming. Then eldest had a birthday day out to the cinema with a friend. The rest of the time they played with friends and helped get the allotment ready. It really doesn't seem like I spent alot. I haven't used the birthdays savings for DD day out or presents though and since that was the most money spent I guess I should transfer it back to my account.

Been keeping up the meal plans, sent OH to the shops because I didn't feel 100% and he has come back with loads of short dates on things. Thankfully some can just be frozen. Will have to do one more shop before payday, I wanna keep it down to £50 max.

5 weeks in March so need to allow a little extra and will be getting more oil which has gone up loads since last year. So doubt we will have much extra for over payments nect month. Only whatever sells on Ebay.

Holiday first week of april, just me and the kids, just to haven. Hoping for some nice weather to make the most of the beach or we will just spend all the time in the swimming pool. Shouldn't need alot of extra spending money.

MERFE

Woo below £4000 left to pay now.

We went to look at a flat, 3 bedrooms, £150 a month less than we pay. So would pay off the debt sooner and save more for the deposit to buy but cost of moving, hassle etc Didn't feel worth it. The flat looked like there would be some issues with as well as it was old, even though it was very nicely decorated and had a proper bath (we only have a shower here), the windows didn't look like they opened and there was alot of hallway and high ceilings so I think it would cost alot to heat. At least there are options if we have to move out but at the moment it's probably best to move the kids less.

MERFE

Under £1000 left on the MBNA now, slowly getting there.

louby40

Well done Merfe on getting below £1000!

parsniphead

Hi MERFE

I have just read through your diary this morning. It's very motivating and I look forward to following your journey to debt freedom.

Parsnip