Getting a mortgage and then becoming mortgage-free!

Kittenkirst

Happy bank holiday Monday all. I’m wandering round town before my yoga class just astounded by the carnage of last nights night outs for people. Street cleaning teams are out in force but it’s disgraceful how much rubbish and waste is around :0

Had a lovely day yesterday- went for dinner with one of gfs cousins and her family (I’ve not met them before), however after a big old Indian meal and dessert at a fancy parlour I’m feeling a little nauseous this morning and not relishing the thought of yoga in 20 minutes!

Off to a local maze today with the other side of gfs family and a picnic so we’re going to pick up some fruit and chop it all up as our contribution- need some nutrients after a few days of eating out and gluttony. I’m actually looking forward to Wednesday when I can eat my normal meal plans and have something simple for food throughout the day (I know that’s a very fortunate problem to have!)

Tuesday should be our last night eating out before payday - I’m trying to limit it because of both my fitness plan and also budgeting as it’s adding up for both my current account and my waistline.

We have a friends meal mid September but it will be at their home so that should be okay for the fitness plan and budget- fingers crossed!!

Kittenkirst

CathT wrote: »

That's a great amount to raise, i bet you'll feel amazing when you're actually doing it.

Am slightly jealous of your yoga retreat, it sounds brilliant!

Cath T- it does sound fab although I have to admit I’m pretty nervous about travelling there on my own and then mingling with the other people whilst at the retreat.

I have two night and three days in Koh Samui before the retreat on my own and I spent ages looking at where to stay. There were some beautiful villas with infinity pools overlooking the sea that were within my top end of budget but they were set back from the beach and up hills etc. So I’ve found a cheaper hotel on the beachfront next to two fancy hotels on a quieter beach so I should have access to people/not be secluded but also be staying in a lovely place booked through Quidco too so should get some cashback!

The Shoppix money cleared so have overpaid that making us a nice £290.31 for August. Managed a few more prolific studies so at £4.58 with the £4 survey from early August still awaiting approval...

Kittenkirst

Hi all, it’s been almost two months since I last posted.

I did type up a long old post before my trip away but managed to lose it so left it until I got back.

My Thailand trip has been and gone and it was definitely worth the spend and the time off work. Travelling on my own was super easy and straight forward. I stayed in a lovely beach hotel in Choeng Mon beach on Koh Samui for two nights, I took a gamble with the weather forecast looking dreadful and booked a trip to Ang Thong Marine Park which was worth the gamble. It was a gloriously sunny day- I got to snorkel around the little islands, took a kayak out for a splash and hiked up a massive island trail to a wonderful lookout.

The yoga retreat on Koh Pha-Gnan was superb- very chilled out with a good bunch of people. The villa we had exclusive use of was so luxurious and the yoga & meditation did me wonders. I had my fill of beautiful beach sunsets and tasty vegetarian food which helped keep me calm ready for the return back to work.

So, whilst I was away we had our new structure confirmed which means one role in my job role will reduce down, and we’re being offered to take voluntary redundancy. I also received notification that one of the travel agents I signed up for vacancy information on has a role starting in the new year. I am tempted to go for voluntary redundancy, the money will stack up and gf is on board. I’m going to wait until Monday and go from there.

It’s a huge step and full of risk so whilst I’m excited to try something new I am also super hesitant and nervous. Will mull it over more over the weekend.

In other news it is the most wonderful time of the year with Halloween next week! Off to Alton towers tomorrow with friends (bought tickets in advance using friends discount code!) super excited

CathT

The Thailand trip sounds like a worthy investment. Are you still using the skills you learned how that you're back?

Big, big decisions re: work. I'm sure you'll come up with the right one for you. Might be the ideal time to follow your new career path.

VelvetFreak

Hi KK, how exciting. Do you get a good payout for the redundancy (not sure how all that stuff works where you are, I am in Aus).
Anyway, good luck with it all.

Kittenkirst

CathT wrote: »

The Thailand trip sounds like a worthy investment. Are you still using the skills you learned how that you're back?

Big, big decisions re: work. I'm sure you'll come up with the right one for you. Might be the ideal time to follow your new career path.

Yes, I think I am using some of the skills learned now I’m home. I definitely feel a lot calmer than usual and am taking things more in my stride. I’m also super appreciative of everything we have and our happy home which is a nice mindset to be in definitely!

Downshifterella

Wow KK Thailand sounds amazing!
Good luck with the big work decisions ... Been there!... Although I think sometimes, though challenging, it can help put decisions of where next into focus!

Good luck

Ella x

Kittenkirst

VelvetFreak wrote: »

Hi KK, how exciting. Do you get a good payout for the redundancy (not sure how all that stuff works where you are, I am in Aus).
Anyway, good luck with it all.

Hiya, so I wasn’t sure before but they’ve shared the calculators and everything now that we know I’m impacted (as is gf as does the same job role) and I’ll get a fairly sizeable payout which we’ve calculated will last us a good while if I struggle to find a job straight away.

I was taking the weekend to fully decide about it but think I know in my heart I’m going to put my hand up for it. They may decline it but at least I’ve made my decision

In other news I went to Alton towers scarefest yesterday which was awesome but pretty expensive- we pre booked the tickets for the park so got 60% off but then had to pay for some of the scaremaze when we got there which was £20. To do all six mazes was an extra £40 :eek::eek:

So it was £49 for the day and then food and parking when there, although we didn’t spend too much in the park itself. The scaremazes were fab and riding the wicker man and Nemesis in the dark was pretty awesome!

Kittenkirst

Downshifterella wrote: »

Wow KK Thailand sounds amazing!
Good luck with the big work decisions ... Been there!... Although I think sometimes, though challenging, it can help put decisions of where next into focus!

Good luck

Ella x

Hey Ella! Thailand was fab and just what I needed- I’ve come back feeling more confident and relaxed than ever before.

The work situation is a little terrifying if I’m honest as it’s all unknowns what happens after/if they accept my redundancy but I think it’s hugely exciting too

Will see what unfolds over the next few weeks.....!

Kittenkirst

It’s official. I submitted the request for voluntary redundancy today.

I am planning to start the online application with a travel company tonight as a step in the direction of the new career I want.

I’m not going to lie, I’m super scared of this all as I’ve been at my current workplace since i left uni and I’m very fond of the company and my colleagues, but I’m super excited for what the future may hold.

Keep everything Crossed for me MFWers!