Stephen's Journey to Mortgage freedom

lcfcstephen

newgirly wrote: »

Hi Stephen, glad you have got the wifi sorted, all hell would let loose here with no wifi for that long :eek:

I'm guessing you saw the la rams play? My ds2 went to watch as they are his team too!

It wasn't fun - fortunately we got used to it as the same thing happened when we moved into the flat! And it meant we got on with house things and read until we got the TV connection sorted then it was even easier!
I saw the Washington Redskins (my team) play the Cincinnati Bengals. It was a much better experience than I thought it would be! Because I'm so used to having analysis surrounding each play I worried I wouldn't enjoy it, but it was incredible! Even LW enjoyed it and has said she might watch games on the TV with me!

newgirly

Ok , I guess there are more games here than I thought

My ds stays up all hours watching American football, plus has season tickets to two London football teams, slightly obsessed!

lcfcstephen

It's not been a great week for my experience with bank security! First the Tesco issue (fortunately didn't impact me) and Santander text me very early this morning about a payment that they thought was fraud and I didn't recognise either. Fortunately it's been cancelled and new card will be sent - I'll be switching this account shortly as I don't have enough in it to make it worthwhile

lcfcstephen

Yesterday we got LW's first paycheque yesterday which is nice money to have, even if the tax was taken when it shouldn't have been! Also found out that the contract that was supposed to be four weeks may be up on Tuesday which means she'll only have worked 14 days and there'll be a long gap between that and Christmas and that we don't earn as much as expected. Especially as there was a rumour that it might be extended only a few days ago.
I'm also starting to look for other jobs - not looking hard, but looking to see if there are any that take my fancy. I still enjoy my current job, but I think I'm worth more than I'm currently paid and the responsibility that I have doesn't reflect what my role is (Didn't get the promotion that I was practically promised, and that more should come up soon, they haven't)

newgirly

That's a shame, not great having less money on the run up to Xmas than expected, good luck with the job hunting.

lcfcstephen

No idea what's happening with regards to LW's job. Told today that maybe last day is today (last week told Wednesday) but then when asked for clarification we've found out that the part is still in customs so we have no idea when it finishes.
Its difficult because in one sense it's good - more money etc. But she's shattered and hating it which isn't good.

lcfcstephen

Still don't know what's happening with LWs job. Rumour now is that it won't be till next week. It's annoying because she has to give a weeks notice, but they give her no indication of how long and can drop her whenever. But treat tonight to make us both feel better
Applied for a new credit card today. Currently have a builder with Tesco which has a small credit limit (they won't increase it despite my salary increasing). But been accepted for a cashback card (TSB) with a large credit limit (not confirmed yet) which will help us with Christmas and we get cashback too! (Not much but every little helps!)

lcfcstephen

Horrible weather here, keeps fluctuating though. But we get our sofa tomorrow! We requested a time slot after three (so I could receive it) and ended up getting a slot of between 7 and 9am, go figure. Fortunately LW should be able to get it, as the neighbour we asked is out and it's very early anyway! If it doesn't come within the time slot (i expect it to actually end up being the earlier end than the 9am time) I will be absolutely raging! Especially as we ordered it at the end of September and was told six weeks and it will have ended up being eight weeks (can't complain about that until we are happy with the sofa)

lcfcstephen

The sofa has arrived! It's so comfy, we've made more space in the living room and soon we'll be getting rid some of the camping chairs (the worst ones!). Hopefully everything else will start falling back into place! And we'll complain to the sofa people about the lateness and see what happens

lcfcstephen

LW is still working, her contract is up on Thursday, so planning to work till then and then not renew it if they need it as it is too much effort for not enough money. The money is good and will help us considerably however.
Switched my main bank account, and should receive my credit card shortly. Also added LW onto the credit card. She will open one when she has a stable job.
Started thinking about Christmas thins, but struggling to think of things to buy and do at the moment. Hoping we don't spend too much!
Also thinking of doing a fairly large overpayment at the end of the year - I've set a limit and whatever is over that will be overpayed in the middle of December (when most of the costs will have happened but before I get paid again). Because I'm aware that at the moment before the fix is up I will have to reduce my planned payments (which are planned to increase in january and then again in 1/2 years) as they would be greater than 10% repayments. And so depositing even a relatively small amount now when it will definitely be under overpayment threshold but will decrease the interest and help us further down the line. Especially as the Mortgage rate (3.14%) is greater than savings (3%)