ATB'S Frugal Foray to Freedom

atypicalblonde

Well that's Christmas all done and dusted for another year! The kiddies loved it, DH loves the social element so he loved it, I didn't mind it although being the hosts for two days running (Christmas dinner itself then a big party on Boxing Day) has worn me out.

The house is vaguely presentable, and the kids have found places for their toys (mainly Lego!). Some odd presents were received, which have already gone to the charity shop. DH and I have made it clear to everyone that we don't expect any gifts at all, but people like to get us something, but those things can be odd e.g. A cushion and a photo album for DH from my mum!

Anyway, onto MF matters. 2018 is going to be a pivotal year for us. In summary:

• Our current 2 year fix comes to an end in June. Our mortgage broker has confirmed he can secure us a new deal with our current lender 3 months prior to that date (end of March)
• Looking at their website, we will be looking at a fixed rate of 1.79% for two years. Much better than the 2.39% we are currently on. However.....
• Securing that deal requires us to get to £105k by end of march. We wanted to be in 5 figures by our diary anniversary in February - this won't happen unless we have a small lotto win! So the new aim is £105k by end of March
• If we get that deal, our standard monthly payments will drop from £606 to £445. Amazing and automatically frees up more money to OP.
• We will definitely be putting the business premises on the market at the back end of the year. Without taking that into account (as am assuming that would sell in 2019, not winter 2018), our aim is to reduce the mortgage to £90,000 this year.

I hope that all makes sense. Here's to a marvellous year for all of us xx

Watty1

Wowsers...a fun year ahead

Goldiegirl

Glad you had a good Christmas, and you've made some excellent progress this year. Good luck with your plans for 2018 and hope you get where you want to be for your new interest rate fix

atypicalblonde

Thanks ladies. GG - we are going on our first cruise next year! I've posted on your thread xx

Managed to list 5 items on eBay this morning and one has already sold on Buy it Now for £38 :T that has been duly shuffled into the pot, and my plan is to get another 3 items at least on there today. If we could clear £100 in eBay sales this week I would be very happy with that.

Have great days folks, almost at 2018 and the start of an exciting year xx

themadvix

That's a great rate and I'm sure you'll manage to get to £105k by the deadline - £38 on Ebay is a great start!

We've got the same target for the end of the year.... except you've got much further to go to get there and I suspect you'll smash it anyway!

atypicalblonde

Thanks themadvix for popping in xx

eBay sales up to £73 :j just going to list another couple of bits then will leave it for today xx

CathT

Great plans for 2018. We'l be looking for a new fixed deal this time next year so I'm hoping there are no more rate rises. Fab 3bay sales for this time of year too, shows people are still browsing. Ds had a lego table and a lego set for Christmas but I really want to get him the traditional lego which nowhere seems to sell anymore!

atypicalblonde

We are due a £50 reward from Sky for referring some friends, which hasn't yet turned up. Will chase and, when it does, ensure that it can in some way be converted to a £50 OP!

greent

Great going on t'bay! Am sure you will achieve your end of March target! (possibly with very empty cupboards!):)

x

michelle09

Sounds like a great target, am sure you can make it!