From debt to freedom...

Sun_Addict

Fantastic news about the house 👏It’s about time things started going in your favour. 

Your comment about embarrassing the pre teen reminded me of how, when I was a teenager, my mum used to randomly burst into song and start dancing when we were out shopping like she was in a musical 🤣🤣 It was so embarrassing 🙈 

Drawingaline

Brilliant news on the house. 

I agree about doing some fun paid for things. We don't do much, but it is nice sometimes to be able to build them into the budget.

savingholmes

Great news on the house. 

I love Sing so look forward to when the next one arrives on Pr1me

Kittykattykate

I’m so happy to hear about the house! It must be such a relief to you after all the uncertainty. 

The business with the oil doesn’t sound right to me. Have you checked that the ex hasn’t perhaps drilled a hole in an unobtrusive place? I would put nothing past him.

Honeysucklelou2

Thank you everyone for your kind comments. I am so thankful to have clarity and the burden of uncertainty is gone. I’m not celebrating just yet until I know the T of E has been signed and registered with Land Registry. I also know that I have to still get my finances in good shape to be able to remortgage. The current mortgage is an interest only one which I am very keen to change to a repayment one ASAP. The mortgage advisor that I spoke to last year said I needed to try and increase my income which I have done to a degree, although in real terms the increase in salary is slightly offset by the decrease in tax credits. In real terms I’ll be about the same I think but the salary will be able to be counted in a mortgage application...not all mortgage providers will accept TCs.

Kittykattykate - I hadn’t thought of that possibility. I’ll have to look carefully next weekend when I’m home in daylight. Thank you.

Jill12

Fab news about the house. I used London and Country mortgage advisors, they are recommended by MSE. I was able to use tax credits and child benefit to help toward my mortgage application for children under 13. It might not be as tall an order as you think. There is a very good calculator on the site that I highly recommend having a play about with figures and sticking your income details into. You can see what you need to be earning to obtain the mortgage you need. Sticking with the interest only might not be a bad  idea for a couple of years to keep payments down and let you keep chipping away at other debts x

savingholmes

If they will let you keep IO it makes it a lot more affordable. Hard to get now though. Wasn't an option for me this time.

warby68

Just caught up, so glad for you that one of the big uncertainties is resolved. 

You really deserve some major movement in your favour this year. 

Buffythedebtslayer

Really happy to read about the house HS, that is such a relief. XXX 

Honeysucklelou2

Thank you Jill12, SH, Warby68 & Buffy.

Its been another busy week, but one of those weeks where I’ve left Job 1 feeling really positive about what has been covered. I’m enjoying work and bizarrely working full time feels less pressured than when I was working 3 days. I’ve done 2 shifts at Job 2... they have been planning rotas for the future and have offered me 3 shifts a week. Not sure that, as we get busier, that will be feasible with Job 1, so will see how I go. Don’t want to compromise my health for the sake of juggling too much.

Yesterday the locksmith came and for the first time  in 8 years I have a key to the front door of the house I live in. I was surprised at how emotional I felt. I think just acknowledging as I write it that it’s taken 8 years to get to a situation that most adults would see as normal makes me see afresh how unequal and messed up my situation has been. Job 2’s wages have covered the locksmith’s fees this week.

 The car had to go to the garage as I’d noticed a burning smell as I was driving one day and the disc behind the wheel trim ( never know the technical terms)  felt very hot compared to the others. I think it was something to do with a brake calliper. The MOT had an advisory to change the front tyres so I took the opportunity to get that done at the same time. Unfortunately it means the residual savings I had have been even more depleted. I need to get these built up again.

I met up with a friend for a walk after getting some prep done for Job 1. My friend knew some public footpaths that I’d never been on, so was lovely to discover new walks. I love the change in perspective, that these walks give, as you look out to sea. A gig rowing team was out practising and I had to admire their commitment.  DS3 was fascinated watching them get the boat into the water and set off. It was quite breezy, which I love...makes you feel that the cobwebs have all been blown away! The hot chocolate, on our return, was all the more welcome.