From debt to freedom...

Cherryfudge

These storms are expensive. I don't know what sort of fencing you have but it strikes me that larch lap type fencing (I think that's what it's called) is quite vulnerable to gales. Would posts and mesh be cheaper and equally durable? Or hedging?

I like the look of ccl's post on child support.

Spendless

Think you did the right thing spending to build memories. It's not like you've done it often. Am pleased to hear the metal has gone too. Finally you are being taken seriously. Sorry to hear the mortgage isn't straight forward and the storm damage to the fence. Both will get sorted given time. Don't beat yourself up that you can't manage it all at once.

 Re the CSA a long time ago on here I read a poster who said she'd had problems with proving her self employed exes income but had managed to do it through his lifestyle not being consistent with his reported earnings. Whether that's still an angle available to go to, I'm not sure. I can understand you just wanting one step at a time though, though it's very unfair on yourself

Honeysucklelou2

Thank you SH, Cherryfudge, CCL & Spendless.

Cherryfudge - I think it will have to be a type of wooden fencing. I would love it to be a hedge but the boundary on that side is a concrete path at the moment, so unless I built raised beds ( which is certainly a good idea for the future 🙂), I think it will have to be some form of wood. You are right it can be susceptible to winds, of which we seem to have a lot coming in from the sea, so have researched a design that has more of a woven effect and lattice at the top which will hopefully allow a through flow of any wind!

Thank you Spendless and CCL - your words have encouraged me. 

SH - Thank you, I’ll have to contact L and C and see if a mortgage is possible through them.

Not much to report in the way of debt busting. It’s been one of those weeks where Job 1 has been very intense. I’ve changed my hours at Job 2 to reflect this, but still managed to do 3 shifts this week which I’m thankful for. It was payday on Monday. Rightly or wrongly, I’ve used the council tax free month to clear the overdraft that I’d used following the purchase  of extra oil.  I feel better that the overdraft has completely gone and in light of having to apply to other lenders for a mortgage, I think it’s better that the overdraft is gone. Since I’ve put all spare money to that, I haven’t replaced the fencing yet but have propped up what I can and nailed back what I can. I’ve done enough to ensure safety and  privacy and will replace when I can afford it through savings, not having to go into further debt.

£30 went to monthly savings and £30 to the much depleted EF. I have the regular payment ready to go out on the CC but the CC company seem to change the day on which the direct debit is collected so am waiting on them for that.

joedenise

I think you absolutely did the right thing to use the CT money to clear the overdraft - it's the highest interest debt there is and don't think it would be looked on favourably when applying for a mortgage.

Glad you've managed to nail up the fence so you've got some privacy and definitely the right thing to save up for new fencing.  Our neighbour's fence came down in the storm and the management agents have said they'll have to wait for it to be replaced as it's not urgent!  I'm glad we don't have a dog or we'd have to do something about it!

savingholmes

Overdraft use is very frowned on for mortgages I think and seems to be seen as worse than a CC. Perhaps look at alternatives - although any new credit application won't help at this point. 

Well done for clearing the overdraft and good luck with your application.

Cherryfudge

You are doing amazingly, managing not only to clear the overdraft but also to add to savings! That's very impressive.

I see what you mean about getting a lattice-topped fence, in fact our former neighbours put one up a few years ago and it's very steady as well as being beautiful to look at. We also get the added bonus of sharing plants through the top!

Honeysucklelou2

Thank you Joedenise, SH and Cherryfudge.

The CC direct debit finally left my account today so that’s another £60 off the capital 🙂.
Its been another busy day with Job 1 and a meeting after work but a free evening at least which has given me time to get some prep done for next week and write a report.

Lots to catch up on tomorrow...

savingholmes

Hope you get some rest and a walk

Honeysucklelou2

Thank you SH. 

Yesterday was a mix of busyness and rest of sorts! I got more prepped for the coming week and 3 loads of washing done. It’s been great to get washing on the line for the last 2 days. I try not to use the tumble dryer unless urgent and try to dry clothes on radiators. I did discover that the newly acquired space is quite warm and could be a useful drying space in the future🙂. Managed to catch up on ironing the bedding. One of those jobs that seems to be waiting for a big enough chunk of time to do but when you get stuck in, it doesn’t take that long at all!

My lovely parents visited and took us out for a coffee at the nearest farm shop to us which has spectacular views of the coastline, especially yesterday when the weather was so good. 

My sweet peas have germinated as have the tomatoes. I left some cornflowers outside and they too are through. Must try and get the calendulas and ammi majus  sown today.

savingholmes

Glad you had a treat. Yay to your space being warm.

Congratulations on seed sowing. May start some for me soon too