Looking to have a simpler life .......

Karmacat

Sounds good, Ella - paying the mortgage off in leaps and bounds and still getting out for meals out

Downshifterella

Thanks Karma
Yep striking the balance between living life and "future proofing" in terms of mortgage !

Delivering on a Huge ( and has been pretty hectic) work project in the next 6 weeks or so ...it's been insane in terms of time, internal resources in terms of the amount of energy and "space" it's taken up for me inside and out of work so I am *very* glad that 1) I have a week off to recuperate in the midst and 2) the end is *finally* in sight !!

Been a good learning experience too for me in terms of my own limits and boundaries and what I agree to in future! As well as lots of positives from it too!

Going to see if I can book an autumn weekend break too for me and Mr Ella when it's all officially done . .thinking maybe Prague or somewhere like that ...meant to be super pretty!!

In money saving , my new Xmas sub 50k goal is looking on track!

Upcoming money saving includes:
1) plans for a bit of a declutter ( anyway!) Which I'm hoping may be enough for car boot worthy stash!

2) continue on the pack lunch roll ....doing better here!

3) free cinema tickets thru an insurance policy so make the most of these ( plus taking snacks/drinks with us to reduce costs!)

4) couple of cheap/free/ paid for already days/nights out planned and driving to save on drinks/taxi costs

So all ticking along okay really and can't complain about my lot!

Will be trying to check in a bit more regularly too to keep on track, should definitely be more doable from September!

Right ... Off for a walk then gym class with Mr Ella if I can drag him outta bed! Then coffee/cake with a friend later

Have a great Sunday everyone!

Downshifterella

Oh dear haven't updated for a while and then when I did it lost the post! :rotfl:

Bullet point update then:

*health and happiness going much better, taking on less...practicing how it feels to say 'no' when I need ... Got into a routine with exercise and trying to cut down sugar!

* Am around £1400 away from sub £50k mortgage goal ...still aiming to reach by Xmas!

*To do this, my plans are pack lunches, batch cooking, free coffees ( as opposed to buying them!) ...also have 2 specific eBay possibilities !

Have a good weekend peeps! Definitely autumn now

bexster1975

Great to see you back Ella.

Great news re: Christmas goal

Bexster

Downshifterella

Thanks Bexster!

Am sitting in bed having a celebratory coffee having reached my sub £50k goal 2 paydays early!!

Mortgage free figure now starts £49xxx!

Now just need to hatch a 'find/save' £40k in a year .... I have a secret Xmas 2020 goal in mind!! ( not secret to you lot obviously! )

Feeling pretty pleased with these efforts and haven't felt we have missed out on things getting here !

Right better get up in a bit and on with the day! Stay warm and dry out there !

Ella x

bexster1975

:beer:

That's the second piece of amazing news I've read on here today! :T

Many congrats Ella. Have you also started to think about what you will do when you reach your MF goal Dec 2020?

Can't wait to hear your plans. I'm glad work is a bit less intense for you at the minute.

Bexster

Downshifterella

Thanks Bexster!
Oh that's fab I love a good bit of good news MSE and otherwise!

Work definitely less manic and I'm actually enjoying it right now, which is a great feeling!

As for what post-MF might look like .... I'm not totally sure... I think the biggest thing it would bring is options , to be more flexible work wise, maybe something part time or different options or setting up something? No major plans ( and haven't figured the maths to be able to pay it off in a year either! :rotfl: )
Hope you've had a good weekend!

Ella x

bexster1975

All sounds fab. It will certainly offer you choices. I'll keep reading along, good luck with the 13 months time goal!

Bexster

CathT

Just catching up. I thought your sub 50k goal by year end was amazing.

How fantastic if you can reach mortgage freedom next year. Cheering you on!

Downshifterella

Happy Christmas everyone!! :j:beer:
Hope you've all had a lovely day!!
MF figures as if today standing at £44,900 feeling super proud! :D

January's goals ....once the Christmas feast is over is to get much more organised with food, cooking and keeping stock of what we have in the freezer/cupboards etc...

I find we go through phases of being organised and then other times when it feels like I'm throwing out/wasting things unnecessarily!!

In the meantime tho looking forward to 5 more days off work! Drinking a few glasses of Xmas fizz and getting a few post Christmas walks in if the weather stays sunny!!

Will do a bit more mortgage maths in a couple days but for now wanted to stop by and wish merry Christmas and say thanks for all the continued inspiration and support

Downshifterella x