The Journey Begins...

Thriftmaster1973

Well another month (4 weekly pay period) nearly over and looking at the accounts / one weeks outgoings, I should have just cleared the £333 target.
Last pay day I managed £371 which I was over the moon with, it's looking like £343 this period so I carnt complain.
£371
£343

That's £714 in the overpayment pot in 8 weeks.

It's an education that's for sure, as long as I can stay focused I'm sure this plans gonna work!

Thriftmaster1973

Well another 4 week period done and the target was missed making me feel like I've failed. Only managed to save £130 this period so not best pleased.
I had a few mishaps this month which have knocked me a bit off the chosen path.
After these financial mishaps I kind of lost interest and treated myself to a m&s visit (this is a no no for me).
Heating and lighting costs are rising too now it's getting colder.
My MPG target of 40 MPG is now dipping below this amount due to the colder weather.
So it's time to look at my mistakes and take stock, a new month is nearly here and I must re focus on my goal.

Welshlassie

you haven't failed as you still added to the pot, failure would have been taking out of the pot for something. Celebrate the small successes you can't "win" every month and you are most definitely winning at the moment.

Escapar2020

Just caught up in your diary and will follow with interest. Im also aiming to be mf before I'm 48, so within 3 years. I'm not sure what I'll do once I become mf, whats your plan?

Thriftmaster1973

Not thought about life after the mortgage but I have thought about the freedom it will give. No more worrying about job security, no more worrying about interest rates.
The house will be all mine, it will leave me with over £1000 per month left over so life should be good.

Thriftmaster1973

Well, not a bad month so far, had my first of the journeys disasters late November - my washing machine gave up, water leaking from the drum, it has had its day I'm afraid.
I was looking at prices for a replacement, looking at a cheap brand - Currys own - Logik. This is a name I'd never heard of and some of the online reviews were dreadful. This washer was going for £175 (silver version) at the time.
A few days later I found myself looking at black Friday deals where I seen a 8kg hotpoint was £420 reduced to £270. I also had a £50 supercheques vouchour from work (8 years service no absence), this brought the hotpoint down to £220 so I decided to go for it.
I know I could get a cheaper washer for slightly less but I am hoping the hotpoint should give over 5 years trouble free service.
Anyway back to the mfw battle now, let's hope no more majors happen.

Thriftmaster1973

Well, not a bad month so far, had my first of the journeys disasters late November - my washing machine gave up, water leaking from the drum, it has had its day I'm afraid.
I was looking at prices for a replacement, looking at a cheap brand - Currys own - Logik. This is a name I'd never heard of and some of the online reviews were dreadful. This washer was going for £175 (silver version) at the time.
A few days later I found myself looking at black Friday deals where I seen a 8kg hotpoint was £420 reduced to £270. I also had a £50 supercheques vouchour from work (8 years service no absence), this brought the hotpoint down to £220 so I decided to go for it.
I know I could get a cheaper washer for slightly less but I am hoping the hotpoint should give over 5 years trouble free service.
Anyway back to the mfw battle now, let's hope no more majors happen.

Thriftmaster1973

I noticed at work yesterday that they have a shopping trolley in reception, this is apparently for non perishable food items for local food banks.
On arrival home I decided to Google about these outlets, the statistics and stories are quite alarming. Single people, couples, families with kids, elderly all struggling to put food on the table.
I felt quite ashamed really at my penny pinching, ashamed about worrying if I had hit my 'monthly overpayment target', I immediately went through the kitchen and got together about a tenners worth of items for the trolley at work.
It's sad that we are supposed to be an advanced rich nation and have people who are going hungry.
I can't claim to know what the answer is, anyone can end up in hard times I suppose. I suspect there's many people who don't know how to manage money, others may be suffering with mental health issues, physical health issues, addiction - suppose the list is endless.
The bottom line is I find myself feeling a bit guilty that I knew so little about those who rely on food donations.
Anyway, I'm sure my small donation will go some way to easing someone's hunger.

Kittenkirst

I am sure it definitely will help some people in your community

I wouldn’t feel bad about your financial planning and overpayments goals though- it’s good to have a plan to be working to

Thriftmaster1973

Yes your right, charity does begin at home and I'm sure most of us on the mfw journey are sacrificing a hell of a lot in our lives to achieve the end goal.