Prosperous soul in the making

jwil

That's really positive news, and it's great that even though things have changed recently, you can still achieve your dreams

I think it's always nice to have a plan to aim towards, even if there are uncertainties.

doingitanyway

You've inspired me to start an exercise class.

You are doing great and still pushing forward despite challenges.

MovingForwards

If your mortgage goes through this year, consider rounding it up for to the nearest £10 until December. Save the rest of the £40.
Next year, as things will be more settled, when you've got budgets under control and know what is really spare, that's the time to throw money on O/P's.

Should you end up settled quickly, bring the plan forward. Each year you get a payrise, keep a bit for increased bills and pay the rest into the mortgage.

You will still be able to cut your hours in the future, use your pensions to help clear the mortgage and everything else you plan along the way.

girlatplay

Hope you're ok SH

Blackcats

would be lovely to hear from you.  Hope you are doing ok

becky170

I've not managed to catch up with your diary for a while....it looks like I missed a lot!  Hope you are doing ok and that DD had a good first day on her apprenticeship. 

savingholmes

Thanks Jwil, GAP, DIA, Blackcats, Becky

I'm doing fine just been a busy week. Sorry to have worried you. Been trying to spend more time out of the house for some reason... ') I've been to a balance class again - minute improvement but the teacher is really supportive and encouraging. Learned a couple of names this week. Went to a writing group yesterday but I need a more challenging one would be the kindest description. Tomorrow I'm doing Zumba in the morning then quick shower and change and then off to the hairdresser. I also did loads of gardening over the BH weekend.

I felt pressured about £ so paid solicitor's £ on a CC just in case - but at the moment I'm on track to be able to pay it at the end of the pay month I just didn't want to have no emergency £. Ex was slow to return papers as they'd gone into his spam folder... He only noticed 3 days later... Hopefully my solicitor can apply for decree nisi at the start of next week - will then be a gap. I think he's returned the finances bit too - so hopefully - once I've heard from my solicitor I can apply for a mortgage.

DD is loving her apprenticeship. She is spending most of the working week in hotel accommodation until early summer 22 - with intermittent blocks in the business every half term or so... So she should end up minted - as breakfast and evening meal are provided and she can claim travel expenses. So far it is going great for her and she is very happy and coping well and making friends. They will even fund 10 driving lessons and have a cashback health plan. I dropped her off Wednesday am (I got up at 6.30!!!) and Ex picked her up tonight. She's planning to join a gym near the hotel...

DS is doing okay. He's going away this weekend and for a few days next week. I'm booked into a dance exercise class Tuesday, the balance class Wednesday and hoping to join a choir next Thursday if all goes well. The kids are both due to be away then and it will make relations at home easier - while giving me a focus, social connection and exercise.

I'm having to manage £ really tightly - partly because I don't know when the divorce process will conclude. I'm trying to plan for November but have no real control. It's all down to how fast the local court decides to be. £ will be a lot easier if its later but just don't know. Really hope it doesn't drag out to Xmas of beyond... 

becky170

That's great news that DD is loving her apprenticeship  glad you're keeping busy. 

Grogged

Glad to hear you and the family is doing ok and that DD has settled in so well on her apprenticeship.
Take care, G.

enthusiasticsaver

Just caught up on your diary and sorry about the split with your DH.  Difficult even if your choice and glad that you still think your early retirement will be possible even with the financial settlement split. Are you staying put or downsizing as DD and DS now seemed to be embarked on their careers? Tricky with young adults as I guess they are not yet fully financially independent.  My sister split with her husband a few years after a 25 year marriage and it took a few years for her to sell up as her son and daughter were still coming home intermittently.  Take your time to decide your next steps. 

From a financial viewpoint overpaying your pension is better than overpaying the mortgage in a low interest climate but from an emotional viewpoint clearing the mortgage  early is better.  I am not sure how either would impact on your divorce settlement though.