We’d like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum.
This is to keep it a safe and useful space for MoneySaving discussions. Threads that are – or become – political in nature may be removed in line with the Forum’s rules. Thank you for your understanding.
The MSE Forum Team would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas. However, we know this time of year can be difficult for some. If you're struggling during the festive period, here's a list of organisations that might be able to help
📨 Have you signed up to the Forum's new Email Digest yet? Get a selection of trending threads sent straight to your inbox daily, weekly or monthly!
Has MSE helped you to save or reclaim money this year? Share your 2025 MoneySaving success stories!
Prosperous soul in the making
Comments
-
My colouring... Helps de-stressAchieve FIRE/Mortgage Neutrality in 2030
1) MFW Nov 21 £202K now £171.3K Equity 36.55%
2) £2.6K Net savings after CCs 10/10/25
3) Mortgage neutral by 06/30 (AVC £30.9K + Lump Sums DB £4.6K + (25% of SIPP 1.25K) = 35.5/£127.5K target 27.8% 14/11/25
(If took bigger lump sum = 62K or 48.6%)
4) FI Age 60 income target £17.1/30K 57% (if mortgage and debts repaid - need more otherwise) (If bigger lump sum £15.8/30K 52.67%)
5) SIPP £5.1K updated 14/11/258 -
Looks great! I didn't know colouring postcards were a thing, I might have a look."Good financial planning is about not spending money on things that add no value to your life in order to have more money for the things that do". Eoin McGee5
-
Colouring looks great, I also wasn't aware there were cards. Keep doing what you are as de-stressing is a high priority at the moment.Mortgage started 2020, aiming to clear 31/12/2029.5
-
I can see how that would help reduce stress, and so useful. Are there Christmas ones available? That would be great for sending personalised wishes to those you care about.What I do not give, you must never take by force.
Mortgage outstanding - 30/12/22 - £25,900. 31/01/23 - £22,300. 28/02/23 - £20,500. 31/03/23 - £17,500. 30/04/23 - £15,800. 30/05/23 - £13,800. 31/06/23 - £11,300. 31/07/23 - £9,800. 31/08/23 - £8,300. 30/09/23 - £6,000. 31/10/23 - £3,000. 30/11/23 - £1,200. 06/12/23 - £00.00
God save us everyone, As we burn inside the fire of a thousand suns, For the sins of our hands, The sins of our tongues, The sins of our fathers, The sins of our young. Linkin Park7 -
Hi Jwil, MF and Tahlullah
There are lots of different options on Ama***. I have oceans, forests, architect ones, fairies, birds, mermaids. All good fun and easily portable. I use brush pens to get the effects I want and sometimes use water brushes so it looks more like watercolours...
I do use them as thank you, birthday and encouragement cards. Good personal touch.
Achieve FIRE/Mortgage Neutrality in 2030
1) MFW Nov 21 £202K now £171.3K Equity 36.55%
2) £2.6K Net savings after CCs 10/10/25
3) Mortgage neutral by 06/30 (AVC £30.9K + Lump Sums DB £4.6K + (25% of SIPP 1.25K) = 35.5/£127.5K target 27.8% 14/11/25
(If took bigger lump sum = 62K or 48.6%)
4) FI Age 60 income target £17.1/30K 57% (if mortgage and debts repaid - need more otherwise) (If bigger lump sum £15.8/30K 52.67%)
5) SIPP £5.1K updated 14/11/257 -
I walked the dog or rather sat on a bench and watched her chase squirrels.
Also batch cooked including a huge pot of soup.
Used potatoes, 4 carrots, one parsnip, large onion, tin of tomatoes, tin of baked beans, Mr A cream of tomato soup tin, squirt of tomato puree, some worcestershire sauce, salt, garlic, Cajun, turmeric, cayenne pepper, allspice, celery, one leek, water
Really happy with it. Also made a couple of pasta dishes.
Did the washing. Did the dishwasher.
Other than that rested...Achieve FIRE/Mortgage Neutrality in 2030
1) MFW Nov 21 £202K now £171.3K Equity 36.55%
2) £2.6K Net savings after CCs 10/10/25
3) Mortgage neutral by 06/30 (AVC £30.9K + Lump Sums DB £4.6K + (25% of SIPP 1.25K) = 35.5/£127.5K target 27.8% 14/11/25
(If took bigger lump sum = 62K or 48.6%)
4) FI Age 60 income target £17.1/30K 57% (if mortgage and debts repaid - need more otherwise) (If bigger lump sum £15.8/30K 52.67%)
5) SIPP £5.1K updated 14/11/259 -
I'm batch cooking soup for the week too
I bought leeks, carrots, potatoes and onions yesterday to make a soup for the week (but its all still sat in the fridge so I need to make it this morning). Sometimes you just need a rest. "Think of many things, do one"
Mortgage 31Dec'25 est. £204,330 £309,749 2020 (ends 2038 - aiming for 2031)
Seven Goals; target lose 4lbs by Feb'26; walk/run/exercising/weights/yoga7 -
Delurking to say I have read all your diary in the last 7 days , what a journey you have been on. I wish you nothing but luck and happiness in the next phase of your life. Hoping the mortgage offer comes through soon.Life is an adventure, never stop exploring.7
-
I need to get back to a bit more batch cooking but before that I need to actually make some space in the freezer - so well and truly with you on opoeration lower-the-grocery-spend! The colouring is lovely - I love doing stuff like that but at the moment would need to get my glasses sorted out first I think - close-up stuff is not my friend right now!🎉 MORTGAGE FREE (First time!) 30/09/2016 🎉 And now we go again…New mortgage taken 01/09/23 🏡
Balance as at 01/09/23 = £115,000.00 Balance as at 31/12/23 = £112,000.00
Balance as at 31/08/24 = £105,400.00 Balance as at 31/12/24 = £102,500.00
Balance as at 31/08/25 = £ 95,450.00
£100k barrier broken 1/4/25SOA CALCULATOR (for DFW newbies): SOA Calculatorshe/her4 -
Popped in to say 'hello' and Wow! you've had a turbulent few months, glad life seems to have settled for you a bit now. Can't believe how long the mortgage is taking, they can be so awkward when they want to be...DFD March 2025 (£35000 paid off)
FFEF £10000/20000 saved6
Confirm your email address to Create Threads and Reply
Categories
- All Categories
- 352.9K Banking & Borrowing
- 253.9K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
- 454.7K Spending & Discounts
- 246K Work, Benefits & Business
- 602.1K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
- 177.8K Life & Family
- 259.9K Travel & Transport
- 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
- 16K Discuss & Feedback
- 37.7K Read-Only Boards