The "Save 12k in 2019" Thread

darkidoe

slowlyfading wrote: »

Spreadsheet updated


Have to say - I love running this thread and seeing people save money. But, some of the totals each month make me feel like I'm not good enough - the monthly total is more than our household income combined



Then I try and remember that I'm doing my best, and continue to plod along regardless

If you have kids and you are still saving! I think that is a massive achievement!

You don't know the circumstances behind each and every monthly total. Numbers don't tell the whole picture and the struggles and failures and achievement behind savings. Number are useful as a fixed point and a guide but don't get too fixed on it.

Westie983

Declaring £200 for November, finally can see the finishing line

Westie983

Lomcevak

slowlyfading wrote: »

Have to say - I love running this thread and seeing people save money. But, some of the totals each month make me feel like I'm not good enough - the monthly total is more than our household income combined

I save a lot at the moment, perhaps more than anyone else in the challenge, but it reflects particular circumstances at a particular time of life - we are both mid-40s, our kids are older (eldest two at university, youngest in year 8), we're both in senior, well-paid jobs (director-level aerospace engineer and university professor), and we have particular FIRE goals that mean we are saving hard - we don't have a grand house or big cars, and run what's probably an unusually frugal budget for our levels of income, so typically our saving rate is around 75% of monthly take-home pay.

For many years though we saved very little - we had kids quite young, were at the bottom of the career ladder, and scraped by. Fortunately we always made sensible pension choices, but had very little else put aside. It's only really in the last seven or eight years that the savings rates have started to climb as we've worked up the career path, and only in the last four or five that they've started to become substantial.

Queen_of_the_Hive

SF you're doing a wonderful thing running this thread. I personally have have had a really tough year financially where for the majority I was limited on when I could work due to personal circumstances. This thread was a lifesaver as it made me keep the hope up my dream of home ownership could still happen so please don't compare yourself to anyone and be proud of your own achievements. I'm hooked and definitely carrying on next year and wanting to build upon the progress made. ��

skid112

SF, you do a fabulous job, juggling everything you do. I am in total awe of how you manage things and I have all the days to do stuff and still it gets left. This is my first year, a good year yes, but I was, I am very fortunate.

Next will be very tough, my target will be 10% of this year and that will be a struggle, but inspiration is from this thread and others on MSE, I just want to thank you for all your help, all your efforts and tips, I hate to use this word, so American, but you really are awesome

tommyedinburgh

I'm buzzing to start the 2020 challenge!

AnxiousTheElephant

Also looking forward to 2020!! Trying to work out now what to target at and what to include (avc on pension/savings I know I will need to spend at the latter part of next year etc)

bioboybill

slowlyfading wrote: »

Spreadsheet updated


Have to say - I love running this thread and seeing people save money. But, some of the totals each month make me feel like I'm not good enough - the monthly total is more than our household income combined



Then I try and remember that I'm doing my best, and continue to plod along regardless

I know what you mean, but if somebody is saving more than your household income combined then that's just that they are getting paid a lot more than you that's all. Not a great deal you can do about that. I for one am really grateful that you started and manage this thread so well. I've saved more these last 2 years than for the rest of my life due to the inspiration from this. And it looks like early next year we might have to spend £5K+ on dental implants for my wife, so the money we've saved is a real "lifesaver" there.

bioboybill

#157 declaring £1425.38 for November and form updated. This month's total boosted nicely by a tax refund and some money from referrals.

sonas_baby

No 66 reporting in for November with £455 saved this month, and thanks to credit union xmas club (I don't include this in savings) Christmas presents all paid for as well. ����