*sigh* this may take a while

savingholmes

Nichelette has a big mortgage £280K ish that she's been motoring through. Glad you are keeping well. 

ohdearhowdidthathappen

Thanks for the suggestions, I've started reading through some.  Some of them are very inspiring, so many have teeny mortgages, I'm jealous
I've got an antibody test at work next week, I'm intrigued at the result as I'm pretty sure I've had the virus.  Will be interesting to see either way!

mark55man

I think everybody would want to know - I know I do, although I suspect not - good luck either way!

savingholmes

Hope you get the result you want

ohdearhowdidthathappen

I'm indifferent either way, even if you've had it I don't think they've it makes you immune.  I'm just being nosy
I think they're trying to build a picture of how prevalent it's been, I'm sure some statistics bods will have fun with the graphs etc.  NHS folk are usually pretty obedient (have to be to tolerate working there), if we're asked to get blood tests the majority will, so we make good guinea pigs!

ohdearhowdidthathappen

Now we're virtually debt free (except for our ginormous mortgage), we're trying to figure out our next plan.  If we don't make one, we'll end up cruising and not making best use of our money.  We looked at Dave Ramsay to see how we're doing against the babysteps, we don't follow his plan religiously, kind of a mix of DR and MSE.

1- done.  £1K saved
2- will be done on 25th June
3 - we want to save £15K for this step
4 - done.  I contribute 9.5% of salary and NHS put in 20% or similar.  OH puts in 8% and his employer match it
5 - kids will get student loans, we'll contribute a monthly amount, yet to be decided.  So kind of done (for now)
6- we'd like to reduce our mortgage term from 21 years to 15.
7 - long way off!

We're going to aim for the following 5 year plan:
We're going to do steps 3 and 6 concurrently using my salary (£1500pm). 
To reduce the mortgage term by 6 years will cost £550 a month in overpayments. 
We're initially planning to save £250 a month into an account for the 5 years to get us to the £15k.
That (in theory) leaves us £700pm to put towards house renovations (£15k) and holidays (£3k pa).... so £250pm for holidays and £450pm towards house renovations. 
By my maths, that means we should be able to finish the house within 3 years and have a nice holiday each year. If we then put renovation money towards savings, we could have the £15k pot saved within 4 years and then be able to focus fully on the mortgage and long term savings (step 7).
Obviously, I'm sure life will get in the way of the best laid plans, but I like the plan and it's what we're going to aim for.  I'll change my signature on 1st July to reflect the new goals   Might even be brave and do a new SOA based on our now known expenses.  

Sarahwithlove

You're doing so well and your plan sounds good. You still get to have nice things such as a holiday and make sure you plan for the future. Good luck with the next stage of your journey 

Chrystal

I agree that without a plan everything just goes sideways, so lovely to hear positive steps being planned for. It's amazing what can be done with a can do attitude and keeping your eyes on the goal.   X

savingholmes

Glad you have a plan. It's lovely to see your progress and hear your so 'chipper'

ohdearhowdidthathappen

Thanks so much Sarah, Chrystal and SH
It is nice to have a plan, I'm sure it will end up being flexed by life in reality. 
I am naturally a glass half empty sort of person (realist?) and unfortunately I'm rarely proven wrong, lol.  But life is good and I wouldn't really change anything (although a lottery win would be nice!)