Now debt free ... Update ! Hoping this is the right place

Storm89

I've had a few messages from some lovely folks wondering how I'm getting on since closing my thread after worrying I had given too much away and people IRL might find out about our debt problems.
Anyway the update is to say we are nearly debt free but focusing on saving as much as possible whilst still enjoying life and holidays.
When I was last on here we had a holiday to Center Parcs booked and were saving £100 a month towards it whilst paying a minimum of £500 a month off the debt (I think it stood around £10k). We had a lovely holiday and it felt so nice knowing none of it had gone on credit.
We also cleared most of the debt by remortgaging. This is never advised on here but the massive sense of relief we felt on doing so was incredible. We are paying £300 a month on the remaining debt which currently stands at £2138 & is on interest free. Even with this, we should still have at least £1k a month left over (savings start this month).
There has been another development and my husband and I split up not long ago. We are 'on a break' and he's currently staying at his parents but we are hoping to get back to living together by the end of the year. Financial stability for us as a family is so important as I'm sure many on here can appreciate. It seems crazy to have got so far and to be in this comfortable position , to then split up and end up struggling and not being able to get 2 seperate mortgages.
So I'm hoping to use this thread to update on our savings, relationship & final debt repayments, without giving away too much that people in real life may find out who I am

* The impact the remortgage has had on our actual mortgage has been minimal. We increased it by another 3 years and the repayments are less than before so we are in a position to overpay or save to move to a bigger property. Everyone views mortgage debt differently.

Storm89

Our monthly outgoings not including the debt repayment but including mortgage, energy bills, Netflix, extra curriculars etc is £1500. So our first aim is to have £4500 (3 months outgoings) in savings.
I'll update in more detail later

Storm89

I also should have entitled this thread 'nearly debt free' haha

Homegrown0

Storm! So lovely to see you back

Sorry to read about your relationship troubles but its nice to see you taking steps to work towards an ultimate resolution. Some time living apart will hopefully help.

Sounds like you're on an even keel financially. You'll be in a position to overpay on the mortgage before you know it.

Storm89

Thank you
My husband is coming over for tea tonight as that's the routine we have got into. He stays for tea once a week and then takes one child each weekend (this is because of their additional needs they don't mix well together). Every so often they spend a weekend together and that's happening this weekend whilst I go out with a friend.
I do think the financial strain and that of having the 2 SEN children has had an impact on our relationship. We love the kids to bits and really want to make it work so we are going to slog it out the best way we know how. If he was to move back in we would still spend weekends apart and then a family weekend every month or so. He's joined the gym now we have spare money so has his own little hobby which is great. We are having to pay £250 board to his parents but it's not as big a deal now we are free from most of the debt.
No holiday plans this year which is a shocker I know considering my obsession with them. We just want to know where we are emotionally before we commit financially to anything.
Finances are looking good so far this month. 11 days left and we have £1216 between the 2 current accounts. I still have some carers allowance to go in and husbands board to go out plus other bills but it's still quite healthy. A million miles away from where we were before.
My target was to save £1k this month so we have a nice start to our savings , however I think there's a problem with the toilet in the ensuite and I'll need to get a plumber out. I'm not letting it bother me too much because I remember what it was like worrying where the money would come from for such things.

Storm89

Tea went well , husband stayed for a couple of hours. We have been living apart since October now so settling into some form of a routine. I'm spending today having a big clean so nothing exciting. The shopping was delivered yesterday -£58. Those of you who remember I do a weekly shop and don't pop out during the week for anything else because I freeze bread etc. No spends today because I'm not leaving the house.

Mumoffourkids

Sorry to hear about the marriage issues, but good to hear you are on a better financial footing.

I do hope things work out for you, but it does sound like you are on top of your finances now.

Storm89

Thanks mumoffourkids I hope you're doing well ? I'll catch up on your thread now, although I've probably missed so much it's been months .
The kids are with my husband this weekend. I had a takeaway last night which was £13 and then I'm out with a friend tonight . We are going to an event that cost £49 each but I already paid for it last month so the only money I'll spend is for food on the way there. It feels so nice being able to go out. I've not had a social life for years ! My husband has joined the gym and goes to the pub on Fridays too, it's amazing what that little bit of financial freedom does for your soul.
We have £1370 left in current accounts at the moment but still 9 days left in the month and everything seems to go out the last few days including £250 for husbands board at his parents.
I'll probably do end of month updates and then start of month targets like I did on my old thread rather than pay day to pay day.

Storm89

No spends yesterday and had a good night out. I stayed over at my mams so will be going home later this afternoon when my husband drops the kids off. Not intending to spend any money today either. Only a week until I can see those closing balances !

Homegrown0

Looks like it's all going well on your end!

How did the kids get on both being with your husband for the weekend? I noticed you said it was tricky to have them both together - hope it all worked out.

Choccygirl123

There's a name I'm pleased to see. Great to see you back. I'm so sorry about the problems you and hubby are having. I'm sure the fact you're nearly df is at least one pressure off your shoulders. Good to see you back in diaryland xxx