Mortgage free mum

longway2go

Evening,

I finished wrapping my advent book calander yesterday so a Christmas job off the list.

Next week is my husbands and sons birthday so today I have been getting bits together for that. A slight overspend for the week but I'm OK with that. I still feel like I am learning a lot about saving for times where I will spend more such as birthdays. I have created a pot for it but not had time to fund it yet but will be working on this when I get paid. I have also have a pot for Christmas Pressies and Car which will be funded monthly going forward. When I get paid I will set up summer holiday, holiday and Christmas activity pots (each need £10 to set up to get any interest).

I have made a chocolate guinness cake today and will make one for my son during the week. Feeling glad all birthday presents are purchased and wrapped as getting tight with time this week esp as I'm starting back at work.

Another small 2 fb sell.... Better than nothing.

Waiting for a payment in Monday so that I can make my next op.

We are having a family movie night tonight which we have been doing since my eldest started school as a treat for him. We all love it though as its time for us all to chill together.

Have a good evening.

longway2go

I have had a look at ynab and think that it could really help. I have already felt my mindset shift a little and realised how much it could help us long term. I have ordered a sample of the book to my kindle and if I like it may look and see if it is available at the library. Has anyone read the book?

My monzo money for the week hasn't moved across yet and tbh is a little frustrating. It says it will be there by 4 today but when I was setting up the move I didn't realise moves from savings accounts only happen on a weekday so thought it would move over yesterday ready for this morning. I guess this will be OK going forward but a little more aware of it today as its ohs birthday.

I have seen a fb post and really think we are paying over the odds for utilities. We are with British Gas and pay 48.65 for gas and 77.94 for electric. I need to look into it as I think we have some kind of white goods repair plan linked to it. We live in a 3 bed house but have seen quotes alit cheaper from octopus, EDF and shell on the fb group and some referral codes aswell.

I have seen a little bit about hive and think I would like to understand it more and costs etc. It may be that it's better to stay wihh British gas to get it installed and then move but I really don't understand it all. If anyone can give any guidance in this area I would be greatful and if anyone has any experience of hive and can share information that would be helpful.

To do:

Make 140 op
Investigate hive
Investigate cheaper energy suppliers
Review life ins
Set up monzo posts when paid
Finish Christmas shopping
Update website

I will add a quick figures update when the op has been made.

Onwards and downwards

longway2go

Made an OP of 142.18, which ahas saved us 84 interest. In total the overpayments and interest saved are 3024.38 which is over 3 months saved which I am very happy with.

Mortgage is down to 157357.44 and saving 80.97 per year in interest.

Onwards and downwards

longway2go

A busy week for me starting back at work and bith my husband and sons birthdays. My accounts seem to have taken a hit with one thing and another.

Ynab logic is really hitting home with me atm and am considering what to do next month as my priority should be sorting my accounts out. Part of me is still pulled to making an OP of 343 which would then at least offset the interest payment for the month (and is my minimal aim). One way to look at it is that not every month will be smooth sailing but I think I am terrified of loosing motivation so genuinely feel torn.

shopaholicnumber1

Hope the return to work hasn't been too difficult! I find going back after a bank holiday a wrench! I know what you mean about YNAB - I'm slightly obsessed as you can see from my diary ... good luck with the OPs :T

longway2go

Thanks shopaholic, it's been OK, quite tiring and lots of change to adjust to but hopefully it will all slot into place soon.

longway2go

Has been a while since I posted but think that is because I have decided I need to take the next couple of months to straighten my accounts in preparation for restarting ops/savings in the new year. I have used the ynab logic and put it into a s/sheet which I have shared with my oh (normally it's me crunching numbers in the background). As much as I don't like the idea of not making ops for a few months we need to do this for a clearer op future.

Have been paid less than I thought this month which hasn't helped but will be back to full salary next month.

It's half term do taken our 2 little men on a weekend trip which was lovely although now my smallest is poorly. I hate being at work when one of the boys is not well so wishing away the next few days.

Need to talk to oh about British Gas and see what he thinks about the hive option. We need to see if it's something that will save us money etc.

Had an enquiry about my second job which is positive and may help with the budget over the next few months and make the pause in ops smaller.

My main aim this month is sticking to the budget!!!!

longway2go

Hi,

Today has been a stay at home day as my little boy is still not well. It does mean a NSD except for getting a few things from the supermarket out of my planned budget.

Have been looking at ynab more and its inspiring me to get everything in order.

I am not making an OP this month but nice to see one my accounts getting in order and reminding myself it's very short term. My monthly payment to the mortgage has dropped us into the next 1000 bracket and closer to my mini goal of 155k.

It's been a very wet and rainy day here and had some home made soup for lunch.

I need to do another batch cook so may attempt some bits tomorrow.

longway2go

Evening,

Thought I would post a little update.

My lb is feelinguch better but I feel a sore throat and cold coming. Just the time of the year I think.

I managing my money so much better now I have ynab although I need to update it a bit the principles have struck a cord and I'm really pleased.

Christmas shopping is well underway I have a few more people to buy for but two I know what I'm getting, it's too early to buy for 1 as he will change his mind and the other 2 should be OK. One is oh and the my lb who I have some bits for. I have wrapped most of what I have got so feeling in control for once.

I did some batch cooking to top up the freezer and tried to think of things we normally run out of in the month so we can avoid top ups as we tend to but more in the shops which we don't need when we do this.

I have had an enquiry from someone for my second job so may stretch to an OP if that comes in.

Other than that things are pretty hectic here just trying to balance the return to work and multiple communications from school for my eldest.

BVic28

Read your thread during nightfeeds - I’m the sand in that I’m just starting my mortgage free journey while on mat leave so I can’t wait to follow how you balance overpaying with enjoying life with a young family