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Giving every £ a job

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Comments

  • savingholmes
    savingholmes Posts: 29,087 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    Sorry to hear about your cat. 

    I would get sparkly laces. You can use chalk paint on shoes... 
    Achieve FIRE/Mortgage Neutrality in 2030
    1) MFW Nov 21 £202K now £171.8K Equity 36.37%
    2) £2.6K Net savings after CCs 10/10/25
    3) Mortgage neutral by 06/30 (AVC £27.9K + Lump Sums DB £4.6K + (25% of SIPP 1.25K) = 34/£127.5K target 26.6% 10/10/25
    (If took bigger lump sum = 60.35K or 47.6%)
    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 £5K updated 10/10/25
  • Blackcats
    Blackcats Posts: 4,007 Forumite
    Sixth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
     Feeling very sad and tearful today as eldest black cat was put to sleep this morning. 
    We think he was about 18 (a rescue cat that we'd had for 13 years).  He was a lovely boy - very affectionate and gentle (except to mice).
    other black cat was surprised but grateful when he was spoiled and got a bowl of lightly poached fresh cod tonight and I expect he will get an extra helping of dreamies too - all he has to do is tolerate lots of cuddles from a sad me.


  • Sun_Addict
    Sun_Addict Posts: 24,419 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    Oh I’m so sorry to read this. 18 is a good age and he had a loving home with you. We had to say goodbye to our old boy aged 21 a few years ago, he was in a bad way at the end and it was the kindest thing to do for him. It was still upsetting though. I know how sad you must feel, sending a big hug your way x
    I get knocked down but I get up again (Chumbawamba, Tubthumping)
  • foxgloves
    foxgloves Posts: 12,826 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Awww, so sorry to hear about your fur friend @Blackcats. Been there several times & it never gets any easier. They're part of the family in their own particular special catty way & they leave a big hole when they're no longer with us. .F x
    2025's challenges: 1) To fill our 10 Savings Pots to their healthiest level ever
    2) To read 100 books (46/100) 3) The Shrinking of Foxgloves 8.1kg/30kg

    "Life can only be understood backwards but it must be lived forwards" (Soren Kirkegaard 1813-55)
  • ladyholly
    ladyholly Posts: 4,025 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    I am so sorry to hear of your cat. Its like losing family - no it is losing family. I can only tell you what the vet said to me " it is the last kindness we can do for our animals". Thinking of you.
  • lucielle
    lucielle Posts: 11,592 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    I’m so sorry. He’s out of pain and playing over rainbow bridge. 
    L
    Total Debt Dec 07 £59875.83 Overdrafts £2900,New Debt Figure ZERO !!!!!!:j 08/06/2013
    Lucielle's Daring Debt Free Journey
    DFD Before we Die!!!! Long Haul Supporter #124
  • savingholmes
    savingholmes Posts: 29,087 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    Sorry to hear your news.
    Achieve FIRE/Mortgage Neutrality in 2030
    1) MFW Nov 21 £202K now £171.8K Equity 36.37%
    2) £2.6K Net savings after CCs 10/10/25
    3) Mortgage neutral by 06/30 (AVC £27.9K + Lump Sums DB £4.6K + (25% of SIPP 1.25K) = 34/£127.5K target 26.6% 10/10/25
    (If took bigger lump sum = 60.35K or 47.6%)
    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 £5K updated 10/10/25
  • Blackcats
    Blackcats Posts: 4,007 Forumite
    Sixth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    thanks everyone for your kind messages - it does help to know that others understand how hard it is to say goodbye to a much loved pet.
    I'm feeling a bit better today - I knew it was the right decision for blackcat1 but I didn't want to make that decision.  I'm coming to terms with it now and trying to look back on the happy life he had with us.

    I think this will be the first month when my various income streams are paid at the right amount on the regular date so I'm interested to work out a real budget for the future.  Slightly nervous to get the gas and electricity bill as we have had the heating on some evenings - we are being more considered about when we put it on and for how long.  We haven't used the oven at all (used hob, air fryer and slow cooker).  I slightly increased the regular direct debit and the £66 is on top of that and we had a reasonable credit balance ....  will wait and see what the damage is.

    However, I do feel fairly in control of the grocery budget.  There's lots in the freezer and cupboards, olio is amazing for us and of course meal planning is a game changer.  
  • CRANKY40
    CRANKY40 Posts: 5,931 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Debt-free and Proud! Name Dropper
    I'm sorry to read about oldest black cat, it's never easy is it? Our naughty black cat went 3 years ago but I still miss her (as do the neighbours that she visited). 
  • savingholmes
    savingholmes Posts: 29,087 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    Good luck with the energy bill. Little changes can make a huge difference.
    Achieve FIRE/Mortgage Neutrality in 2030
    1) MFW Nov 21 £202K now £171.8K Equity 36.37%
    2) £2.6K Net savings after CCs 10/10/25
    3) Mortgage neutral by 06/30 (AVC £27.9K + Lump Sums DB £4.6K + (25% of SIPP 1.25K) = 34/£127.5K target 26.6% 10/10/25
    (If took bigger lump sum = 60.35K or 47.6%)
    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 £5K updated 10/10/25
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