2020++ - smiling and waving and looking so fine

savingholmes

Well done on the steps.

mark55man

Just done my monthly updates and a bit overspent.  I think I have left myself a little short with my savings and mortgage targets so I am keeping the regular savers but putting a chunk less into the pension which I am using to build up a mortgage repayment fund 

had a good old spreadsheet day last weekend and my plans for retirement are still good.   Target  April so I can enjoy the summer, although I suspect I may allow myself to be persuaded to stay a little beyond that, especially if the next General Election is not called too early in the year

Steps are doing OK but still not fully back as I have been a little under the weather

Weight looking a little better last 5lbs since the start of this campaign,  Would like to lose a few stone as I have done before but starting gradually just cutting carbs 

savingholmes

I can related on the stretching savings target. I figure even if I  don't attain my goal - I'm still a lot further on than if I set an easier target.

mark55man

Oh Hello 

Been quiet - had a bit of a lurgi and also a week trip to visit FIL in the North

Was very very very wet which limited outings to coffee shops and pubs - which I didn't have a problem with, although weight is now plateaued (although can you truly plateau if you haven't valleyed).  Steps going OK - not going to make 2.5m but 2m is still very much on if I can get back to 7k a day

Money a bit tight this month following summer spends but the trip up North will help as FIL is very generous so basically just petrol and then a week of free board and lodging.  OH Car made it through MOT without troubling the scorers but a full service added a bit to the bill

Planning for real now for a visit to my brother in another timezone after retirement looking like later in June so maybe work a couple of months into the next Tax Year which will allow me to nearly earn my 24/25 personal allowance which is quite tax efficient.  Then Pina Colada by the beach for a couple of weeks

alt80

Good to hear from you. The weather has been generally poor all this year, makes the step count harder to achieve imo. Sounds like you’ve an excellent plan to make the most of the first few months of retirement.

doingitanyway

Good to have plans to see family in another time zone. Wow, you retirement is so close now.
Hope you feel better after the lurgy

mark55man

Yes - like most things the lurgy is taking its time but I'll be fit for work tomorrow - and quite looking forward to it.  we just had a good but hectic week before I went away and so this week will be quieter and more business as usual.

Nice to hear from you alt80 - I'm not great at keeping up with the busier diaries but will pop over and see how you are doing!!

savingholmes

Hope you are fully recovered now.

Retirement plans and trip idea sounds great too 

Sarahwithlove

Definitely sounds like you have some nice things to look forward to in your retirement. It's crept round so quickly! 

mark55man

Thank you both. Yes I still have a few things to work out but the intent and plans are real.

Other news:
CC3 bubbling over and not settling down will see how we go but small beer just need more discipline
Weight beginning to come down -4lbs (/65 !!) since I started in September 
Steps 2 of 7 this week above average daily target (2m in 2023) is 6150/d