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Midlife Musings and Measurable Goals

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  • Glad the windows are going to be sorted . One less pane in the scheme of things . I wouldn't cut the coffee out in the nice place altogether . Reduce it maybe a little ? But if you like something and it's not too astronomical , then I'd do it .
    As for the kitchens as and when : I heard that howdens are cheap and cheerful . My kitchen is howdens . James did it as you know , but one of my friends told me about them also . Just something to consider ymmv etc .
    It's good to have a break from what you've been doing , but don't jump full steam ahead into everything . It'll all get done when you're ready , and you're doing great so far ...
  • doingitanyway
    doingitanyway Posts: 9,930 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Mortgage-free Glee!
    edited 30 January 2020 at 7:36PM
    Thanks AC :) You are probably right about the coffee. Thanks also for the vote of confidence in my method. It might seem I am going at it full steam but it really doesn't feel that way to me. I have the feeling I could be doing more on all fronts, but hey ho...

    A rare second post in a day because I finally realised I needed to tackle the frog outside my house. I'm doing it in stages as for some reason it feels like a BIG FROG :eek: I needed to get my head round it. So this afternoon I contacted both ins and tax to claim a refund from both. The admin charge was silly but there is still £150 due to me that I intend to start an emergency fund with as I emptied this to pay for the windows.

    Wishing you all a relaxing evening.
    If you have built castles in the air, your work should not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put the foundations under them

    Emergency fund 100/1000
    Buffer fund 0/100
    Debt Free (again) 25/072025
  • beanielou
    beanielou Posts: 95,493 Ambassador
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Academoney Grad Mortgage-free Glee!
    Good news on the window :)
    I am a Forum Ambassador and I support the Forum Team on Mortgage Free Wannabe & Local Money Saving Scotland & Disability Money Matters. If you need any help on those boards, do let me know.Please note that Ambassadors are not moderators. Any post you spot in breach of the Forum Rules should be reported via the report button , or by emailing forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com. All views are my own & not the official line of Money Saving Expert.

    Lou~ Debt free Wanabe No 55 DF 03/14.**Credit card debt free 30/06/10~** MFW. Finally mortgage free O2/ 2021****
    "A large income is the best recipe for happiness I ever heard of" Jane Austen in Mansfield Park.

    ***Fall down seven times,stand up eight*** ~~Japanese proverb.
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  • I agree with AC - no need to cut out coffee in the nice area completely as you enjoy it so much.

    Good news on the windows. :)
    x
    Finally Debt Free! - July 2016 🌟
    Finished Emergency Fund- £10,000 April 2017
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    RETIRED: MAY 2021!!!!😀🎆
    My diary: “Seasidegal's Scrimpy Retirement Diary!”
  • savingholmes
    savingholmes Posts: 28,971 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    Glad you have a date for the windows. Good that there is money on the way. Getting a dog was our best decision ever. We really wish we had done it years ago. What sort of breed are you after? There are quizes you can do online to help you work out which type of dog is best for you? We went for a miniature labradoodle - as we wanted a low allergenic dog that was affectionate, could cope while we were out and didn't bark a lot. She's been fab. We crate trained her when we got her - and she still chooses to use it as a den and a store for her treasures even though she now has free rein of the house...
    Achieve FIRE/Mortgage Neutrality in 2030
    1) MFW Nov 21 £202K now £174.8K Equity 32.77%
    2) £2.6K Net savings after CCs 6/7/25
    3) Mortgage neutral by 06/30 (AVC £24.3K + Lump Sums DB £4.6K + (25% of SIPP 1.2K) = 30.1/£127.5K target 23.6% 29/7/25
    4) FI Age 60 income target £16.5/30K 55.1%
    5) SIPP £4.8K updated 29/7/25
  • I agree with keeping the mindful, pleasurable coffee treats, It reminded me of the old Nescafe Gold Blend adverts ….. . Definitely cut the mindless frittering that brings you no pleasure though!
      
  • Your dog sounds super cute SHs. I don't know what dog I will get. I will be rehoming so to an extent it depends on availability, but a small to medium dog will suit me :)

    I am going to give working from home instead of going elsewhere another try.

    I did not get the thing I applied for that would have taken me away for several months. Ok, that is a shame, but I actually have a whole house to work from, so I am more fortunate than most. If only I can train myself to effectively work from home.

    One of the windows going in next week will be in a small bedroom I can use as an office. The room needs decorating but it is a small space and I think, surely, I can do that myself? I even have paint so it could be a low cost project. There is a new floor in there. It needs a blind. I already have a chair and desk.

    The point is, if I could work from home I can save fares and coffees and time. :money: This house has cost me a lot of time and stress and money so I should make use of it all. It is silly and not very MSE to have rooms that are not used at all. I might even find having a designated space makes all the difference. I can still have days away to work but it would be silly not to try to create an office I can work in.

    Today I am using up YS Christmas freezer food. It has served me well, as has the YS Christmas coffee. Bulk buying of YS goodies has kept my January spend lower. :money:

    Off for a walk. Hoping to pick up veggies for pennies in Mr M :money: and meet my walking target.

    Wishing you all a positive day
    If you have built castles in the air, your work should not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put the foundations under them

    Emergency fund 100/1000
    Buffer fund 0/100
    Debt Free (again) 25/072025
  • If I was getting a dog , it would be a shitzu because life is crap.
    Then again , the size of me would probably break it if I didn't see it:o
    You'll find the one that is right for you I'm sure DIA

    Sounds like a good idea of having the home office . Yes, painting the room would be a good pick me up , with the blinds imho
    You have new floor and a chair and desk . The only things that I could say you may need if you haven't already got it , is room for your work ( ie shelving . Box files ? ) and possibly Cheaply computer speakers if you want some sounds in the background . Maybe a framed picture or 2? I'll leave it there :)

    Have a good weekend ..
  • I moved out of the house, into an office to get a work/life balance. While I do love the office, I don't like the travelling and extra expense. Transforming your small room may work really well. Could you trial it for a year?
      
  • Don’t forget to show it as a cost in your accounts
    Mortgage at 01.01.14 £119,481.83:eek: today £0 Emergency fund £5.5/5.5k & £200/200 cash.:jWeight 24/02/19 14st 7lb now 12st determined to stop defining myself by my mistakes. Progress not perfection.:T100%through my 1% mortgage challenge. 100% through my pb challenge.
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