2020 - 'Nothing in your life will change until you make the decision to change'

jwil

beanielou said:

You are doing so well.
When does your first debt fall off?  A big one or a wee one?

Thank you   It's falling off this month assuming it comes off straight away.  It's disappeared from one of my credit reports already   It's number 4 on my list, so nearly £5k.  The others are a while away yet, this one defaulted much earlier than the rest.  It's very exciting though!

Kitten868 said:

You sound super positive and organised and in control. I'm so happy for you. Maybe its where you're having a better work life balance with time off and time at home? Maybe thats something you can look at for yourself going forward. Maybe its where the house is clearing and feels more yours and you feel more in control of it? Either way you are doing so so well and I'm so impressed by you. Xxxx

Thank you lovely .  It does make a big difference having more time at home.  I'm dreading the return to work tomorrow already.  The house clearing definitely impacts on my mood, The clutter just sucks the life out of me.  I'd love to do fewer hours, but realistically until the debts are gone and the house is sorted it's not going to happen (unless I get made redundant in the meantime)

doingitanyway

Everyone is right. You are doing great! When you said 'clutter just sucks the life out of me...' is so true.
Maybe it is too soon to go part time but maybe it is something you can work towards?

jwil

I haven't spent the time on the financials today, as I went with DH to get his flu jab this morning, and we were out longer than expected.  At least he's had it now!  I have finished wrapping the kids stuff, and will try and finish the postable stuff later.

My totals for the year are:
Debts - reduced by £1117
Mortgage - reduced by £4575
Savings - increased by £4369  

I can't argue with that, I'm very pleased

Next year I think I'm going to focus on the mortgage while interest rates are so low, and also building up the savings.  I want to have £1000 easily accessible, increase my premium bonds, put more away in my LISA, and also save for some F&F settlements.  I'm going to let the debts tick over.  I'd love to clear the £8k one, so will need a bigger lump sum to get a realistic offer on that one.  Then of course, I want to start getting the work on the house done!

jwil

doingitanyway said:

Everyone is right. You are doing great! When you said 'clutter just sucks the life out of me...' is so true.
Maybe it is too soon to go part time but maybe it is something you can work towards?

Thank you   It's so true about the clutter.  It makes everything such an effort, I just tend not to bother!
I'd love to be part time, and will certainly consider it in the future when the finances are in a better place and the work on the house has been done.  It's too risky at the moment with DH's job being at risk, but even 4 days a week in the future would be nice!

beanielou

I think if I was you (which I am not!) I would just let the debts fall off & as you say concentrate on the mortgage 

savingholmes

Great progress despite challenges

jwil

beanielou said:

I think if I was you (which I am not!) I would just let the debts fall off & as you say concentrate on the mortgage 

I think you are right.  I will just let them tick over.  They are all frozen so no interest, so I should really concentrate on the highest interest debt which is the mortgage!

savingholmes said:

Great progress despite challenges

Thank you

jwil

Not much to report really.  I'm back at work, so not achieving huge amounts otherwise.  DH may be going back next week so that's a relief, but I'm guessing he'll most likely be in and out for a while now until restrictions ease.

I've posted two of the postable parcels, so that's good, and I've just got one to finish now.  I've just got to get little miss to do her thank you card for her birthday gifts and then I can post it with it, so that will probably be at the weekend.

A positive covid case in school, but luckily not in either of the kids years.  I'm amazed we've lasted so long without one to be honest.

beanielou

So am I!! 

jwil

beanielou said:

So am I!! 

We've been very lucky with a low case rate, and given that lots of parents work at the hospital, the hospital PPE and hygiene processes are obviously working well!

I have just been given a free audiobook from audible.  That's always welcome    DH has sold another item as well, so something else to go too.