FtbDreaming wants to clear £69,700 before Im 40 (2027)

Bluegreen143

Just read and subscribed to your diary! Sounds like you’re doing brilliant even on a low income to manage so many overpayments and loft savings! Hoping I can get sorted to make my first OP in the next couple of months (once I’ve build the emergency fund) as I’m feeling quite inspired now! Would be amazing if you are able to clear your mortgage in 7 years.

FtbDreaming

Haha thanks @Bluegreen143 I think I’m lucky because I get paid weekly I get to budget a lot easier. If it was monthly I would probably struggle a lot more. 

Haha it would be amazing and probably a  miracle lol! I’ve gotta try at least! Good luck with your journey too!  Xx

FtbDreaming

Hello! Payslip day today. I’m only getting £230 this week so no more overpayments this month especially with it being the end of the month payday I need to leave it for the direct debits. According to my spreadsheet I’m about £1400 better off than this time last month with the savings and mortgage balance so think it’s been good! 

I am so excited for restrictions to be lifted and for life to go back to normal (I know it probably won’t happen as planned) but at the same time feel a bit weird about all the money I’ve been able to save won’t be happening anywhere near as much. If we go to the zoo as a family you’re talking £120 just for the tickets and we do take our own lunch and that but it still costs. Or even a pub tea comes in around about £50... I know we are going to indulge in all these luxuries that we’ve missed so much so I just need to prepare myself not to feel guilty! After all I earn the money so I should be able to spend it guilt free! 

The loft fund Is progressing nicely... nothing physically happening yet but that’s good, it means I’m showing self restraint. 

2 annoying things happened today... first thing when I woke up I dropped a full loo roll in the loo 🤯 then I was sat reading a kindle book (91% through) and the subscription expiry email came through and the book disappeared 🤦🏼‍♀️ Aww well! At least that’s my biggest problem at the minute lol xxx

caeler

I am also feeling conflicted! Obviously I want things to get back to normal and I long to see my family but the cost of living will go back up, substantially! I’ve saved so much money in lockdown! 

FtbDreaming

I’ve had a terrible spendy week. First thing was Saturday tickets to Leeds festival. I’ve never been to one before and was feeling all depressed and cooped up when Lewis Capaldi was on Lorraine saying he was on so I ‘had a look’ and bought 2 tickets for £160... the DD’s can come though for free so £160 for 4 of us so not too bad. 

Then my brake calliper had stuck on my car so that was £110 for callipers discs and pads. Got them online for that price. Would be looking around £400 in local motor factors so money saved there. DP will be fitting them so no mechanic fees thank goodness! Also means I can’t use the car until it’s fixed so will save fuel money! 

I’ve booked a night in a camping pod in April for £90... it’s where we used to go in the caravan but I sold that in August and am now regretting it so I still want to get a few single nights away as we would have if we had the caravan. Paid £25 deposit upto now. Balance is due at the end of March so not too bad. 

Then I have my 2nd dentist appointment this Thursday which is when I’ll have to pay the £170 balance. Plus it’s the end of the month so all my usual direct debits will go out! 

Aww well. I said in my last post I could feel a blowout coming on. I haven’t touched savings or credit cards and only £30 in overdraft until Tuesday so it’s not too bad. Loft fund has increased by pennies and still sent my £20 a week into emergency funds.

Goal for this week is to spend as little as possible 🤞🏼 X

MovingForwards

Things to look forward to as a family for a couple of nights, doesn't sound to expensive TBH. Don't be so hard on yourself.

It's hard to find a balance between saving, fun, work and everything in between.

Bluegreen143

It is hard to get a good balance. Only thing I would do is (assuming you pay interest/fees on the OD) is I would take the £30 from savings v having to pay for OD. If it’s interest free then ignore me!

FtbDreaming

Thanks! Yes you’re right @MovingForwards and @Bluegreen143 I’ve just transferred it over now. I went £70 in it the other month and it cost me about £1.20 so might as well just transfer it from savings and spend nothing! 

I’ve spent the last 2 hours jet washing my driveway! It’s the first time since laying it. It looks a bit brighter but need to get the cement cleaning stuff to bring it up properly. I haven’t bothered upto now as it’s been winter and we laid the drive in October just as the weather turned. I’ve just gone over the back with a brush and bleach too! It’s come up lovely from the jet wash last week but needs a couple of refreshes! 

Now I’m sat in the back garden at my table. It’s lovely and peaceful! I think I’m in my happy place now☺️

MovingForwards

You're coming across happier, more settled and relaxed, enjoy your garden!

FtbDreaming

£2.70 op today to round it down to £67,500. I did take the £2.70 out of the loft fund but never mind! Hopefully
on the 12th March payday I’ll have enough money to round the loft fund upto £2000 and make an OP of £100 or £200. 

My friend text yesterday and said the bonus has been extended throughout March now too. My hands are tied until the 21st as that’s still this tax year but I’m thinking do a 5 day week for the last week of March which will get me around £600 bonus that’ll do nicely for the loft fund. 

I’ve just had to walk on the school run as my brake parts still haven’t come and dp is out in his car. It’s chilly today compared to yesterday but was nice to start the day with some fresh air and done 3700 steps already! X