Aiming for Mortgage Free!

eat_that_frog

I've missed a lot RFM - well done on your EF, that's a great target to hit. And well done on the new job that's fantastic, so glad it's working out for you too.

You asked earlier about children. I'm 31 and I've got a 1 year old so thought I'd comment here. You've already had good advice about second hand goods and having a decent mat leave fune, which I completely second - my pram from g*mtree cost £40 and it was amazing. But something else to consider: before I was pregnant I was extremely career driven an I worked hard to reach the level I am at. I was adament that would not change I then had my beautiful baby and my attitude to work has not changed as such - I'm still driven - but these early years are so precious that I don't want to miss a thing, frankly. So I took a full 12 months of mat leave, and then I returned to work only 2.5 days a week to keep my career ticking over until I can go back full-time. So my salary has slashed 50%. That's fine because my husband has a good job and we're comfortable on my much decreased salary thankfully. And I know that when my child is in school full-time I will return to work full-time because I love my career and have worked hard to get to where I am. But it's something to bear in mind when you're planning your finances - your attitude to working full-time after you've had your baby might change.

Anyway hope that helps.

rugbymadfamily

Thanks ETF, really appreciate you taking the time to respond and you make some really interesting points for me to ponder so thanks very much :-)

remote_control

I sort of agree with ETF although I never wanted to go back full time. I just find life is much easier working part time as then I have a bit more time to balance everything. Although every single situation is different so don't beat yourself up about what you do.

rugbymadfamily

Its tricky as we our financial situation is that I earn significantly more than my husband (he's in education) and has minimal chance for payrises. His salary would just about cover the mortgage and council tax but nothing else. Will have to spend a bit of time figuring out a few different financial options and how things would work depending on what we decide :-)

remote_control

I know quite a few where both parents have gone to 4 days per week, and two or three where the dad works part time. In most of these cases it is because the mum is the higher earner.  Don't let all this put you off starting a family, you figure it out as you go along! No one is prepared!

rugbymadfamily

Been a pricy weekend, activity with friends Sat and then a pub roast Sunday but was nice to see people.

Have gone back to Lidl (used it preCOVID but our Lidl didn't feel very safe during the pandemic as people just completely ignored any form of social distancing but a new one has just opened and it is bigger with wider aisle so feels safer). Weekly shop was £42 which is about £15-£20 cheaper than food shops have been for a while!

Mortgage OP made of £950 which is good so its still heading in the right direction!

So glad the sun is back out, really does help with my mood. Been enjoying being back at the gym which has helped too :-)

rugbymadfamily

Have given myself a kick up the bum and got out of bed and went for a run this morning. Only 3kms but needed to get back in the swing of it as I dropped off last week. Felt good to be out there. Now together my snacking under control...last night I had 2 mini milks, a bag of crisps and some chocolate after dinner 😄

I've got a wedding to go to in about 7 weeks so need to make sure I can fit in my dress, thats my current motivation. Would like to lose another 6lbs or just tone up (I then tend to put on weight but look much better! They have a great machine at the gym which measures body fat so that is useful (although have to take the readings with a pinch of salt in terms of accuracy lol).

caeler

I must get myself into the swing of running again, I’ve had nearly two weeks off! Keep with the running that’ll help with fitting into the dress. Ps. My snacking is totally out of control! 

rugbymadfamily

Glad its not just me @caeler 😅  Went out for dinner last night for the first time since lockdown started lifting. Was more expensive than expected and I ate and drank more than I should have....but was worth every penny and calorie!!!! Back on the healthy wagon today!

rugbymadfamily

Come on the weekend! BBQ tomorrow and seeing some friends Sunday so should be good. Heading clothes shopping Mon, I have a voucher that I want to spend and I hate online shopping so am excited for a proper shop! Mainly so I stop wearing leggings and the same t shirts / jumpers every day 🙃  hahaha. Fingers crossed for some bank Holiday sunshine!