Cutting it Fine - the challenge is on!

SandyShores

Couple of bits added to the bay of flea today.  Plus DH has been busy in the garden, so all the spends have been put to good use.  I was working out DH's new salary - its always difficult when you start half-way through a month, then HMRC calculated his tax as if his first wage was for one month (instead of 1.5 months), and didn't have his BIK there.  We've corrected it on the HMRC site, but it takes a couple of days to recalculate, then he needs to pay his extra tax, and we'll need to see what effect the pension has as well.  We probably won't get a true figure until the end of September payslip, but my calculations show that MrShores' will be able to contribute another £300.  I'm so excited to start paying off the mortgage proper in a few months time.  I know we will still be looking at 10 years to pay it down, but every little payment - no matter how small - makes me feel more in control.

savingholmes

Well done on decluttering and OPs - as you say they all help. 

SandyShores

The new figure has come through from HMRC for DH, but the first few weeks when the benefits in kind weren't added have been added to be spread over the rest of the tax year.  Ever so slightly annoying, but it shouldn't make too much difference.  We need to check to make sure no more self assessment forms are needed, and then check the HMRC calcs again as they seem to have added a random figure - we think they are anticipating some SE (which isn't the case).

Thank you savingholmes, it does feel like I am finally getting somewhere. 

I was just looking at some dresses I've been saving in my wardrobe and wondering if I should let them go to the CS.  They've been in my wardrobe for several years now - and I'd really like to get into them again, but 1. I'm starting to wonder if I will ever get there, 2. Whether I will want to wear them if I do get there and 3. Whether they are just cluttering and stopping me from feeling decluttered.  Now I'm down to a size 14 again I've got plenty of clothes to wear.  If I get down to a small 14 again I will probably just go out and buy something new in a huge celebration.

I do need to have another clear out anyway, as I'm almost at the stage where I'm ready to buy myself a chest of drawers.  Which is doubly good, as I'll probably be able to salvage a huge piece of cardboard from the packing to make myself a room screen/board.  I was in the garden all day yesterday, but today I need to do a bit a food shopping then do a bit of cleaning ready for the week ahead.   Would be good to start the week feeling organised.

savingholmes

I am working hard to overcome a tendency to keep stuff for 'just-in'. I vote clear them out.

SandyShores

Thanks savingholmes.  I think I was over on your page posting when you were on mine   Yes, you are totally right, I've had a bit of a lightbulb moment today, as far as clothes are concerned.  I was thinking that I'd lost a bit of focus on paying down the mortgage, which I have a little - as the garden has been calling.  But its been helpful to concentrate on something else for a while.  My main aim is to pay the mortgage off as soon as possible, and definitely be able to retire without it hanging around my neck.  I want to be able to leave something for DD so that she will have some support when we can't be there for her.  Although we've cut it fine, DH and me both now have jobs that are reasonably well paid, so its all do-able.  The only thing is I would like to make sure I'm working at something that is not only well paid, but that I enjoy and feel satisfaction in. The difference in a job where you feel its a slog and one where you feel a reward just from doing the job is immense.  The second doesn't even feel like a job.  Thinking cap on to find that one now.

Moneyfordreams

i have been wardrobe shopping this summer and enjoyed wearing long forgotten clothes - however some of them have been bagged up to go to the charity shops - and several new items. 

SandyShores

Hi Moneyfordreams.  Well, I bagged up all the clothes I've been keeping for the day when I can get into them again.  I've got enough clothes in my new (large 14) size, rather than my previous12/small 14 size.  I like my current clothes, they fit well and I can afford to lose a few lbs without them being too baggy.  So if that time ever does come it will be a while off yet.  

Feels good to have it all bagged up - I confess to keeping a lovely old pair of jeans, and a Laura Ashley skirt and a Monsoon top (for a while anyway).  But it will be a nice feeling to drop that bag into the CS.  One item also packed up ready for posting off.  I've more or less done with fleabay - its £3.20 Royal Mail for a small parcel, and then once the fees are taken out its even less.  Don't get me wrong £3 profit for advertising something, packing it up and then posting it, isn't to be sniffed at - but I will probably get more reward by donating it.

Mood has definitely lifted this week, feeling a bit clearer headed and more capable.  Funny how little things make such a difference

SandyShores

Managed to get the fleabay parcel into a large letter shape, so I made about £4.  Not to be sneezed at.  The rest of the clothes are off to the charity shop though - they are packed up and will be dropped off over the weekend.  

The xmas saver has gone up about a fiver - slowly but surely.  Mortgage overpayment made, so a total op of £700 to-date.

Declutter started, walking stalled, couple of health appointments made, just need to do the opticians then finished those this year.

Edit - nice to be only £110 off the xmas saver target, but it means it is coming around really quickly

Edit2 - added another £3.50 to the xmas saver.

savingholmes

Sounds like great progress. You said you were looking for more fulfilling work - do you have any idea of what that would look like?

SandyShores

Thanks savingholmes.  That's what I'm currently working through.  I have an urge to do something more hands on, but I think I thrive more when I'm planning something on a larger scale. Its going to interesting to investigate the options, but I'm hoping to be able to find out what I want to do, but also whether its possible too.