Cutting it Fine - the challenge is on!

SandyShores

savingholmes said:

I've done my fair share of that

Its exhausting savingholmes

savingholmes

Are you still doing your running and your sewing projects? A bit of light relief?

SandyShores

Hi savingholmes, my light relief projects have taken a back seat again at the moment.  I think work has just overtaken my life again.  I'm glad to say though that I am still running - its one thing I've kept going, even though its tempting to stop sometimes.  Its free and gets me out in the fresh air, so apart from the wind & rain (and my warm bed calling to me) I don't really have an excuse not to.  I want to keep it going and make it an integral part of my week - not sure when that kicks in though.

I'm going through a 'meaning of life' phase at the moment.  You know when all your saving etc. seems so minor with what is happening in life and in the world.  I know it will pass and we need to keep going and do our best, but it does make me question.  But I do love making and growing things so I need to find that mojo again.

Hope you are well savingholmes, will pop around and see how its going over in yours.

SandyShores

I had a bit of a lightbulb moment last night.  Here I am stressing over paying the 20% H2B amount early, when I suddenly realised that a couple of years ago, I never thought I could even dream of being in this position.  Yes, owning 100% is our target, but actually owning 80% is amazing.  So, my plan is to work out what it would increase our mortgage payments by, and then pay that amount into our savings.  Initial plan is to do this for a year, and see how we cope with the additional payments.  Those savings will form part of our mortgage neutral amount - reducing our need to work longer or potential need to draw down on DH's pension.  At the end of the year (and at various points through the year), we can re-assess.  It will give us a chance to see how things pan out before making a decision.  Based on that I can go and look at the calculations of what it will actually cost us (in terms of 20% of any house price rises), but not feel the pressure to act.  Feeling a bit better now I have a plan formed - it was a quote on a website about when you own your home that prompted me, something about 'you can breathe out and relax'.  Don't worry, I'm still heading for mortgage free. 

savingholmes

Hi Sandy - I'm still catching up on diaries as I've been ill this week... I'm also not sleeping well hence posting now!!

I think on home ownership you have to take it at a pace that's right for you. Celebrate what you've achieved - and like you say - if you can create some savings that takes pressure off future you and gives you choices.

SandyShores

Thanks savingholmes sorry to hear you've not been well.  Thanks, I just have to keep reminding myself of that.  I'm a huge worrier, but slow and steady wins the race.

savingholmes

I think current world events make you question everything you take for granted - not surprising if you want a bigger EF for a while and less of a fixed cost challenge.

SandyShores

Thanks savingholmes.  You've hit the nail on the head again.  Things are going well at the moment financially and I don't want to jinx things by overstretching us.  We can probably make up for lost time later.

SandyShores

It was lovely to get out in the garden today.  I've got a bag of weeds and greenery ready to be delivered to the tip next time I'm passing.  Feels a bit tidier out there now, but the garden is still feeling a bit bare.  I'd love to plant a nice tree towards the bottom of the lawn, but we've already lost two as its very waterlogged clay soil.  I've got a couple of ideas.  Clay soil is supposed to be full of nutrients, but its either so heavy it sticks to your spade, or so dry its like rock.  We've a few little plants that are holding their own, so there must be others that will thrive in it.  It doesn't help that my back is playing up, not great for digging at the best of times.  Oh how I miss my old garden and the beautiful soil it had - didn't appreciate it at the time.  I will conquer this garden!!  I also want to find a small tree that likes shade as I've got a pot I'd like to put by the side door, but its very shady.  

debtfreeoneday

I have a flower bed that is so dry I can’t succeed with much in there at all.  I’ve dug in compost. Stripped it bare. New plants and they all mostly die.