Cutting it Fine - the challenge is on!

savingholmes

If its dry, sandy soil - perhaps a flower meadow would work. Seeds are cheap

SandyShores

We're still working out where to put any plants.  I planted two trees which died because of waterlogging, very sad , so need to work out the best parts of the garden to use.  I've got a couple of ideas in mind, but need to get drawing and do up a garden design - good excuse to get some colouring pencils later

SandyShores

Well, I've just looked at our lenders website at borrowing the extra for our H2B and it would be another £410 a month.  So, that's what I need to put by  monthly for the next year while we see what happens with everything.  I feel more comfortable heading for mortgage neutral right now.

Initially I'd like to OP £500 as well, while we save up the potential additional mortgage payments (£410x12=£4920), and then see where we are in a year.  An initial calculation looks like we have to save/pay off another £175k to achieve neutral.   

I'm not entirely sure what to include in the mortgage neutral funds, but I'm sure it will become clearer.  I've added in the emergency fund and done best guess on the H2B.  I've included investments as at today, because of course they go up as well as down.  I've not included my personal PBs or ISA as they are mine all mine!!!  Good to have this as a target for the year though.

savingholmes

Good luck with your plans. Good to have something to aim for

SandyShores

£25 PB win today!  First ever.  Not a great return but it worked out almost as good as one of my saver accounts (0.5%) and much better than the other 0.05%.

Work has been busier than a busy thing and its taken over my life a little.  I don't mind working over, but its when you're working over and it doesn't touch the sides that it bothers me.  I had a concerted effort tonight to catch up and I feel more in control.  Trying to remember that getting everything done will never happen, but knowing the priorities (i.e. what's best of focus on) is key.

savingholmes

Great news on the win. Hope work improves for you soon.

SandyShores

Thanks savingholmes.  I'm starting to feel more in control, its a work in progress for me trying to prioritise.  I've got it wrong a couple of times lately and its so frustrating when you are working so hard.  Trying not to take it personally, I have to tell myself its only work after all - its not a big deal in the grand scheme of things.

Yes it was lovely to have win at last - I was very excited to press the 'Reveal' button (was hoping for the £1m ) but just pleased to win.

debtfreeoneday

When I first had them I didn’t have the app so the cheque would arrive on the doorstep. Nothing like the ‘ooooh how much is it’ feeling when opening the envelope. 

savingholmes

Glad you are feeling better. I very occasionally play the lottery - and when you get an email it's exciting - but it's mostly only enough to buy another ticket!

SandyShores

I won about £90 on the lottery a long time ago savingholmes, but ever since its been a free ticket or about £3.50.  I try and remember to buy a ticket once a week or so, but its not every week and always a lucky dip.  I guess that's almost £100 a year - which could probably be better spent put into PBs.  

Lovely to get a cheque debtfree - I can just imagine - we had a few of those come through for PPI - it was a lovely surprise.