Climbing the Mortgage Mountain step by step

Me_v_The_Mortgage_Mountain

Hi All

It's been a busy week since I last checked in.  I was Oncall all week, partially worked from home and had a very quiet weekend which also meant I didn't spend any money   Need to pop in a mileage claim from the running around I had to do, should be about £50.

I had a toil day yesterday so jumped on a train to see DD for a few hours, mileage to station more or less covered in my expenses claim as I tied it in with another trip, parking was free at one of our sites and I got a take away coffee from there too for £1 rather than paying Costlys prices at the station   I did treat her to a lovely lunch with a bottle of wine and got her some bits she needed in Primarni but kept the day as MSE as I could, I only bought myself some of the £2 vest tops, 3 in black to replace worn out ones and 4 in different colours to match my silk trousers for holiday.

Payday this week, £30 extra due to the changes to National Insurance but my DD to British Gas has gone up by about the same amount so no win Savings will take a bit of a bashing, I've had to pay £170 out for getting the fence fixed and DS might be moving out and I've said I'll help with the deposit on his new place.

I've sold a couple more things on V!nted and been refunded for a couple of items too, 1 was never sent to me and the other was faulty.  Returned a pair of jeans to Freem@ns as the zip went (looks like a common fault by the reviews) but they are going to send me a new pair, price matched as I had used a discount code and no postage so I'm happy as I really liked them.  I have broken my no Next rule, but ordered 2 merino jumpers in the sale (£19 each) which will go with items I already have and I like merino as it is lightweight yet warm and looks smart and 2 pairs of chunky fisherman's sandals in black and cream (£14 and £12) very comfortable and this means I can sell on the DM sandals I bought in a sale which aren't really me, the proceeds should cover all of the Next items.

So a few items bought, but all thought out and will extend and enhance my wardrobe.

have a good evening 

MvTMM

Me_v_The_Mortgage_Mountain

Hi All

Payday today after what has seemed like the longest January ever, not just financially, I can't believe it was only a month ago we were on holiday and celebrating New Year, seems a very distant memory!  I have updated my signature, savings have crept up a little despite paying for the fence, holiday etc.  Next month and the month after will be interesting especially if DS does get this house and I help them with the deposit.

I have a bit of a quandary.  As dad can no longer drive he has offered me his car, it's lovely, far more practical than my present car, well maintained and very low mileage BUT it would either wipe out my savings or I would need a loan and I don't do that many miles so can I justify it?  I regretted not buying DS's old car and don't want to make the same mistake again.  I could take out a loan, clearing my existing loan and credit card with the same repayments as I have on my loan now and no credit card debt.  Will have to talk it over with DH.

MvTMM

Me_v_The_Mortgage_Mountain

Hi All

Thank goodness we have seen the back of January and on top of that its Friday!!

I've talked through the car thing with DH and we are going to go for it.  Both of our cars are getting older and less reliable, DH has had a few issues with his, it will be good to have something we can jump in not worry about if it will start or let us down in some way.  I will take out the loan and the extra income I save can go towards the mortgage.

DS is still waiting to hear about the house, has been in touch with the agent, the previous tenants haven't quite finished moving out yet.

We are going out with friends tomorrow night, one of our favourite local bands are playing in a pub down the road, should be a good night!

I am going to list a few more items on V!nted over the weekend, I seem to have had a little flurry of sales again and really want to get in to the habit of only replacing items in my wardrobe through using funds I've accumulated on there.  After my recent order from Next there really shouldn't be any 'needs', more 'wants' which I need to really be strict about and if I restrict myself to fulfilling these through V!nted I'm hoping this will make me think twice.

Have a great weekend all

MvTMM

savingholmes

Having a reliable car is important.

debtfreewannabe321

January really was a long month wasn't it!
I think it's a sensible decision to buy a car where you know the previous owner and what's been done to it, rather than wait for yours or DH to break down and then have to buy another again anyway. 

Me_v_The_Mortgage_Mountain

Hi All

So we spoke to my parents about the car.  Dad is going to sell it to me at below market price but then only wants me to pay him half of that, which he will give to my sister in cash, ie he is giving us both half of the value of the car as a gift.  I was really surprised and grateful as it means I am getting the car for 40% of its actual value.  I need to look at insurance etc but shouldn't be too bad as I have full no claims and have been driving over 35 years (am I really that old??).

We had a nice relaxed weekend, I met up with an old school friend for coffee on Saturday, then DH and I went out with other friends on Saturday night to see the band.  Sunday I popped into town with DH, bumped into another school friend and then we went and saw my parents.  We had bacon and mushroom pasta Saturday night and Sunday night I cooked pork loin wrapped in pate and puff pastry, it was yummy.

I didn't manage to list anything on V!nted at the weekend so will try again this week.

And DS still hasn't heard anything re the house so no exciting news there either.

Have a good day MvTMM

LadyWithAPlan

Great news on your car - what a lovely gift!

Pork loin in pate and pastry sounds very tasty - I may have to try a GF version

savingholmes

How lovely of your Dad. Sounds like that's a weight off your mind.

Me_v_The_Mortgage_Mountain

Hi All

I've been pricing up the insurance for my 'new' car, only £100 per year more than I am currently paying which is great.  DH and I have been toying with keeping my impractical convertible for the summer months but in reality how often do I put the roof down and, whilst it is cheap to run, it means doubling up on the bills which seems counter productive, if I sell it I could get the private plate I'd like for our 'new' car instead?

I'm working lots of lates at the moment which I'm finding a struggle, plus I had a fairly difficult meeting today re a new contract so I'll be glad when this week is over.  I'm going to wfh tomorrow and then we are out tomorrow night for a curry and quiz night with friends, should be fun!  The plus side of working lates is no afternoon school run, no cooking dinner and DH has had a hot bubbly bath and glass of wine waiting for me when I get in

DH has unexpectedly handed in his notice today, has been head hunted by another local business, more money, even nearer to home and a really go getting company so he's pretty excited about going to work for them.  I really hope he stays with this one as I get antsy when he changes jobs, it takes me back to the bad old days with my ex and his job hopping from one !!!!!! p/t job to another, although I know this is totally different.

DS is still waiting to hear about the house which is pretty frustrating but he has just been given a fair payrise due to length of service and the annual increment is also due in April so that's good timing.

MvTMM

savingholmes

Good luck with DH and his new role. 

On the car - I'd let it go... I wouldn't even bother with the private numberplate... but it's about what brings you joy - and is affordable... so your choices.