The Case of the Overwhelming Mortgage

savingholmes

I would love to reduce my hours. It would be a challenge financially to achieve wider goals - but would in some ways give me what I'm saving for which is time freedom sooner. It is difficult to know what to do sometimes.

AgathaSquirrel

I  agree. I want financial freedom to do the things I want to do but am I frittering away the years when I’m healthy to do this?

savingholmes

I think we have to find a way to have a balance. 

AgathaSquirrel

Now at £76000, so below our original mortgage on previous house of £77,000. Now working to get to £70000 which will be 50% of current mortgage. Not doing particularly well on the overpaying front at the moment. Constant battle with living for now and the future.

savingholmes

It's a very difficult balance to get right. I read recently that to be happier - I just need to do more of what makes me happy every day... Reaching an arbitary goal doesn't do it - an attitude of gratitude and thanks does help - but so do the little surprised by joy or awe moments we can have if we look.

My Mum saw my hidden arbour in my garden this week and loved it... The sun shone today after rain most of yesterday and the previous day. The silky water of an outdoor swim. The soft fur of a cat. If you seek you will find.

AgathaSquirrel

Just sneaking into £75000s this month.

More importantly I have a new job. I think this is going to give me more balance. I can already feel the anxiety melting away.

savingholmes

Congratulations on your new job 

AgathaSquirrel

Thank you… It became more complicated during the week and some of the terms and conditions may not work for me. Negotiating alternative terms and conditions this week. Never simple.

AgathaSquirrel

Have been pricing new cars in case job offer goes ahead as will involve more travel. I bought my last car in 2015. Prices have literally doubled since then. My very first car I bought from my savings. I’m looking at a hefty loan if I buy this one. I feel poorer than I did in my early 20s 🤦‍♀️

savingholmes

It does sometimes feel very swings and roundabouts when it comes to money. Your mortgage seems quite low though so it looks like you are doing well overall.