Never a good time but here goes..

kaycastle

Congrats on your new arrival its nice to read a diary of someone on maternity leave. I'm expecting my first baby in january and currently trying to squirrel away as much as possible

ladysummerisle

Thanks @kaycastle - congratulations to you! I’ll say what I do to any approaching parenthood - prepare to feel like you’ve been run over! It’s a definite shock to the system so I’d recommend taking as much maternity leave as you can justify. She’s 15 weeks now but things have settled down sleep wise (no feeding every 3 hours in the night) but don’t worry, hormones are magical! 

It’ll be a bit traumatic to start when you realise how much nursery fees are BUT it’s time limited. School will be here in the blink of an eye (my son has just started school 🥳) and the positive of the past 18 months is that hours and work locations are the most flexible they’ve ever been. It’s exhausting but definitely worth it. You don’t need to spend hideous amounts on things either. I say that having picked up a £190 high chair for £35 off FB earlier 😀

killerpeaty

Brilliant marketplace score! It's been really lovely reading your diary, so happy and positive I love it.

kaycastle

Thank you @ladysummerisle I can't wait so excited.

I'm going to take a year off and hopefully only go back part time as makes a lot of sense with childcare costs. OH will be a primary school teacher as well which will help with child care. 

Fb marketplace is great, it feels like everyone is just giving us tons of things as well. 

powerspowers

Congrats on your new arrival ladysummerisle! You’re doing great with the money saving, a real positive attitude that you can make a difference rather than thinking that maternity leave automatically means you can’t do it 😀

ladysummerisle

Well, it’s been a while..

I’ve been lurking on and off but not logged in. Last time I posted I was on maternity leave with my now three year old. Unfortunately I’ve developed some auto immune conditions since then which in some cases mean people have to give up work early. Obviously not great news but the uncertainty is definitely a motivator to get rid of the mortgage.

I started the year with my balance at £21997. It could be just a dream but I’ve got it in my head that I might be able to clear it by September 2026(!)

My spreadsheet now has a new tab based on this and so far I’ve paid an extra £508 this month. I know things will be up and down but for now I’m focussed.


(except for my weekend spent perusing bags on eBay)

newgirly

Morning, I’ve just spotted your diary and caught up, I’m sorry to hear about your condition. You have made great progress on the mortgage, why not set a target that’s a stretch? I did that a couple of years ago and it’s worked well, if you don’t hit the target you will still be ahead so why not! Best of luck 😊

ladysummerisle

Thanks @newgirly - I’ve just reacquainted myself with your diary. Or rather, the last month or so including shuffling shenanigans. You’re right - we’re still further ahead than had we not overpaid. I certainly wish I’d started earlier. Life does like to throw a few spanners in the works from time to time. I’m following to see you cross that finishing line!

ladysummerisle

It’s a week from pay day and the good news is, I still appear to have money in the bank. 

I ordered a bed frame for my DD yesterday as it was finally reduced in the sale. £75 off so had to jump on it. I’m not ordering a mattress yet as that would inevitably arrive too early and I’d have to work out where to put it. I now have 4 weeks to get rid of a toddler bed and (unused, still in packaging) mattress. When she grew out of her cot, she somehow ended up in my bed and hasn’t left yet. I cling like a mountain goat every night to the edge but justify it with the knowledge that she won’t do it forever and it saves me getting up in the middle of the night to resettle. That and I like the cuddles..

Just before the snow fell, I got two new tyres (£156) too but happy I still got to save. 

Silver lining of being unwell: work wants us in 3 days a week but I can justify staying at home more. Saves on time AND money 😂

ladysummerisle

I’ve been awake far too long so catching up on diaries. Also transferred £7.22 of PA money from PayPal to boost the end of month bank balance. (Sometimes I just leave it in PP to supplement random purchases).

I need to get the kids up now, school run then a deadline to meet (caffeine help needed) then off to a funeral late morning. A lovely man, former colleague. Retired in 2019 and sadly only reached 69. Far too soon but a live well lived. Waterproof mascara will be required.