The 'scenic route' to mortgage freedom...

PiggyBankShaker

We went to the viewing and I was 100% expecting to fall in love. But I didn't... It was quite disappointing. The house needed much more work than I was anticipating and the cottage/bungalow stank of damp. Just left feeling really deflated.

So we're continuing to stay put for the time being, improving as we go and keeping an eye on what's listed with a view to pouncing on something we love. At least we know what we could get for ours now, so that's useful. 

PiggyBankShaker

Unexpected paid off off today!  2nd job were taking no risks with Storm Eunice and I'm really grateful about that. After a very hectic day yesterday (because it was my one 'free' day this week I crammed everything in) I was able to have a lovely lie in, which I hadn't realised I needed. Feeling very refreshed and relaxed now.

So yesterday. Had a productive work meeting even though I wasn't meant to be working 1st job. New sofa arrived and I bought two cushions from TeeKayMax. DS birthday present arrived. DD had orthodontist appointment. Gave the house keys to the house sitter. Had a scrummy vegan lunch in a new cafe. Picked the kids up from school. Fixed something that had blown off my Dad's house. Spent two hours with a friend who wanted to give belated Xmas presents to the kids. The only things I didn't manage were a coffee with a different friend and a trip to IKEA for curtains. Drove 130 miles altogether and was out of the house for 8 hours. 

We go away tomorrow for nine days and I am so excited, honestly I'm like a big kid. My Dad is coming too and this week we arranged his travel insurance, an extra carry on bag, and an airport transfer all so he doesn't have to stress about anything. He's bought himself a new pair of lightweight trainers and - boom! - we're all set. 

Hope everyone is staying safe. 

themadvix

Have a fantastic (and safe!) trip!

savingholmes

Glad you got an extra paid day off. Stay safe

PiggyBankShaker

WE'RE BACK!!!!!! Athens was a mixed bag. The city was not what I was expecting for a European capital; it was very dirty, smelly, loads of graffiti, and drug taking on the streets. None of us really safe, even the kids who are oblivious to most dangers. That said, we managed to make the best of it and a reasonable time was had by all. We spent a total of £1,588 all in, inc. flights, accommodation, food and travel etc. So whilst it wasn't great at least we didn't brake the bank.

It's now 42 days until we go to Sofia, which normally I would be looking forward to but I'm a bit scared that we might find ourselves in the same situation as Athens. I'm going to do a bit more research instead of just assuming everywhere is lovely, like I usually do.

We both got paid yesterday but we haven't sat down and sorted our finances yet. There's quite a bit owing on the CC so probably won't be able to make much savings or mortgage overpayment this month. 

We had another quote for the extension and it came in at the £100K mark again. I think I'm going to make a last ditch plea to the architect to change the design and if that fails then we're just going to abandon it. I'm feeling pretty 'over it' - the stress, the waiting, the uncertainty... there enough of that in the world right now without inviting it into my home.

Also - finally - I've had some personal news that is totally awesome but confidential and I can't even give details here for fear that someone will connect my MSE ramblings to my real life but suffice to say that someone saw potential in my writing and is willing to support me to help me achieve my dream.

themadvix

Interesting about Athens. I wonder if it would have appeared less dodgy in peak season when the numbers of tourists might have hidden some of the dodgier stuff. 

I totally get where you're coming from with the extension. Despite having a buyer lined up, we withdrew from the sale of our house this week (our purchase had fallen through in November - in hindsight, definitely a good move - so we were still hunting). We'd got to the point where we'd had enough with the uncertainty, weren't seeing anything we'd liked and had got a growing list of jobs to do on the house - a sign that we weren't expecting to move! I don't think the EA understood why we'd withdraw when we were in such a cushy place (although, in addition to personal reasons, our neighbour's house has just been valued at £45k more, when it lacks the driveway and garage we have!), but he wasn't the one not knowing whether he was coming or going.

Congrats on the personal, confidential news - look forward to hearing about it in due course!

savingholmes

Thrilled for you on the progress of your writing dream. Looking forward to hearing more when you can.

PiggyBankShaker

A few tiny wins on the money front to report. DH has managed to get our broadband reduced by £5 a month. Renewed the car insurance for £20 cheaper than the lowest new customer quote.

On the other hand... Had an email from Sh3ll advising us that they recommend we increase our monthly payment from £106 to a whopping £243. We laughed and laughed and said no. We'll up it to £140 and see where we are in six months time thanks. Not that long ago we were payment £56 a month gas and electricity combined. What an absolute mess this country is in right now.

Nothing going into savings this month, but we did make a £300 mortgage overpayment. 

PiggyBankShaker

Worked 2nd job today, pretty tired now. Also managed to pull a muscle in my back so I've been hobbling around all day and can't really bend over.

DH had a job interview today which went well and he has two further stage interviews lined up next week. 

Nothing else to report on the money front except we made a donation to the DEC appeal.

PiggyBankShaker

Worked 2nd job again today and feeling pretty worn out. Even though I tried to take it easy this week, I think I'm still feeling some residual tiredness from how busy we were in Athens. Had to drive over and help my Dad twice this week with medical stuff and I find it emotionally draining at times. Also got my period, which doesn't help.

Still, on the positive side, its a beautiful sunny day here today and DH has dried at least two lots of washing outside on the clothes line and he's taken DS horse riding whilst I sit in bed and try and warm up my feet! I'm mean to be editing my book but I'm lacking the necessary mental space to concentrate.

Not a lot else to report. Hope everyone is staying safe,