Future Proofing my life: Deposit saving then MFW journey in under 13 years

LadyWithAPlan

Watty1 said:

I think there is a lot of us waiting to hear from EA!

I am seeing 2 other flats on the same street Sat and Monday .... the EA's seem to like it when I say MIP in place

redofromstart said:

Have you looked at the listing history on Zoopla? That sometimes gives more info about previous sale prices and timings than Rightmove. Sometimes googling the address can also find cached information about previous sales. 

Always an exciting time but it is stressful and hard to know what to do when when you haven't bought before. Have you offered subject to including anything you want them to leave (eg curtains and floor coverings?)  

I did look  at Zoopla on your comment but no other EA mentioned ..
I have just added offer in as is mentioning wanting the  JKW paperwork... as my brojer says its subjext to valuation
Weird its been 3 days since my offer though

Busy busy last day of the year - missed one college class... cos of work but ..I needed to get stuff done..

Onward to March!

KajiKita

Just catching up and sending lots of 🤞🤞🤞🤞🤞🤞🤞🤞!!!!! 😊

KK

LadyWithAPlan

Tx @KajiKita Onward we go - just doing my YNAB budget for March - I have always loved doing my monthly budgeting whether on paper each month or via virtual pots and S/Sheets or a vicious combination of all 3 - but YNAB really makes it even more fun - largely I can adjust categories as I go, everything is reconciled so I can easily see what got spent where, I am making new categories as I go - even the fact that my cc card updating meant 2 hosting bills got ignored so had to play catch up this morning has not dimmed my spirits and love of the budgeting

Feeling ynab poor again though as despite some large ££££ arriving yesterday  - by the time I added ££ to my true expenses and looking up at 2 work trips that need paying in next few weeks or start to plus  MWAP talking about us going to Europe for a Long weekend in the next few weeks (he planning to get a 2 bed airbnb so no pressure   however its all cost - we havent chatted on who paying for what  and if I do buy a home soon then I will be extra ynab poor - despite never having so much cash in my current accts

No news from EA! I know they are a great EA - friends bought through them -so this is weird - seeing some flats on the same road this weekend - one listed  with a private vs shared garden  - also 2 bed but not as nice features - but on for £25k less so 
I may ask my mortgage broker on if I should contact .. or wait til Monday ..

MSE - loving fact I noticed Mnzo gives you a easy access no penalties 4.1% savings acct - earnt £3.65 woohoo This will go in March savings
 

Feb EOM ROUNDUP 

Sipps - highest yet £52,153.43   - finally over £52k!
 £515 added as contributions (via my ltd co)   PLUS  s&s mkt up £608.84
as normal my Vanguard is UP, My Harg Lans is down .. but MOM across both I am up thru stockmkt changes by  £608.84
 exc hse deposit  and DB pension 
 Lean fire   at 60   17.38% 
Decent fire (exc DB etc)   8.69%    - will i ever hit 10% of this ...

Not sure what I should add to SIPPS this month/before APR 5TH   - I normally round up to £10k PA- another £5.5k to be added  -but if I am buying my flat then thats a sizeable chunk to hold back   for 6 months, money down etc  .... but of course the sipp contrib means i pay less tax ...  I may well add £2k more before tax yr end and leave it..  



2 invoices paid -  woohoo! moving forward -
 not all promised but a chunk - however it would look happier  all in my deposit but I am owed £2.3k from hmrc POA on s/a  - asked for refund 4 weeks ago and it may not arrive before i need to  pay my corp tax ... so will keep the extra in my Mon* savings acct whilst I wait.. then 'save it'   
Interest on the instant access Monzo is 4.1% - which actually is useful as I use that bank a ,lot for travel so I will keep more in there as I work out my sipp v tax v hse deposit decisions
Finally over 1% on my earning a million (exc taxes, costs etc - just gross)

Hse deposit -  £115,874 excluding end Feb invoices -so before ynab them  
my just £24k isa is up 519.40 on the month in s&s 
Only really added £450 into actual locked savings for hse last month  (£200 h2b, £250 reg saver) plus interest of £23.92   s0 £473.92 actually sent over to accts +  I did have more waiting to go in my Hme buying Ynab  Feb £462    plus I spent £311.60 on broker etc  but not sure what expenses are due re hse buying so its sat in a Mnzo acct  and ignoring til I sock it away 

HS BUYING -  £311.60 costs
£295 mbroker for 50% of MIP/mortgage fee  plus travel costs specifically to go looking  - its probably a bit more as some days I hse looked and also went out..

Grocery spend £135.46 + £26.59 bulk  + £12.52 crisps..
I have some excess thus in my grocery pot as aim was £155 so I am thinking where to put my savings there. I have `£36 in my  bulk pot so that can stay and I will add £50 as normal March 1st - I am aiming to have the excess of my bulk fund go towards xmas food

Voluntary spends    £492.80  - had a fun social month - saw shows, lots of dancing and some drinking but Uber man argh £111 of this
comprising of:
Fun spending £215.70  - clothes (red dress, jazz flat shoes, swimming cap), toiletries, a mascara, hair stuff  all  will last months
Social spending  £277.10 which includes the £111 uber 118 man . (still not over that) .. but hopefully the last I need to mention that

£393 seems a lot  of variable (the £111 uber was an outlier - a bit like that £192  lobster dinner in the States for my friend) but was a lot of stuff that lasts for 6 months - £100 + of hair stuff, the best eyelash serum my Mac mascara (I get a 25% disct) plus   clothes - so I will keep an eye this month but YNAB won’t me go too far astray - I have the deposit v pension vs having a good time now debate
Part of me wants to say no spending at all but  this dating also gets me out spending .. not excessively but still 
I have trips to pay for as well this month 

MB - not added all that up as yet  -as I look at my funds in all the bookies/casinos plus my bank balance - feels flattish 
EDIT: I made £470.77 in Feb on MB - happy with this as casino is variable and had 3 amazing months before (£1609 last month, ) so always possible to give some back to variance... I am gubbed by loads of bookies on MB sports so ...
I paid £200 of it to my savings isa, kept £150 back as I  have to renew my annual due to the webiste that tracks all the offers - I may switch depending on the cost .... maybe try the one Cheery uses - plus the remaining £120.32 been added into house savings via my ynab - I have now £583.02 marked as extra house deposit (in addition to the £450 saved in h2b and reg saver)  - I would normally add 25% to my sipp and the rest to PB - but lets wait on house hunting..


(MWAP) current datee is proving to be more lovely as I get to know him .  if I manage to find a flat to buy and start properly dating a lovely, attractive  kind attentive intelligent caring man this month  it will be a keeper
I need a date night ynab category it seems   

FEB wins
- The going to bed early (have Alex* alarm at 10pm + 10.30 and leaving phone in lounge has been v successful when I have done it.
I didnt get in gone 9pm last night so needed more time to unwind despite being tired at 10.30 I didnt actually go to bed to midnight so then awake at 8  - however the no phone in bedroom and stopping going to bed at 2/3am (even if I am not out) has meant I am feeling better and getting more deep sleep - so I will continue this - I wake up early and feel rested and more positive on doing what I need
- I got a Mortgage in Principal !
- and offer on a home -
- Plan in place to get my invoices paid down
- tracking calendar - works when I use it
- went dancing full on 3 times in Feb
- MWAP has reappeared in my life  - and enjoying getting to know him slowly and he likes to dance and he lives below his means !!!
- exercise - swim/gym/long walks - 11 times - far better than Jan - despite being v busy with work
-ynab is proving to be brilliant and my current accts  have never looked better and ynab planning  all is very reassuring re hse buying (yes I could wish I started it sooner as the way I am self limiting my spending and awareness is great)
- reduced /cancelled some subscriptions
- saw some great London shows 
- did lots of paid contract work
- No haribo or candies  - and i feel slimmer  and healthier
- got on sewing course finally (yet to start)
- college is fun on thursdays

Feb - could do betters - to look at in March
- crisps still sneak into my diet - 
-MG got lost 
- flat got untidy as I got busy with flat hunting, work, dates, fun 
- early Feb unproductive but the phone away/sleep/ mental health aspects have really helped that
- 118 man and that uber bill  
- goals list - much more to do
- no real creative stuff except classes
- not daily movement as I planned....so this including dancing, gy, swim and long walks..
- need to plan creative stuff
- get moving on my side hustles - i havent
- had to pay domain/hosting for the website I set up for my programme today and add as a category in ynab - but I have not done anything to move it forward 

redofromstart

I suggest ringing the EA to ask if there is an update as you have other properties to view and don't feel it is fair to offer on two at once. 

Cheery_Daff

Yep, I agree - no harm in ringing the estate agent, that's what they're there for, and they might at least be able to tell you what the delay is - someone might be away, or considering another offer,or whatever,and then as Redo says you'll be in a position to know if you're going to offer on something else.

Could also sneakily mention that you're keen to move and ask if they have anything else suitable you could view - might focus the minds of the people considering your offer..

TallGirl

You are doing so well on the budgeting and savings it is great you have found something that really works. No sweets is also wow very good I would not stress about the crisps if you are too strict it is so hard to stick to. 

A real shame you have to be interest on your savings I know you cannot open another ISA but have you filled your Premium Bonds up? It is easy to withdraw and even if you find a flat to buy now it could take 6 months before you exchange. 

As for the dilemma with the no news from the EA. Remember they work for the other side not you so they are playing their own game. It is great you are viewing more properties and have all your ducks in a row I would leave it for now but if you do like a property at the weekend. I like redofromstarts idea but I would not worry about putting in a second offer you can always withdraw from the first one and I would not give the EA the satisfaction that you chased them for an answer. Can you hear I do not like EA or trust them .

Definitely put 118 out of your mind MWAP really sounds like it is a good match and shares a lot with you including not overspending . Hope you have a lovely weekend. 

LadyWithAPlan

So EA just come back with their response offer £15k below asking from them -(by text!)  still feels rich to me    and would be £1.75k of SD as well and lose my £3k h2b as over the £450k limit (unless March budget changes that limit) 

I am  seeing some flats on the same road tomorrow and Monday  - one listed  with a private vs this offered on shared garden  - also 2 bed but not as nice features - but on for £25k less asking ..  
I have whats app broker to ask his suggestion
They took 4 days to get back so they can wait for my response  - I may tell the EA re the rival place.

They also said JKNW in an ongoing eradication programme, said where it is but unclear how far that is from the building (makes a difference) - they have paperwork,  and needs treatment few times a year and boiler 7 years old..


March Funds - moving money is fun when you have some .. the YNAB dance
Had the happy YNAB job of moving funds... I have loads of money in my current/savings accts and still wonderfully feel YNAB poor looking at all the jobs this  money can/should/needs to/I want it to do...
hse savings, sipp, dates and living plus travel - 2 work and trip with MWAP all needing paying over next few weeks/months

Hse savings .. £450 +  interest today £24.88 today and a big chunk yesterday from my 12% 6 months 
Will be £250 reg saving (7% rate Cov  ) plus £200 into h2b so £450
The £2.3k I am waiting as a HMRC OVERPAYMENT rebate from my SA that needs to be paid against corp tax (rest already saved) I have put in the Monzo - and once I get my funds back from the govt (waiting 5 weeks now) that will be added to my hse deposit but I wont count it til it arrives
I have also added my MB profit £470.77 to the pot - £150 held back for expenses on that but rest is sitting waiting to get saved away from the Monzo - again I dont want to lock it up.

Interest received today £3.65 on the part month £2k I had in the  Mzo saver  - so I have moved loads into there for this month - free money !!
H2B interest £21.23
I am looking at my monthly hse savings to be at the level where  that plus my current rent = my mortgage to try to live it..
I know bills will be more plus of course I get 12% on a large portion of my hse deposit so I dont count that ..

I may get a mortgage from the Hali where I have an acct so I have just sent some small cash over £400 to their bonus reward saver  - its 4.35% but only 3 w/drawals allowed and from the 4th interest plunges to 1.xx. so Monz* is better as easy access at 4.1% - so I will get the Hali saver up once I know where I am at with the  hmrc refund - I just want to show the hali I have money

SIPP - added £304.72 today
to Van to get to £4,500 exact contributions for 23/23  - will see where I am end march with flat buying/HMRC refund etc before adding more. End of hmrc filing is also my corp tax EOY so will be deciding for all.


Premium bonds - no phone calls from Agent Millionaire - so assume I can look Monday (do they update the smaller prizes on the first day of the draw?
I normally add to PB but as this house buying is getting nearer  but  I am using the Mnzo 4.1%  

This weekend
I am off to see a gig and a dance with a great friend tonight  then Sat is flat hunt and evening out with MWAP and Sunday meeting some friends to swap tech skills - i am teaching them something whilst I play with some kit they have to see if makes sense for me... will be fun and creative  - so a lovely weekend booked.
Plus work to do for a Monday deadline and ideally get my corp tax sorted today



March goals and to do's need to be sorted

Any TWITCH experts here ??
I need to set up to live stream on  twitch but cant be bothered to take time to figure it out - I have the gear and a web camera - any one know any decent set up videos to watch on utube etc?

LadyWithAPlan

TallGirl said:

You are doing so well on the budgeting and savings it is great you have found something that really works. No sweets is also wow very good I would not stress about the crisps if you are too strict it is so hard to stick to. 

A real shame you have to be interest on your savings I know you cannot open another ISA but have you filled your Premium Bonds up? It is easy to withdraw and even if you find a flat to buy now it could take 6 months before you exchange. 

As for the dilemma with the no news from the EA. Remember they work for the other side not you so they are playing their own game. It is great you are viewing more properties and have all your ducks in a row I would leave it for now but if you do like a property at the weekend. I like redofromstarts idea but I would not worry about putting in a second offer you can always withdraw from the first one and I would not give the EA the satisfaction that you chased them for an answer. Can you hear I do not like EA or trust them .

Definitely put 118 out of your mind MWAP really sounds like it is a good match and shares a lot with you including not overspending . Hope you have a lovely weekend. 

Tx TG... I will be able to open a cash isa in an month so I figure I can wait til then - they have changed the rules on multiple isas... I will just add the final £200 in May into my h2b one then get cash isas filled up... but will beed easier access.
Good to be clear on your EA views  
I am not too stressed on the crisps - just tracking my spends - and too much is not good nutrition but as an easy DF GF snack wheh I am out they work - often I buy them with competitions on - I did win £10 last month on a crisp comp vs £13 monthly crisp spend so  

TallGirl said:

,,,, even if you find a flat to buy now it could take 6 months before you exchange. 

6 months to complete! wow ... really! I guess I have time to declutter

@redofromstart @Cheery_Daff 
The EA text me randomly 10 mins ago on  my unanswered questions on JKNW paperwork and then the answer  of no and a counter offer...
I will wait to hear from my broker back before I respond to EA - though I may well let them know re the similar same rd also 2 bed flat with a private not shared garden  I am seeing tomorrow for £25k less asking !!! 

I can see the flat I want they paid a crazy high price for  according to RM back 6 years ago - the exact same as their high asking  -  so I guess why they are sticking so high but not sure why they massively overpaying is my issue. I wont pay their counter offer

PennysIntoPounds

Hooray on getting a big chunk of your money!

I can't believe the cheek of 118, I stress when I owe someone a pint

Re the flat.. obviously only you know if you love it enough but tbh dealing with JKW a few times a year sounds long, and a private garden would be an amazing trade-off for not quite as nice flat which will be gorgeous once you've put your own stamp on it. And you're right, them paying too much previously is really not your problem. And you've still got other areas on your shortlist to investigate, you might go to one and think 'this feels like my manor, I am open to all the properties here'

LadyWithAPlan

PennysIntoPounds said:

Hooray on getting a big chunk of your money!

I can't believe the cheek of 118, I stress when I owe someone a pint

Re the flat.. obviously only you know if you love it enough but tbh dealing with JKW a few times a year sounds long, and a private garden would be an amazing trade-off for not quite as nice flat which will be gorgeous once you've put your own stamp on it. And you're right, them paying too much previously is really not your problem. And you've still got other areas on your shortlist to investigate, you might go to one and think 'this feels like my manor, I am open to all the properties here'

Me too! 
Whats slightly worse is a v close friend might /will be working at the same venue as him.. (its how we met - they all part the same business) so the chances of bumping into 118 man  are large .. I have not mentioned the £111 uber to my friend to not complicate things but .. I will report back once (not when) it happens..

I also have the very probable joy of bumping into text ex in 2 months at a conference thing .... in fact I will - how will I not give him a lecture on gentlemanly  behaviour or even human kindness I dont know.
I dont have that many ex's I really cant be bothered to date but they are going to be lying around like carrion in 2024...

tomorrow I am seeing 2 or 3 other flats with one EA and the 2 bed priv garden same road with another .. then more Monday...
I need a Hitch in my corner so many flats so many choices ...