So close, we can smell mortgage freedom!

themadvix

Thanks Karma, you're right, of course. It's the community and the feedback that make this place.

And good point about plants - I definitely intend to share my surplus from the allotment (in fact, that's been what several people have said - 'ooh, I'll have some'!), but cuttings are a good idea too. I'm going to have to hone my gardening skills (and keep looking stuff up - the RHS website is so helpful for that!). Even my Dad said I'm the expert the other day - I'm not sure that's true given I've only just got the allotment! Up until now what I know, I've mostly learnt from him. But he did listen when I told him that thinning the carrots attracts the carrot root fly, so there is hope.

*Gratefully accepting the positive vibes*

QueenJess

You shouldn't feel bad about working hard to get yourself to a good position.  Most people are trying to do the same and your diary should be uplifting as showing where you can get to.  This place tends to be 99% positive anyway.

earthgirl2

Yes I'd agree that it's great to read about you reaping rewards of really really hard work - and not wasting pennies but making them count. 

themadvix

Thanks ladies, I really appreciate that.  It is definitely hard work at times.

In MS things:
* Collected some rolls, crisp-type things and doughnuts from Olio friend - rolls and doughnuts eaten for lunch and a bag of the crisp things (they're daal and chickpea and corn, I think, quite spicy!). Friend had quite a few of the crisps, so we have quite a few for the future - useful for nibbles when people come round. 
* 4 short PA surveys done (really struggling for focus with this stupid project now the end is in sight.... just have visions of the clients not getting back to me in time to sort the last bits!)
* Mr MV has cut Netflix as of mid-month, so back to Disney+ only. 

Fortune_Smiles

Hi MV 🙂  I'm still around - I haven't stopped participating in the Forum, just suspended regular posting on my diary.  It's really because I need to get into a different mindset.  I think keeping a diary is a tool to help the poster - others can choose if they want to read it or not (and they're not obliged to of course).  So I hope you don't feel any pressure because of my decision.  We each should do what we find helpful to reach our goals.  And I'll be cheerleading from the sidelines for every penny saved and every penny spent well.

Fortune x

savingholmes

I think those of us who are here long term - have to find a way as FS indicates of saving the right pennies and spending well when it's warranted / brings us great pleasure. Having come from the DFW boards - it's often those most in debt that seem to spend the most on holidays - could well be a correlation. I am more than happy to celebrate those who save up for their holidays and don't bring the cost home with them to hang over them like a little black rain cloud - or a huge, overwhelming one in some people's cases.

I've just had what I considered a low cost holiday in the Lakes and hope to have another later in the year either in the UK or if a I can get cheap flights visiting a relative in Europe. I also hope to have little overnight stays from time to time. I think that just shows there is balance in the journey and we've not let our lives be consumed by £. 

I'm looking forward to hearing about your travels.

Busy_Mee

I too had wondered whether I "should" comeback, after all I have now achieved the things I set out to achieve; mortgage neutrality and FIRE. 

However I really missed the community of like minded people here and the conscious consideration around spending. 

I think the thing I love most is that the the forum is such a source of information and everyone is so generous with their knowledge. I've learned so much from people over the years and hopefully I've shared stuff too that is helpful to others.

You shouldn't feel guilty MadVix. You have worked very hard and consciously decided where you want to spend the money you have worked for and saved.

themadvix

Fortune_Smiles said:

Hi MV 🙂  I'm still around - I haven't stopped participating in the Forum, just suspended regular posting on my diary.  It's really because I need to get into a different mindset.  I think keeping a diary is a tool to help the poster - others can choose if they want to read it or not (and they're not obliged to of course).  So I hope you don't feel any pressure because of my decision.  We each should do what we find helpful to reach our goals.  And I'll be cheerleading from the sidelines for every penny saved and every penny spent well.

Fortune x

Thanks Fortune, that has helped me to understand a bit more your reasoning - I appreciate that. I know you weren't going completely, but I will certainly miss your diary and the way you manage to balance the different aspects of life!

Baileys_Babe

I feel that those that have achieved their goals and continue to be a part of this community are a valuable resource and inspiration to others.

themadvix

Morning all,

Thanks @savingholmes and @Busy_Mee1 too. @Busy_Mee1, you summed up the forum perfectly - it's such a good place to be to find like-minded, conscious spenders and savers.

Yesterday afternoon I finished the big project as far as I can until the client gets back to me (they're waiting on their client - they know there's a deadline!), so this morning I've been doing my invoicing. I'm thrilled to say that I've invoiced that one US company for more than I've been earning in total in recent months - long may it continue! Even without this big, one-off project, the addition from the paused project has made a substantial difference. In any case, worries I had about not earning anything in May while we were away have been lifted entirely.

My UK-based client has been in touch and has something for me to do before I go away, which is great. And there may be a little bit more for the previously paused project, but we'll see. My laptop is going to the laptop hospital on Friday, so I'll have to manage without if anything arrives then (will have to use Mr MV's Mac! 😯). The laptop hospital is the manufacturer (PCspecialist) and I've been very impressed - because I didn't have the packaging, they're sending a box to put it in with the courier and I've been able to request its returned to my Mum's house and a not-before date too (as she's away while we're away!). Hopefully they'll be able to fix it too!

I'm heading out shortly to collect a large tub of cat treats from Freegle - they are very nice ones my cats love (worth about £20) - the cat belonging to the lady I'm collecting them from has developed an allergy to fish! Even though it's further than I'd normally go, it's worth it in this case (and the boys will be very happy!).

MS things:
* Collected a couple of doritos packs from the lady covering my Olio collection - great for nibbles when people come round (and a couple of custard tarts for today's lunch
* Bread out of freezer for lunch (hadn't realised it was in there!) and fish for dinner tonight - forgot to get it out yesterday and dinner ended up being a quick freezer meal
* PA surveys (£12 earned in April)
* £2 .Y live survey (stupid new name for Populous - one wonders if they do any market research before they change names?!)
* Clicks done

Gratitudes:
* Sunshine on my walk to Olioer (and rain too, but we'll gloss over that!)
* Work 
* Considerate clients

Have a good day all!