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DrCarrie's adventures in saving to be a mortgage-free wannabe
Comments
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LadyWithAPlan This is a TOP idea!LadyWithAPlan saidCant you join the burlesque and get them singing at the same time??? Songs like Hey Big Spender and I'm Too Sexy?
So the survey came back, and I got in a bit of a tailspin. But have calmed down a bit now, with the help of my dad and the realisation that the surveyor has been very thorough, and covering their back. But it really has led to some potential reprioritising as to what happens next. With the help of a fair bit of walking up hills and through the woods.
Signiture dated 23/09/2025
3-month emergency fund (Cash ISA and PBonds): £5,382/ + £1,500 = £6,882 /£7,500 (Target 1)
Stocks and shares ISA: £2,232.94
Additional pension contributions £0 (target £450pcm)
Overpayment on mortgage: 1% at a time (£1,518)
Big Renno...and appliances. Front of the house, fridge freezer, dishwasher and washing machine)2 -
I know that feeling of ‘argh!’ on receiving the survey - I had to read ours several times as the valuation was a big fat ZERO! (Then I started researching Japanese Knotweed ….). Hopefully the walking and reprioritising has helped clear your head.KKAs at 15.10.25:
- When bought house £315,995 mortgage debt and end date at start = October 2039 - now £229,702
- OPs to mortgage = £12,345 Estd. interest saved = £5,863 to date
Fixed rate 3.85% ends October 2030
Read 60 books of target 52 in 2025, as @ 30th October
Produce tracker: £426 of £300 in 2025
Watch your thoughts, they become your words.
Watch your words, they become your actions.Watch your actions, they become your reality.1 -
This survey stuff does scare me a little! I think there are different levels of survey - I can see me paying up for an extensive one!DON'T BUY STUFF (from Frugalwoods)
No seriously, just don’t buy things. 99% of our success with our savings rate is attributed to the fact that we don’t buy things... You can and should take advantage of discounts.... But at the end of the day, the only way to truly save money is to not buy stuff. Money doesn’t walk out of your wallet on its own accord.
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6289577/future-proofing-my-life-deposit-saving-then-mfw-journey-in-under-13-years#latest1 -
Goodness, it been a long time since I have posted.
But this house is an extraordinary puzzle in communication and a lack of information, with a side order of useless professionals.
I think I will be completing it in mid-January.
Just stopping by, before Christmas and then the fun will begin, decorating, gardening rooting out bargains etc.
Signiture dated 23/09/2025
3-month emergency fund (Cash ISA and PBonds): £5,382/ + £1,500 = £6,882 /£7,500 (Target 1)
Stocks and shares ISA: £2,232.94
Additional pension contributions £0 (target £450pcm)
Overpayment on mortgage: 1% at a time (£1,518)
Big Renno...and appliances. Front of the house, fridge freezer, dishwasher and washing machine)5 -
Sending sustaining strength and positive vibes. Enjoy your Christmas break and recharge 😊
KKAs at 15.10.25:
- When bought house £315,995 mortgage debt and end date at start = October 2039 - now £229,702
- OPs to mortgage = £12,345 Estd. interest saved = £5,863 to date
Fixed rate 3.85% ends October 2030
Read 60 books of target 52 in 2025, as @ 30th October
Produce tracker: £426 of £300 in 2025
Watch your thoughts, they become your words.
Watch your words, they become your actions.Watch your actions, they become your reality.2 -
Hi all,
Fingers crossed I will be in the new place by the 17th of Jan. I had to ask the landlord for an extension, I am effectively homeless for one day.
Really cannot express how disappointed I have been by the conveyance. Anyone thinking of buying soon, please ask for a personal recommendation from someone that you know and trust.
To add insult, to these unnecessary injuries, the landlord has been in touch to inform me about scaffolding going up, blocking access. This is significantly going to impede removals; I am in the basement flat with very narrow steps to the pavement. I am super concerned about how I am going to get any furniture out!
Signiture dated 23/09/2025
3-month emergency fund (Cash ISA and PBonds): £5,382/ + £1,500 = £6,882 /£7,500 (Target 1)
Stocks and shares ISA: £2,232.94
Additional pension contributions £0 (target £450pcm)
Overpayment on mortgage: 1% at a time (£1,518)
Big Renno...and appliances. Front of the house, fridge freezer, dishwasher and washing machine)4 -
Crossing my fingers for you too! 🤞🤞🤞🤞
Can’t the landlord delay the scaffolding until after you move out?
KKAs at 15.10.25:
- When bought house £315,995 mortgage debt and end date at start = October 2039 - now £229,702
- OPs to mortgage = £12,345 Estd. interest saved = £5,863 to date
Fixed rate 3.85% ends October 2030
Read 60 books of target 52 in 2025, as @ 30th October
Produce tracker: £426 of £300 in 2025
Watch your thoughts, they become your words.
Watch your words, they become your actions.Watch your actions, they become your reality.1 -
How annoying on the move date - maybe indeed ask for a push back on scaffolding as if you can’t get furniture out you will be leaving issues for both you and himDON'T BUY STUFF (from Frugalwoods)
No seriously, just don’t buy things. 99% of our success with our savings rate is attributed to the fact that we don’t buy things... You can and should take advantage of discounts.... But at the end of the day, the only way to truly save money is to not buy stuff. Money doesn’t walk out of your wallet on its own accord.
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6289577/future-proofing-my-life-deposit-saving-then-mfw-journey-in-under-13-years#latest1 -
Thank you @LadyWithAPlan and @KajiKita - The news on the scaffolding is that it has been delayed. My landlord talked to the Freeholder - so it looks like it will be fine. We still have not exchanged contracts, so the solicitors accrued interest instead of me! I paid the deposit before Christmas.
Fingers crossed I am in on the 17th!
Been looking at overpayments on the mortgage, I am going to aim for 2.5% overpayment this year - alongside the new windows, decorating and gardening.
This would be £4350 across the year, £362.50 a month.
Signiture dated 23/09/2025
3-month emergency fund (Cash ISA and PBonds): £5,382/ + £1,500 = £6,882 /£7,500 (Target 1)
Stocks and shares ISA: £2,232.94
Additional pension contributions £0 (target £450pcm)
Overpayment on mortgage: 1% at a time (£1,518)
Big Renno...and appliances. Front of the house, fridge freezer, dishwasher and washing machine)3 -
How exciting, I have just read through your whole diary, and you nearly have your new home in the space of a few months, brilliant! Good luck, and I hope you exchange/ complete on time. DFW3213
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