Follow the Yellow Brick Road 2023

Willow1983

Hi, just putting my tuppensworth in, Singer aren’t the same as they used to be the quality isn’t quite the same.  I can definitely recommend Janome this is what I have it’s it’s a great machine.

SandyShores

Thanks @Willow1983, I was thinking the same about Singer.  I think I saw that model recommended on someone's website,  but I am definitely steering towards the Janome - thanks to @Fortune_Smiles .  There's a local shop that sells four brands - Bernina, Husqvarna, Pfaff and also Janome - so I'm going to pop in and take a look.  Very excited.

SandyShores

By the time our three year mortgage anniversary arrives we will have paid off £44k and shaved a year off the term.  I'd like to achieve a similar figure over the next two years before the fixed term ends - and shave a couple more years off.  Its tempting to think about taking the pension slightly early and taking a large lump sum to help it along, but I know that doesn't always make financial sense and there's a balance to work out between a better pension and mortgage freedom.  Its good to think that we can do this though, I'm ever more hopeful of mortgage freedom by retirement, but being able to afford the mortgage into retirement will be just as good.

savingholmes

That's really good going on the mortgage. Best of luck with the sewing machine 

SandyShores

Thanks @savingholmes, the mortgage is always in the back of my mind, but I'm pleased that as time goes on I'm feeling more confident about it all.  Exciting news re. the sewing machine, and I've ordered the Janome one so hopefully by the weekend it will be here.  I've also checked out the book @Fortune_Smiles recommended and it is the one I already have so I'm super pleased. Its been a weekend of buying things for the garden and the home (practical things like doormats) but I spotted another plant bargain to buy soon - have to pop in during the week to make they aren't all gone.  I also need to buy some pots to pot on a couple of plants but am always mystified by plant pot sizes and how much larger to go.  I'll have a measure up and web research this evening. It feels like the garden is starting to take shape these days.

savingholmes

Nice when your home and garden feel like they are coming together rather than a giant to do list

SandyShores

Waiting for the BG review.  Its due mid-April but they put up a notice last month on my accounts that they are doing annual reviews, so I can't make any additional payments in or request a refund.  I'm assuming they are having to stop payments in and out for a few weeks as their systems are slow and they want to make sure they take into account any payments in or out.  It seems a long time though in these days of faster payments.  I'm expecting around £100 refund, which will be used towards a garden purchase, so hopefully BG can get their sums right.  They can borrow my spreadsheet if they have any difficulties

Thanks @savingholmes, it is lovely that its beginning to feel like a garden rather than a plot.  I've been looking at garden pot sizes and found a calculator online:  https://www.orangepippintrees.co.uk/plant-pot-calculator.aspx  (they have lots of fruit trees for sale too, but I managed to avoid purchasing one).  I need to buy a pot for my fig tree - I think the size should be around 2ft x 2ft or 45 cm diameter/40cm high - approximately 60 litres.  So now I have my measurements I'm ready to go pot shopping at the weekend.  I'd ideally like to buy a base on wheels too so I could move it inside in the winter.  

savingholmes

Base with wheels sounds a great plan.

SandyShores

Anything to make it easier @savingholmes , there's quite a few different ones around.  I might buy some pots first and then buy the bases after.  

The budget is disappearing fast this month with all the garden spends.  Food money has been put by for the month, as well as the kitty's food so it will be okay, but it feels like there's a long month ahead.  I'd better get on with reading all those books and doing all the jobs and hobbies I've got queued up.

SandyShores

Car insurance paid for the year.  Car service due this month too (its a little overdue but I'm trying to join up service date with the MOT due date so that it goes in for both at the same time at the start of the summer).  Its probably why I'm feeling the budget stretch this month.  The tax is due after Christmas but its only £30, but the pet insurance is due at the same time so its good to keep the payments spread a little.  Shopping today for a few bits for a weekend roast.  I took advantage of the 19p veg in Morrison's yesterday and will pop into Asda today as I need swede and broccolli which seem to be 20p at the moment - and I need a few staples - bread, coffee and oil.

Edit, I should revisit my goals this weekend too, as they seem to have slipped a little.