Follow the Yellow Brick Road 2023

SandyShores

KajiKita said

Sandy, you are making me realise that I have no social bits at all …. 🤔😳

KK

I think when you are busy at work all week, and then have such a busy home life its difficult to fit it all in isn't it.  And sometimes you just want time away from people.  But it is good to have something outside of home that isn't work - its just fitting it in that's the problem

SandyShores

South_coast said:

Would getting a cleaner be the best of both worlds?

Thanks @South_coast its a good suggestion, and we have done that previously, but these days I would need more of a personal assistant (e.g. to run errands, book stuff, buy stuff etc.).  I am getting towards completing my to do list, and I'll try and tick a few more things off and think about it again.  I don't really want to reduce my hours because of the effect on my pension etc. but at the moment I'm wondering what other way to tip the balance.  

savingholmes

If you get the right person - your cleaner may be willing to do some of that other stuff. Mine does for me... She doesn't seem to care as long as I pay her. She is younger than all my previous cleaners though and I think that makes a difference. She quite enjoys having a break from cleaning.

SandyShores

Thanks @savingholmes but I'm going to aim to have less stuff to do and less stuff to tidy I think   I've always thought my idea of hell would be to have a massive mansion which meant I had to organise a team of staff to keep it up.  You can tell I very much like my own space   Compact and bijoux but private

I'm lucky that we have moved onto the stage where we are downsizing everything.  I'm not sure who the poster was who made the comment about buying better quality once these days but I'm with you on that.  I've made a purchase this week, one item replacing two cheaper items.  Love how the drawers almost breathe a sigh of relief as more space is created.  

SandyShores

Sorted through some of the paperwork that has been gathering on the chest of drawers.  Recycled some, put some in the filing drawer and I found/paid a bill.  Sorted the pan cupboard out, and really need to go through the cupboard on the stair top where the clothes due for Vinted are stored.  Few items to give away as well, so those need to go onto the relevant website, and I'll create a charity shop bag too.  Its good when all the decluttering is coming to fruition but you lose your enthusiasm for it, so its good to have a bit of motivation from other people's threads to keep it going. The 'To Do' list is still long but I am definitely getting there.

KajiKita

Paperwork is on my list to ‘do’ - think I will have a go at that today when the sun drives me in. Thanks for the reminder 😊

Sounds like you are doing well on the decluttering 👍🎊🎉 Having now read your signature properly I am impressed by the 11 months term reduction on that kind of balance! 😊

KK

SandyShores

Thank you Kajikita, the paper pile keeps multiplying, but it won't beat me   And thanks, I'm pleased to be able to make some good overpayments now.  Although this month not so because of all the garden spends - but they were worth it.  At the moment I'll be working into my 70s to crack the mortgage,  but we have got some back up plans e.g. pension pots and the like.  I'm trying not to get too worried about the remortgage rates in a couple of years, and I have to remember that getting back on the property ladder was the best thing we did.  It will be great when its paid off but I want to enjoy life along the way too.  

KajiKita

Working into our 70’s to pay off the mortgage….
Yup recognise this. Mr KK is set to be 75 😳 by the time we have paid our mortgage off (on the original trajectory). That’s not feasible - he won’t physically be able to work that long! But as you say, it’s so worth it, we are so happy here ❤️😊

KK

savingholmes

73-73.5 due here to be mortgage free. I and you'll beat it before then. As Sandy says there are pensions options if needed too.

Well done on the continued decluttering. As you can tell you've helped inspire me to do some more. 

SandyShores

Sounds like we are all in the same club then @savingholmes and @KajiKita so won't be lonely on our journey   Will be great to have this support.