We’d like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum.

This is to keep it a safe and useful space for MoneySaving discussions. Threads that are – or become – political in nature may be removed in line with the Forum’s rules. Thank you for your understanding.

The MSE Forum Team would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas. However, we know this time of year can be difficult for some. If you're struggling during the festive period, here's a list of organisations that might be able to help
📨 Have you signed up to the Forum's new Email Digest yet? Get a selection of trending threads sent straight to your inbox daily, weekly or monthly!
Has MSE helped you to save or reclaim money this year? Share your 2025 MoneySaving success stories!

Watty's Awakening

1102103105107108389

Comments

  • Suffolk_lass
    Suffolk_lass Posts: 10,712 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    One of the techniques I use when I am overwhelmed by tasks is to divide my list into areas (here we have house, garden, bees, admin) and then they all feel a bit more manageable. I can then put timing allocations to them and see where they have dependencies on other things, and can't be progressed, or whether I am putting off the things I loathe doing (yep, that is me).

    It's an old stress management technique of compartmentalising the pressures but it might work for your c-ptsd if you shelve the trigger activities and gently progress other things or (sorry about this phrase) the low-hanging fruit that is easy to pick off and accomplish. Recognising it is a thing is the first thing and your self awareness is far better than mine x
    Save £12k in 2025 #2 I saved £14,660.97 of £6000 or 244.35% of my target. The 2026 Save £12k in 2026 thread is here
    OS Grocery Challenge in 2025 I finished the year at £2880.99/£3000 or 96.03% of my annual spend so I am sticking with a £3000 annual budget for 2026
    I also Reverse Meal Plan on that thread and grow much of our own premium price fruit and veg, joining in on the grow your own in 2026 discussion thread
    My keep within our budget diary is here
  • Watty1
    Watty1 Posts: 7,639 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    edited 15 August 2024 at 8:00AM
    Thanks @Suffolk_lass  I'm focusing on low hanging fruit at the moment although with the bank holiday coming I'm planning on spending some time in the garden just weeding mainly until handyman can help with path restoration.

    New computer installed and working which means I can now think about how to get some help in the office.   I'm not rushing it because I have the "holiday slow down" so things are much quieter at the moment and I'm using this time to have a little rest and consider options
    Made it to mortgage free but what a muddle that became

    In the event the proverbial hits the fan then co-habitees are better stashing their cash than being mortgage free !!
  • savingholmes
    savingholmes Posts: 29,130 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    Thanks for the book recommendation WD - will investigate. 

    Hi Watty - sounds like a good call on investigating other homes for the pony. Hope you find ways to take some rest / breaks. Even if you can't leave your animals overnight - can you take most of a day off and take some time alone just for you out in nature somewhere - or whatever floats your boat?
    Achieve FIRE/Mortgage Neutrality in 2030
    1) MFW Nov 21 £202K now £171.3K Equity 36.55%
    2) £2.6K Net savings after CCs 10/10/25
    3) Mortgage neutral by 06/30 (AVC £30.9K + Lump Sums DB £4.6K + (25% of SIPP 1.25K) = 35.5/£127.5K target 27.8% 14/11/25
    (If took bigger lump sum = 62K or 48.6%)
    4) FI Age 60 income target £17.1/30K 57% (if mortgage and debts repaid - need more otherwise) (If bigger lump sum £15.8/30K 52.67%)
    5) SIPP £5.1K updated 14/11/25
  • Always happy to recommend books now that my kindle library is organised!
Meet your Ambassadors

🚀 Getting Started

Hi new member!

Our Getting Started Guide will help you get the most out of the Forum

Categories

  • All Categories
  • 352.9K Banking & Borrowing
  • 253.9K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
  • 454.7K Spending & Discounts
  • 246K Work, Benefits & Business
  • 602.1K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
  • 177.8K Life & Family
  • 259.9K Travel & Transport
  • 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
  • 16K Discuss & Feedback
  • 37.7K Read-Only Boards

Is this how you want to be seen?

We see you are using a default avatar. It takes only a few seconds to pick a picture.