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Watty's Awakening
Comments
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What a lovely idea on the baubles each year.I am a Forum Ambassador and I support the Forum Team on Mortgage Free Wannabe & Local Money Saving Scotland & Disability Money Matters. If you need any help on those boards, do let me know.Please note that Ambassadors are not moderators. Any post you spot in breach of the Forum Rules should be reported via the report button , or by emailing forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com. All views are my own & not the official line of Money Saving Expert.
Lou~ Debt free Wanabe No 55 DF 03/14.**Credit card debt free 30/06/10~** MFW. Finally mortgage free O2/ 2021****
"A large income is the best recipe for happiness I ever heard of" Jane Austen in Mansfield Park.
***Fall down seven times,stand up eight*** ~~Japanese proverb. ***Keep plodding*** Out of debt, out of danger.
One debt remaining. Home improvement loan. 20 months left.4 -
Thanks @beanielou
With the VNM I have discovered a new way of being in the world with a relationship that is contentment based, and aligns with my values. Saturday evening was spent in front of the wood burning stove, me sewing name tags in some more of his mum's clothes whilst we did a crossword. We had discussed going out but the local place was fully booked and I had no desire to go to the expensive village place.
I realise I like me and I like this life.
Edited to apologise to all if that sounds too smug.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 !!15 -
I always recommended Helly Hansen - used it skiing in -20c and although the wax on the underside of the skis stuck, I stayed warm and toasty. The stuff I have is 40 years old and stretchy leggings and a button up long-sleeved top. No doubt they have updated (and charge like wounded bulls) but I can vouch for its effectiveness and you do get what you pay forWatty1 said:New thermals have arrived. Two will need to be sent back for a refund as are see through and cannot possible be of any use (might be in centrally heated office I suppose but not in a draughty barn or outside) two I have kept although I am not in love with the neck line but I am aware I need some new ones this winter so will keep as will be fine under fleeces and sweatshirts and one is simply so much fun I bought a duplicate (uniqlo flowers!) I now have enough thermal tops and will wait until the sales for leggings to go under riding clothes or dresses.
This prompted a quick removal of T-shirts and vest tops from main wardrobe and replaced with an organised selection of winter clothes. I thought I had once decluttered my wardrobe to a simple clear state but there seems to be a lot of "stuff" that has appeared. I have had a quick cull and am undecided whether to list for sale or just donate. Currently leaning towards sunk costs and remove from house but that might be mood related.Save £12k in 2026 #2 I have banked £2870.61 so far, against a £10k target The 2026 Save £12k in 2026 thread is here
OS Grocery Challenge in 2026 I am sticking with a £3000 annual budget for 2026 - currently £568.34 and most of my March purchasing made
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 here4 -
Not smug at all - it's heart warming to see and I'm happy for you, as I'm sure are many others.Watty1 said:Thanks @beanielou
With the VNM I have discovered a new way of being in the world with a relationship that is contentment based, and aligns with my values. Saturday evening was spent in front of the wood burning stove, me sewing name tags in some more of his mum's clothes whilst we did a crossword. We had discussed going out but the local place was fully booked and I had no desire to go to the expensive village place.
I realise I like me and I like this life.
Edited to apologise to all if that sounds too smug.
I saw elsewhere that you are getting some treasure out of your loft. Have fun bringing it back into circulation!I think a bit of sunshine is good for frugal living. (Cranky40)
The sun's been out and I think I’m solar powered (Onebrokelady)
Fashion on the Ration 2025: Fabric 2, men's socks 3, Duvet 7.5, 2 t-shirts 10, men's socks 3, uniform top 0, hat 0, shoes 5 = 30.5/68
2024: Trainers 5, dress 7, slippers 5, 2 prs socks (gift) 2, 3 prs white socks 3, t-shirts x 2 10, 6 prs socks: mostly gifts 6, duvet set 7.5 = 45.5/68 coupons
20.5 coupons used in 2020. 62.5 used in 2021. 94.5 remaining as of 21/3/226 -
Not smug at all watty. Contentment is a much underrated thing. Lasts longer than flashes of deep joy which are wonderful but not sustainable, contentment however can go on for your whole life. Wishing you much contentment
Daisy xxx22: 3🏅 4⭐ 23: 5🏅 6 ⭐ 24 1🏅 2⭐ 25 🏅 🥈2⭐ 26 🥈 Never save something for a special occasion. Every day is a special occasion. The diff between what you were yesterday and what you'll be tomorrow is what you do today Well organised clutter is still clutter - Joshua Becker If youre not already using a thing you won't start using it more by shoving it in a cupboard- AJMoney The barrier standing between you & what youre truly capable of isnt lack of info, ideas or techniques. The secret is 'do it'8 -
Seeing you in contentment with a kind man is just lovely. It brings joy to me 😊
KKAs at 17.03.26:
- When bought house £315,995 mortgage debt and end date at start = October 2039 - now £219,071
- OPs to mortgage = £17,793 Estd. interest saved = £9,021 to date
c. 16 months reduction in term
Fixed rate 3.85% ends October 2030
Read 22 books of target 52 in 2026 as @ 19th March.
Produce tracker: £59 of £400 in 2026
Watch your thoughts, they become your words.
Watch your words, they become your actions.Watch your actions, they become your reality.6 -
In total agreement
Emergency Fund goal - £1000/2000
Mortgage OP goal 2026 - £800/£4500
Read 24 books this year 7/24
No Spend March- 11/315 -
You are never, ever smug @Watty1. Contentment is vastly underrated but so nourishing...after all, if more people felt it, what would happen to the purveyors of debt? They'd have to shut up shop!! Love Humdinger xx
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Just catching up. So sorry to read about the sudden loss of your friend. Makes your early discussion on making the most of every day and simple pleasures like candles even more poignant.
Trust your instincts on getting the work done. There will be new work that needs doing by the time VNM retires anyway.
Glad you are feeling content.Achieve FIRE/Mortgage Neutrality in 2030
1) MFW Nov 21 £202K now £169.8K Equity 37.1%
2) £2.4K Net savings after CCs March 26 (but owed £1.1K) so £3.5K
3) Mortgage neutral by 06/30 (AVC £36.2K + Lump Sums DB £4.6K + (25% of SIPP 1.3K) = 42.1£127.5K target 33% 27/2/26 (If took bigger lump sum = 64K or 50.1%)
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 £5.2K updated 16/1/266 -
I agree contentment is seriously underrated. And also good for your blood pressure.
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