Watty's Awakening

greenbee

Thanks Watty. That would be great. I have now printed all the info that I put into the portal, so need to build myself a spreadsheet (which at least will only have the categories I actually need!). My outgoings are high, I'm aware of that, but a large chunk of that is my mortgage, and while I'm finishing the house (and unemployed) I can't really overpay. My fix is up next year though, so if have any income I might be able to put a lump in a pension to get a tax rebate, and a lump to bring the mortgage down.

I'm now off to fill the gaps in my data, having emailed the IFA to explain I can't afford her while I'm on JSA :)

Watty1

Inspired by yesterday I've transferred a little more from the sales of September course to pension pot.

Also looked at credit card. This has been a very expensive month with a new dishwasher and dental work so credit card which usually runs high is very high. The monthly pay off in full payment goes out tomorrow and that will cover last month but this month I do not really have a plan to cover the dental work. I've just been paid £80 for a piece of work so I've sent that over to the credit card. I think I need to send money as and when to the card and try not to use it for the next few weeks. I've also paid the dishwasher amount out of the EF.

Humdinger1

Dearest @watty1 please be proud. You have emerged triumphant and are a wonderful human being. Not that you're locked in a vengeful grudge match with PPH, but what a mess I bet he's making of his life. You are happy, free and financially secure. Onwards and upwards love Humdinger xx

daisy_1571

Seconded !,

Dxx

Suffolk_lass

You have done amazingly well, and very quickly. I think that while you still resent what he did, you and your life have moved on; your priorities have changed and your outlook is altogether more balanced and contented.

What an absolute star you are!! ⭐️

Watty1

Thanks. @Suffolk_lass is correct. I do resent what he did and the way he did it. I also know at the end I should have renegotiated when I had the court orders in place. I really wish I had never signed the overage deal on the land as that may yet cause problems if the planning permission comes through.

But one thing sticks with me - from the day I left I felt better off. I was paying rent and livery costs for my horse and paying a solicitor but I was still better off. That should never have been the case and just showed how much he was draining from me financially and at how slick he was at justifying and hiding it. So when I find myself wandering down the mental rabbit holes of "why did I ever" I remind myself "I did but it got better".

My outlook has changed. Since leaving PPH I have slept on sofas (and kept the curtains shut so my land-lady did not find out) and mattresses on floors and become much more mindful.

My priorities have changed so much. Somehow I have morphed into a different person.

Watty1

More reviewing of the credit card and I see that there are a few issues. I did not set aside a monthly amount for the house insurance or the land and outbuildings insurance (these are separate and they totalled just shy of £1500) Somehow I had glossed over that appearing on my CC.

In September the insurance on the horsebox is due and that is almost £600 and that is another annual bill I have not been thinking about.

Long term solution, put aside £175 per month (gasp) into a savings account for annual bills. I need to think what other annual bills there are that I can do that with. I pay council tax monthly.

Car insurance is one. What others???

teapot2

boiler service or other heating methods that might need annual attention - chimney sweep?

Slinky

Vehicle excise duty (car tax)

WelshmansDaughter

Do you have life/health insurance? Mobile/pc insurance? Self employment insurance?