£200,593 to go

Sistergold

It’s good that you have now achieved your goal with the premium bonds. Well done for managing to make overpayments, just doing when you can will add up over the years as you keep at it! It’s good you are being mindful as like you said life is really too short. It’s something I have been reflecting on myself as my mom is turning 95 this year. She was such an active woman years back but now she is quite frail. Every year we get older and we should not take our youth or even our active years for granted. So I am with you on being able to enjoy your house without a lodger if you can afford. There is a time for everything and sometimes we can tolerate certain arrangements eg lodger and after a while we can not tolerate the arrangement anymore. Always wishing you the best. 🌺

pebbles01

Thanks @beanielou and @Sistergold for the best wishes

Your mum is such a good age Sister!  It's understandable to be frail at that age but it still is hard on us 'children'

I know I need to be better at updating my diary.  I've not really felt like it for the past few weeks, but I need to think of the future and focus on what I want to achieve.  The person involved in the situation would remind me of that and tell me to live life and be happy!

strandedinaber

Hi @pebbles01 well done on starting your diary and MFW journey. I'm in a similar position to you (on my own, not in a place to make large repayments on a monthly basis) so thought I would follow along.

I'm sorry to see that it looks like the past few weeks/months have been extra tough I really hope that things start to improve for you and yours soon x

pebbles01

Thanks for the best wishes @strandedinaber

It's nice to hear from someone in a similar situation.  Everyone here seems really supportive and welcoming because we all know that even small overpayments count.  

This next bit is very outing to anyone that knows me, but I need to prioritise saving for a new small fence.  I had to have a new fence when I moved into the house as it had come down in a storm by the time I picked the keys up.  Anyway, there was a bit at the end the fence guy couldn't do, because next of a shed in next doors garden which he couldn't access.  So I had 1.5 rubbish panels which were basically held up by next doors shed,  Next door have now knocked this down and thrown the broken panels back into my garden (we don't speak, but that's a whole different thread).  I've contacted the fence guy (who did a brilliant job) and it will be £400.  He's not committed to a date yet, so I must chase him while it is still accessible from both sides.  

That wasn't planned but it really needs doing, as I have friends that visit with dogs.  Both dogs already escaped into neighbours garden and they will complain!  I also think I'm edging back towards outside improvements.  The wisteria has been dug out and I've got friends that will help paint the outside of the house.  I won't be able to afford a new driveway this year, but the shutters may be possible if I stick to an incredibly strict budget.  

LadyWithAPlan

Sounds like you are clearly and calmly dealing with lots of things and your focus is admirable 

sorry to hear re your loss, and it sounds like having your home to yourself is the best choice. 

I could have a lodger and save probably £700 pm but I would much rather have my space 

I think having this £200 pm OP is a great goal you can focus on but also accept that some months you won’t hit it due to life, repairs etc 

pebbles01

Thanks for your kind words @LadyWithAPlan It's not often I'm described as calm!

I definitely recommend not getting a lodger.  It's different I think if you can't balance things without one, but you have a fabulous deposit.  I'm a firm believer in having your own sanctuary, and having your own space is priceless.  Looking after our mental as well as physical health is just as important.  I can definitely manage a tight budget without and I'm not going to be struggling to eat.  At the moment, there are a lot of people that aren't that lucky.   

You are also right in that I need to accept that some months £200 won't be achievable.  I was never very good at this - at school, I always thought I had to get an A in everything.  I need to think positively about what I achieve, not dwell on what I can't.  Isn't there a diary on here called something like progression, not perfection?  I need to get into that mindset..

pebbles01

In other news, no premium bond win today, so my balance remains at £10,001..but there's always next month 

pebbles01

Think I've worked out my daily interest is £29.21!!!!!  I say I think as I'm a bad accountant so can't be sure!!