The final countdown to June 2026

carboot_karaoke

Morning all,

Don't know about everyone else but i'm struggling this week even to get out of bed its been so dark and wet in the mornings it feels like 2am not 6.30am.

I also suspect l have caught the office cold 😷🤧 you know when you can feel it at the back of your throat. I'm taking all the remedies in the hope i will feel better by the weekend, Mr CK and l have our hotel stay planned for this Saturday, l really don't want to be ill. 

In other news... we received an appointment for Ck's autism assessment at the beginning of January. Over 3 years we've been waiting and now its nearly here l feel a bit nervous. I will shelf those feelings until the new year.

We have had some money come in from the older children's rent but I've used it to top up the emergency fund. 

carboot_karaoke

Evening all, 

I've had a very busy, but productive day. 

I did the school run then went to work. I completed most of the things on my to do list, the few bits can wait until I return in 2026!!

On my way home l went to get things for our packed lunch which turned into the "big shop", l got home about an hour later than planned but so glad it's done. 

Very happy with the lunch we're taking,  including treats like, a bottle of wine, luxury mince pies, a box of lindt chocolate (present from the kids ❤️) a flask with costa coffee cappuccino sachets and a pack of percy pigs 😂.

I'm surprised how much I'm looking forward to it although,  I cant be the only one Mr CK had stripped and remade the bed whilst l was at work and actually looked at the link l sent him of nearby restaurants.  That's very rare indeed.  

beanielou

Enjoy and pass the Percy’s! 

carboot_karaoke

We're back, we had a wonderful time 😊

We spent Saturday morning visiting,  a pretty countryside village full of coffee shops, dog friendly pubs and tourists 😂 before heading to the hotel. 

I dragged a reluctant Mr CK to the gym followed by the swimming pool.  We had just got back to our room ready to open the bottle of wine when,  eldest Ck called to say youngest had thrown up and not feeling great.  The wine was put away in case we needed to end our  trip prematurely. After numerous phone calls it was decided that we would stay.  

This morning we had a lovely full english breakfast then went into town shopping and as we headed home we stumbled on a pop up xmas market.  It was so lovely as we walked up and down the aisles  sampled numerous tipples, and nibbles. 

We've returned home to a much improved little CK and all the noise, mess and laughter of our family.  

beanielou

Glad you enjoyed your break. 

Jessy103

Sounds like a lovely break (apart from the littlest being poorly while you're away!) X

carboot_karaoke

Aww thanks @jessy103 it really was. The best part was no big rush to get ready for work and school the next day.

Well I'm not sure how its Wednesday already 😮

Monday l went to gym and then sorted out CK3 bedroom resulting in a black bag and box for the charity shop. 

I spent Tuesday at my parents sorting out my moms bedroom, it had turned into quite the dumping ground making it impossible for the carers to access. It went better than expected with my mom (self confessed hoarder) fully co operating. She was really pleased with the results. I took two black bags from there house and then dropped the lot of at the charity shop.

Today l did some dinner prep with the youngest, popped to asda then dragged myself to the gym. I'm desperate to get back into fitness so have committed to going at least 5 times during my time off. So far I've been 3 times although the workouts aren't amazing, I've had to, reduce weights and reps it is still good to be doing something. 

We have a couple of lazy days planned MIL is cooking,  then were hoping to do a family activity on Friday like bowling if we can agree.

I've been paid early so I'm tempted 🤔 to make that extra £1000 payment this month, although "technically" Januarys OP.

I've had a quick scan online for things l had my eye on full price. Either not available in my size or not reduced, quite please really, l will try and stay away from online shopping and focus on our holiday in February. 

carboot_karaoke

Evening all,

We are already half way through the holidays !! its gone so quickly. 

Last week was mostly chill, we only saw family and a few close friends. This week is more social, we did a walk today, an escape room challenge tomorrow, fairly sure its going to end in an argument with Mr Ck 😂. Then a games night on NYE.

I've been very good and not spent a penny apart from on food 😇. Although, the dishwasher door seems to have broken today 🙄 whatever normally keeps the door from falling to the floor isn't working. I will have to investigate further. 

I also looked (l know l shouldn't have) at the TUI website, our holiday has been reduced by £300 😕. In fairness l have also seen it priced higher than what we paid. I just thought if the dishwasher needs replacing that would have paid for it. Oh well, l think it will all be forgotten when I'm sitting by the pool with a cocktail 🍹

I had a funds shuffle round earlier and have finally paid the £1000. Making a grand total of £40,000 for the year.

carboot_karaoke

carboot_karaoke said:

Evening everyone,

I have been enjoying a lazy day, before returning to work.

The Xmas break has given me a chance to plan for the future. And set priorities, financial and otherwise. 

This year the aim is to reduce our mortgage balance by £28,000 that's more than my annual gross salary 😳.

I know it will be tough, but l also know it's the best opportunity I have to get a big chunk paid.  Things can and do change quickly.  Everyone at home is working atm, and the property has tenants for another 6 months.  Income wise, this is as good as it gets.  

In preparation, I've set aside some money that's divided into a kids' pot, food spend & utility bill float,  car insurance & mot, rental property emergency fund and our own Emergency fund. With the planned overpayments this year there won't be funds to save the equivalent for 2026.



 

Evening all, 

So as if you needed reminding it's 2026 !! 

I was scrolling through old posts and dug out this one exactly,  1 year ago today.  

If you had told my 2025 self we would pay £40,000 off our mortgage l would never had believed it.  It's like game show winning money but,  it did happen.  

This has put us into the incredible position of nearly been mortgage free  (well as good as) hoping this year will be full of love, laughter and great memories ❤️.  

carboot_karaoke

As expected the last two weeks have flown by.  

I feel for once like we had a good balance between doing things and relaxing together.  

The escape room was fun, although we didn't make it out. Mr CK wasn't happy, he's never not made it out before 🤣.

After researching on YouTube we're going to attempt to fix the dishwasher ourselves. I've ordered some parts for £28.95 inc postage we figured it's worth an attempt. 

The games night was alot of fun with lots of families we left before midnight. So this morning l could crack on and finished Mr CK Self-assessment,  l submitted mine on Monday l just need to see the impact of the tax code change on my take home pay.  

As a special treat today we dusted off our inflatable hot tub, don't judge it was a reckless "covid purchase" 🤣 We haven't used it since the cost of living crisis and considering we've been spending about £12 a day on energy during the last few weeks it's not very money saving. But given that we have a few £100 credit with octopus we thought why not.  The kids love it and it gave me a legitimate reason to see if the kids swimwear fits them.

Right better get to bed tomorrow,  i'm hoping to get to the gym 5th time this holiday 😇 not that it will put a dent in the calories I've eaten 🙊