The final countdown to June 2026

V3cash

definitely agree it’s better in your account than theirs.

I’m with fuse so pay as bills come in so i keep my extra in savings that would have normally sat in their account. However I’m guilty of being lazy as my exported energy is still with octopus and they wanted me to take a reading so they could give accurate up to date bill, basically what they owe me. I’m not really sure how to so have just avoided it, must do it though as we are coming into more export season. They have about £150 of my money sat there which I can’t get until up to date bill generated 🙄

Your journey has inspired me as you are doing amazing!!

My insurance has come down but have not noticed if the excess has gone up. Again being lazy have not compared but think maybe i should if all premiums have gone down. Think it’s the shock as everything else has gone up. I will check the excess though now so thanks 🙏

carboot_karaoke

Evening all,

Thanks @V3cash 😊

Today l took the opportunity to do some "life admin".

Phoned up the home insurance company, decreased the policy excesses and asked for a discount. The member of staff was very helpful, but said he couldn't reduce the price, however he said l could get £15 cashback 60 days after the policy renews. Happy with that outcome, total spent £303.46 from the insurance/car pot.

I also made a dentist appointment while the kids are on holiday.

Investigated some low spend family activities, l discovered that octopus (my energy provider) offer a family day pass for national trust for £8, or I'm sure there will be free passes available later in the year.

National express are offering 50% off coach trips (until tomorrow). So I've booked us an old fashioned day trip to London for the Easter holidays, total spent £27.80 for the four of us. It would cost more than that to drive plus parking costs. I'm actually really excited about it, feeling nostalgic from my childhood 😊. Just need to add a robust packed lunch. Can't decide which pot will pay for it, probably the holiday one.

Heading to bed shortly, feeling tired, somehow I've clocked up 17,500 steps, waaay more than normal.

carboot_karaoke

Morning all,

Another bright spring day here, very grateful for the sun in the sky, l managed to get several loads of washing dry on the line this week.

We were planning a trip to a National Trust place today, but it would involve a 120 mile round trip. The cost of fuel has put us off so instead we're going for a walk to local park. The kids will moan en route about being pulled away from a screen of some sort, but they always end up enjoying themselves.

In money news the energy refund has been received so another £100 off the mortgage new balance £17,300. The remaining £20 was sent to the EF new Balance £4260.

carboot_karaoke

Morning all,

A quick post to say another £360 has come into our account and immediately been paid off the mortgage.

New total £16,940 exciting to see a new number at the beginning 😊

I also spent some time on various spreadsheets yesterday trying to work out our new "end date". If everything remains the same, workwise and the tenants stay It looks like September 2026 will be our final payment.

6 months to go…

carboot_karaoke

Afternoon all,

This weather is such a treat 🌞

I've had a steady week so far, boss is away for a couple of weeks which does increase the workload. But has also created an opportunity to do some of my payroll course at work. I'm really disappointed with myself for not having it finished by now 😞. Anyway, I've managed a couple chapters this week and will be taking home to carry on over the weekend.

The older CK kids are away so its just the four of us, hoping for a couple of nice family days even popped a bottle of wine in the fridge.

Money wise not much to report other than our council tax bill arrived +£9 extra a month. I will absorb this into the grocery budget until June when we stop paying for our settee and gain £30. Although it will now only be +£11 a month due to water rates and C tax 🙄.

South_coast

I feel your pain. My water rates are now more than my electricity, and half the cost of my council tax 😬

carboot_karaoke

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81931260#Comment_81931260

Ouch 😮

Costs we can do little about, just have to pay them🤷‍♀️

carboot_karaoke

Morning all,

It was a lovely weekend in the CK household, we had a couple of movie nights with treats (its easier when your looking for a film that appeals to one age group).

It also meant Mr Ck and l could watch Tv after the kids were in bed, normally we go to bed before the older kids 😂. We enjoyed some steak and chips, sticky toffee pudding and a bottle of wine all brought in the valentines meal deal last month. Today the older kids return and the noisy chaos that follows 🥰

In money news we received another £325 into our account this morning, l added £15 from the rent account (still waiting for the service charges before moving anything else). So another £340 has been paid off the mortgage. New balance £16,600.

beanielou

All good then.

carboot_karaoke

Afternoon all,

I'm on the pay day countdown.

Personal spending has been very good this month apart from my phone @£5.90, gym membership @£16.99 and train journey earlier this month @£3.80 l hadn't spent any money !! So when Mr Ck came home from work early l suggested a treat lunch at Wetherspoons £24.31 spent.

Work is really busy atm, the accountant is back in the office tomorrow which hinders my own work. I am slowly working through my payroll course, I've completed 4 chapters and assessments in the last week. Really want to get it done.