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Council Tax bill has arrived - up 5% - wish we could pick and choose where our tax money went - most of mine would go to fixing the numerous pot holes on my route from home to the train station! With the remainder alloted to rubbish collection! As for the rest - I'm not the least bit interested in paying for any of it, as I don't see the value added!!
So a quick rundown of what goes up in April for us - Council Tax, Water, Petrol (next fill), landline, internet, mobile phones & food. Most other things remain the same for now, including TV tax, mortgage, insurance, train fare, gas & electric either because they are fixed term costs or run to a different renewal cycle. WWe have one freebie keeping us entertained - mouseears+ as I was given a 6-month trial with another purchase.
So realistically - where does the money come from - I pull it out of longterm savings and keep my fingers crossed that the cost of living increase I get in July is enough to cover the increase in bills retroactively to April! Net worth effectively goes down for the next four months as we rob Peter to pay Paul. So let's hope I'm not hit in the next round of layoffs!4 YEARS 10 MONTHS DEBT FREE!!! (24 OCT 2016)(With heartfelt thanks to those who have gone before us & their indubitable generosity.)...and now I have a mortgage! (23 AUG 2021)Original End Date - Sept 2041 New projection - Dec 2039 (reduced by 21 months)6 -
It’s getting a bit scary now that’s for sure.
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*** in ~~Japanese proverb. ***Keep plodding*** Out of debt, out of danger.
One debt remaining. Home improvement loan. 19months left.2 -
At least the warmer months are coming up soon.
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 21/3/222 -
Well early still and it's been an emotional one so far. After a long talk with his palliative doctor yesterday, we decided that the best is for OH to be at the day-centre Hospice today for the first time and I'm at work feeling overly emotional. He'll be home later today, but in my head something says we are closer to the end than I want to think about. Rationally he's there because he started his 7th round of treatment yesterday and can't be left alone today but there is a part of my head and a lot of my heart that can't rationalize this. I need to be in the office today for more than one reason and he's where he can be cared for easily but honestly there is nothing I can say other than it sucks! Full time carer and full time job do not mix well!
4 YEARS 10 MONTHS DEBT FREE!!! (24 OCT 2016)(With heartfelt thanks to those who have gone before us & their indubitable generosity.)...and now I have a mortgage! (23 AUG 2021)Original End Date - Sept 2041 New projection - Dec 2039 (reduced by 21 months)6 -
I have no words rt. But thinking of you. Sending love to team rt 😘
Greying X
Grocery spend April 2026 £32.59/£200
Non-food spend April 2026 £0/£80
Bulk Fund 2026 Month 4/12 - £0/£98.02 (reducing balance - start £120 pa)
""Mother Nature don't draw straight lines
The broken moulds in a grand design
We look a mess but we're doing fine
We're card carrying lifelong members
Of the union of different kinds..."
"Union of the Different kinds" - R Christie & T Gilbert, Fisherman's Friends1 -
Ugh …. I can totally understand why you feel this way. Perhaps the 7th round DH is going into will buy you both a bit more time?
Sending hugs and whatever comfort makes sense to you at this time x
KK
As 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 23 books of target 52 in 2026 as @ 28th 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.2 -
This is so hard: in one way you are just one day further on than yesterday, but I fully understand it may feel like a transition to a stage further. Thinking of you both and sending as much support as possible.
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 21/3/222 -
Sending you love & 🤗🌸
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*** in ~~Japanese proverb. ***Keep plodding*** Out of debt, out of danger.
One debt remaining. Home improvement loan. 19months left.2 -
Sending hugs @rtandon27
Fashion on a ration 2025 0/66 coupons spent
79.5 coupons rolled over 4/75.5 coupons spent - using for secondhand purchases
One income, home educating family1 -
Like others have said, really no words. Just remember people are thinking of you and sending love your way x
1
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