It won't happen overnight. But if I do nothing it won't happen at all. (MFW diary 5761)

seventh88

Hi everyone, 

I hope life is being kind to you. Here's my update as we slide into September.

Successes
1. I've been able to pay another £528 into the MFW fund this month, bringing the total to £4433 for the year. I can't quite believe I've stuck at it for so long, and that I've been able to overpay by so much. 

2. Renewed my broadband got a better deal by negotiating with my current supplier (thank you current supplier)
3. I have started C-word shopping (I know, it's so early, but it really does help me budget better when I do this, and it's so much less stressful...!!! I then have so much more time to bake gingerbread and read cosy books in the colder winter months!!)

4. Using the GoodBudget app continues to be helpful this year, I seem to have a good system going on with that. 

Challenges
1. Home/contents insurance due soon - will need to start looking for new deals
2. Since I hit my MFW target i have been thinking ahead to next year. I feel excited, determined and privileged to be continuing my MFW journey - and I also want to bring more novelty and adventure into my life too. I want to push myself out of my comfort zone a bit (I find this hard, I'm like a flippin tortoise, I'll do anything to stay in my shell...). So I'm starting to think of new things I could do, things I wouldn't ordinarily, that might help me grow, stretch and build my confidence too. Things that make me say 'wow, I never thought I'd be a person who did that' - but then I am!! I have a few ideas, and am open to low-cost suggestions if anyone has any? What have you surprised yourself by doing?

Thanks for your support everyone

seventh88

Hi everyone,

It's been a while since I posted an update, and I guess it's because I don't have anything new to say.

Successes

1. I'm still making overpayments, the total for the year is now £5832 which for me is incredible. It's far exceeded what I thought possible

2. C-shopping is done and I've stuck to budget

Challenges

1. I don't think there have been any in the past couple of months, thankfully. 

As we close in on the end of the year, I think I've got so used to making overpayments that it has become more engrained, just something that I will do. So it doesn't feel as difficult really. I still give myself wiggle room for other things. 

I hope everyone is well and life is being kind to you. 

sunshineli

I was just thinking of you yesterday and was tempted to post on your diary! Well done on the overpayments, that is such a fantastic achievement and you should feel very proud. Also well done on being so organised with your shopping! I must get on with this as I have barely started.

carboot_karaoke

seventh88 said:

Hi everyone,

It's been a while since I posted an update, and I guess it's because I don't have anything new to say.

Successes

1. I'm still making overpayments, the total for the year is now £5832 which for me is incredible. It's far exceeded what I thought possible

2. C-shopping is done and I've stuck to budget

Challenges

1. I don't think there have been any in the past couple of months, thankfully. 

As we close in on the end of the year, I think I've got so used to making overpayments that it has become more engrained, just something that I will do. So it doesn't feel as difficult really. I still give myself wiggle room for other things. 

I hope everyone is well and life is being kind to you. 

Congratulations on smashing your MFW target   

seventh88

Thanks @carboot_karaoke - I’m amazed but chuffed that I’ve smashed it! 

Thanks @sunshineli i do feel proud, I appreciate this space to share it because I don’t have many people i can share it with face to face, as most of my friends are in different situations. Ha ha, well the early c-shopping is a big shift for me after years of busy Decembers!! I’ve decided to finally be kinder to myself! Hope yours goes smoothly. 

Humdinger1

Marvellous  @seventh88! New habits are now embedded. You're going to have a fab Cmas.  Onwards and upwards love Humdinger xx 

seventh88

Thanks for your kind words @Humdinger1 you’re right, onwards and upwards from here! Wishing you a good Xmas too, when it comes around  

debtfreeoneday

Well done on your mortgage OPs

seventh88

Thanks @debtfreeoneday I’m still letting it sink in! 

seventh88

Hi everyone,

Here's my update, reflecting on the past year of my MFW journey. 

Successes

1. I've posted (about) once a month, to help myself keep track of what's working, what's not, and what steps I want to take next

2. I've doubled my original MFW target for this year, which I still don't think has quite sunk in!! My original goal was £3k, and I've been able to save £6429

3. I've started using the Good Budget app and this has really helped keep track of day to day spending when I'm out and about.

4. I've had a more positive shift in my mindset (see challenges section below for more info)

5. Other admin bits and pieces - moved my pension to a better provider, switched banks, got better deals on bills, opened new accounts - those admin bits to try and keep on top of better rates.

Things I've appreciated

1. Others posts and diaries (thank you all). It's good to know I'm not alone. I've gained tips, solidarity and strength from others

2. I've really appreciated the MFW challenge (thank you @j@julicorn for organising) - it's been so motivating to do this alongside others, however much we're all paying in, and has given me a reason to check in every month.

3. Everyone who has liked, posted, commented on my diary - thank you for taking the time to read it and cheer me on

Things I've learnt

1. Having a mortgage means I have to stay in my current work, and that's positive for me, because it helps me to stick at challenges. 

2. Making overpayments doesn't have to be painful. Once i'd integrated a set amount each month into my budget, that was it, it was accounted for. I didn't miss it because I was never mentally spending it. 

3. I can stick at this! I can! It's almost like the amount doesn't matter, but just the fact that I've kept it going is really good for me. 

Challenges

1. I think the biggest challenge this year has been allowing myself to have fun. I think I got better at that about half way through the year, particularly when I hit my 3k target and I booked myself a night away in a hotel (with a voucher, so it wasn't too spendy, but it was just good time to myself). 

2. I've also felt challenged by a bit of low mood and a kind of scarcity mindset...but I feel like that has turned around too really. What will be will be! I'm controlling what I can and leaving what I can't. It helped that I made my target.

3. When I read my diary back, I noticed and remembered how alone I felt at the start of the year. I didn't know anyone IRL who was a solo homeowner. So many people on this forum waded in and shared their experiences and it really helped. It has made a huge difference and I feel much less alone now. 

To anyone reading this who is new to the forum...

...and who is considering joining the MFW challenge for the year ahead - go for it and I wish you all the best:

1. Every penny makes a difference, don't be put off if others amounts are more or less than yours. Just swim in your own lane, at your own pace, and encourage those either side of you along. Share your best tips and learn from theirs too. 

2. Be kind to yourself, give yourself wiggle room for blips throughout the year - life happens

3. Schedule in things that make you feel good too; these don't have to be pricey. 

Huge thanks to everyone for all your support this year. I couldn't have got here without you. I wish you a safe, healthy and prosporous 2026.