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

seventh88

Thanks @Idreamofplants that’s really helpful and encouraging advice. I’m sorry to hear that you felt more responsibility for clearing the mortgage despite it being a shared thing, and I bet you’re not alone in that too -I imagine there’s a lot of couples who don’t feel the stress in the same way. My wages are going to change from mid-Jan onwards when my working hours change, so I’m going to look at doing a statement of affairs in Feb. An exercise journal is a great idea. I’ve been enjoying some winter walks lately, and might get back into running/cycling when the weather improves a little. 

seventh88

Hi everyone,

Here’s an update this week.

Successes
1. Sticking to budget so far this month
2. Getting more enjoyment out of spending in other pots of my budget, as I know my OPs are allocated for
3. I’m exploring using YNAB as I’ve heard great things about it on the forum and I wonder if it could cut down the time I spend budgeting currently (I use an excel spreadsheet)

Challenges 

don’t feel like there have been any this week.

Question
I’m really intrigued by how we can maintain our happiness but still cut back or make swaps. A simple example - I never thought I’d be able to have the central heating on less. I hate being cold and thought I’d feel miserable if I was moping about the house wearing six jumpers. Ha, well, the rise in prices changed that didn’t it, but I got myself an electric blanket and actually… I’m doing fine! The blanket makes such a difference!

I’d love to challenge myself further to see what else I can swap, without making myself miserable!

so my question is…

1. What swaps have you made that have surprised you? What saved you money, whilst keeping your happiness, comfort and convenience the same?

I think learning more about this could help me put more towards the mortgage. 

Thanks everyone as always for your support, i really value this forum. 

South_coast

Good question! The one that springs to mind immediately for me is branded goods in the shops. When I think of the hundreds of pounds I must have spent on Coca Cola (as a student 😱!) it still makes me feel ashamed all these years later (we'll gloss over the fact that I only drink coke with alcohol, and what that might have cost 🤣). Also things like toothpaste, mouthwash (I genuinely can't use Listerine anyway - it's so strong, I can't keep it in my mouth long enough to swill it around, which rather defeats the object 🙄), shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, washing powder, fabric softener.... You won't be able to swap everything (I tried a Lidl night cream once, couldn't get on with it at all), but the ones you do stick with will make huge savings and you'll still be as clean as you were before!

RedLipstick

I also have electric blanket and it was truly a game changer. Enjoy! 

Last year I've bought chem in bulk - washing up liquid, washing powder/conditioner, domestos, toilet blocks, toothpaste, toilet paper, etc. I keep an eye on the price online in Sains, I have everything added to basket x1 so I don't have to go through everything separately to check the price, just go straight to the basket page. Then when they do their discounts, I head to the store to buy if I need (or online for delivery if heavy). Keeps my budgeting simpler too as I only buy groceries now (and cat food) and it helps to keep the budgets separate. Last time I did the bulk shop in August and I don't think I will need anything anytime soon. I also keep an eye on Ldl online leaflets for their XXL promos, then buy few hand soaps etc. 

I have also bought a slow cooker and few cooking books, and replaced a cupboard in the kitchen with extra freezer. Cooking for one is not too exciting and it all helped. 

Let us know how you get on with YNAB. I have it too but now tend to just use it to track and play around with my mortgage, I do a cash sweep to savings/OPs before payday so the YNAB monthly 1-30/31 methodology doesn't really work for me, went back to paper and spreadsheet instead. It's a fantastic tool though if you can make it work for your needs/goals and will let you see where the money is goings and cuts can be made. Good luck!

South_coast

Also, I assume you're already doing things like TopCashBack/Quidco?

seventh88

Hi @SouthCoast - I agree! Shift from branded goods to the next best version can save a huge amount. There are a couple of things where I prefer the brand, but it’s rare!Yes, I do TopCashback, it’s been brilliant over the years! Congratulations on clearing your mortgage by the way I noticed that in your signature. 

hi @RedLipstick - good point about buying household goods in bulk. I’ve thought about doing the same and tried to find some cheap prices online, but couldn’t find anything cheaper than Lidl when it’s on offer etc. If you find anywhere let me know! Interesting to hear about your experiences with YNAB. I’m on the free trial at the moment, I’ll let you know how it goes.

i’m really interested in how we can challenge our perceptions of ourselves. Those things we think we can’t possibly go without and then (either when we have to or choose to) we find out actually we can, and not only that but we’re just as happy.

what do others think? What’s the one thing you thought you couldn’t possibly cut back on or change, and then you did and amazed yourself? 

debtfreeoneday

Second the point about buying stuff in bulk. I do it with household cleaning bits, and also bulk buy some food like rice and pasta. 

I’ve also changed some store bought food for homemade and plan to increase that more this year. Bread for example I make in bulk and then freeze it. Butter, I’ve just started. Added thing for me is knowing it isn’t processed. 

Other thing would be not buying anything without using cashback in some form. 

seventh88

Thanks @debtfreeoneday that's true, it's an added bonus to have things that aren't processed - as well as saving money.

LadyWithAPlan

hi Fellow solo person here  

I LOVE Ynab - started last Nov 2023 and a year on its made a huge difference to my spending/saving - especially as a single person with some excess income.
 I also have irregular income as well - if you have not set up the trial yet use the Nick True YT getting started guide - he just done a new 2025 one. I literally watched and paused to do gthe set up of each stage. Also suggest you watch some videos first before diving in..
The major difference for me vs excel etc is that YNAB  has bank links and really shows you at each moment where your spending in mid month vs your budget   - its next level for ensuring you are reaching your goals and not spending the same  £500 etc over and over in your head 

I also add my pensions, savings etc in YNAB but on a tracking account  not on the budget. I add in the value of my sipps/isas etc at the end of every month to have a very clear NAV figure to motivate me to keep saving.

On the pension vs house OP question, maths/tax wise pension is generally better but that also  depends on your age and tax bracket. The portion of any income over the £50k HR is definitely best sent to pension given the 42% tax you wont be paying upfront
I am saving for a large hse deposit vs my sipp so I am now splitting the savings,, Dave Ramseys 15% of your gross  into retirement rest into OP  can be a decent guideline and does make sense (unlike some stuff  he says )
Or do a 50/50 split on excess between hse and pension (as a BR tax payer)  - Mentally I  will want to keep OPing  even if all my excess ££ went into a SIPP so  even using excess money such as surveys, cashback etc can then help the OPing.
Your age makes a difference as some on here put lots into their pension as they can currently access it at 55 (thats changing soon) to then pay down the mortgage.

i  have even built an excel with forecast income from pensions, sipp, State pension etc later on so I am aware of this balance and fact I do need to save some for retiremnt but dont want a mortgage in my 70s.

Working_Mum

Hello seventh88,
Well done on starting your diary and sticking with it; holding yourself accountable seems to be paying dividends.

I no longer have a mortgage but can recall the lonely days (post divorce) 15 years ago with a huge mortgage, 2 young children and only a self employed income to make ends meet! I started by doing a sprawling mind map of my current situation - noting all the good things and bad - the challenges I faced and what my skills were. I found keeping myself focussed on just getting things on paper I realised I got a 360' pic of my (warts and all) sitch. From this I set myself some goals for the coming year and then put monthly reviews in my diary along with weekly check-in for progress and to keep me motivated. 

I use a mind map to solve any challenge - what do I want my new house to look like?? Let's mind map it! Plants for my garden?? Mind map it 

I am a Luddite and still use a paper diary so I'd print out motivational quotes or write them on P0st-It notes and randomly stick them in my diary throughout the year so as each week opened up I'd read the notes and it'd reenergise me or remind me why I was doing all of this hard work. I still have notes that are 15 years old in my 2025 diary!

I have always kept a 5 year diary and continued to do do - this means each day I can get a glimpse into my life this time last year or 4 years ago! Keeps me motivated and enables me to honour how far I've come.

I was super tired most of the time but I really prioritised exercise - for me it is walking - even an hour around the streets on a cold frosty night helps me keep my mental health in balance. If my head is calm and in a good space it enables me to make solid decisions and not have to undo decisions made in haste. I now have a dog so I have to get out and about each day! You said you run and cycle?? If these contribute to your overall sense of wellbeing I'd keep those going but keep a note of what you've done as seeing the miles rack up can be motivational! I have a 2025 goal of an average of 10k steps per day - it's the same as last year but find I can accommodate this into my day to day programme without feelings stressed that I'm not delivering.

I realised quite quickly that all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy so have a specific pot for fun! I used to called it my F*** It Fund (FIF) but I worked on the principle that I'd earned not only the pennies but also the right to spend it guilt free on whatever I wanted. I'd covered all of the bases i.e mortgage, bills, food, kids etc. I still have £40 cash in the back of my purse to splash when I see something I really love but might not fit into my overall plan!

I also decluttered my home using Dana K White's approach - Home - Dana K. White: A Slob Comes Clean - I found having an organised and clear home helped my mental health enormously and ultimately saved me money as I don't buy duplicate items of  toiletries or food etc. It helps planning and organising too. I can't recall who said "all this used to be cash" when surveying their cluttered home filled with nick nacs and things they never used. I also took this quote to heart! 

Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful’ – William Morris

Now as I sit here I look around my home and it brings me joy!

I became very discerning about who I spent time with. I'd sense check after spending time with people and if I felt dragged down or drained after spending time with people I'd strive to step back from these people. Of course it's hard if these people are family but I found I had the energy and the headspace to deal with family occasionally if I wasn't still reeling from dealing with all the negative ninnies. Your peer group matters so make sure you connect with people who are like minded and support your goals and dreams.

It seems like you have made a solid start to your mortgage free journey and you are doing a lot of things right!! Your energy levels seem to have lifted from your first post and it's good you're making progress. This forum is wonderful for ideas, inspiration and advice. I check in every day!

I've subscribed so will cheer you along your journey!

((WM))