We’d like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum.

This is to keep it a safe and useful space for MoneySaving discussions. Threads that are – or become – political in nature may be removed in line with the Forum’s rules. Thank you for your understanding.

The MSE Forum Team would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas. However, we know this time of year can be difficult for some. If you're struggling during the festive period, here's a list of organisations that might be able to help
📨 Have you signed up to the Forum's new Email Digest yet? Get a selection of trending threads sent straight to your inbox daily, weekly or monthly!
Has MSE helped you to save or reclaim money this year? Share your 2025 MoneySaving success stories!

Don't hit me with those negative waves Moriarity

1515253545557»

Comments

  • Blackcats
    Blackcats Posts: 4,152 Forumite
    Sixth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    I agree with @Rhyddid2026 - absolutely no Mariah please.  

    Remember that each mortgage payment and any overpayment is progress.  You owe less than you did in November.  You definitely owe less than you did  Last Christmas 
  • LzzyIsGod
    LzzyIsGod Posts: 551 Forumite
    500 Posts First Anniversary Photogenic Name Dropper
    Bwhahahaha @Blackcats that did make me chuckle - especially welcome after a really tough week with family stuff. Oh and the blooming car is playing up again after being fine for months Joy to the World!!

    Despite all this and despite the utter carnage that life apparently wishes to throw at me at the moment,  I continue to cash flow everything. We've needed (for various complicated reasons) a few takeaways in the last fortnight- partly because I've had to be dealing with family stuff and partly because I have been disorganised and distracted. But still the credit cards remain untouched althiugh we've had to dip into the Slush Fund pot (not the main savings).

    The car is a significant and unwelcome Worry and Concern. I have £8k earmarked in the car pot and saved which is good but I worry might not be enough for a New to Me one. And I really really really don't want to borrow money in any way to get something newer. I think before Catastrophizing I need to get someone knowledgeable to look at it before rushing into any decisions. 

    Have a little faith, baby, have a little faith". Oddball - Kelly's Heroes
  • LzzyIsGod
    LzzyIsGod Posts: 551 Forumite
    500 Posts First Anniversary Photogenic Name Dropper
    Up early this morning and after a brief check of the bank balances (and ignore of the early Dec Pay Packet - I am Not Touching It) a quick early Internet search of used cars does indeed reveal I am significantly short of money in terms of a car I can keep for many years.  

    Good job then I'm working again this weekend. (What a surprise I hear you all say) 😂😑 From April 26 it looks like the roster will allocate 1 weekend in 5 due to reduced staffing which is a double edged sword as I suspect it will push me into a higher tax bracket. The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away. Mind you that's probably the average I've done in the last year so i may already be there. Still we fight on. 

    Have a little faith, baby, have a little faith". Oddball - Kelly's Heroes
  • Rhyddid2026
    Rhyddid2026 Posts: 803 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 500 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    Happy Christmas Lzzy, have a cracking day and fabulous 2026!
    Debts                04/01/25         01/12/25   
    Natwest2           £6,509.97       £5,600 
    NatWest CC      £7,612.74       £6,680
    Lloyds CC          £6,112.60      £4,690
    1st Direct CC     £176.03         £144.20
    CC total             £20,411.34    £17,114
    TSB OD             £500              £0
    1st Direct OD     £600              £0
    Car loan             £4,000           £4,000
    1st Direct Loan  £10,684.44    £8,160
    Total                   £36,195.78    £29,274.20
    EF £1,002.83
    HF  £
    203.99
  • LzzyIsGod
    LzzyIsGod Posts: 551 Forumite
    500 Posts First Anniversary Photogenic Name Dropper
    And you too @Rhyddid2026

    Today has shown me that genuinely it's not the money you spend but the time you spend with the people you love.

    Merry Christmas MSE diary land xx

    Have a little faith, baby, have a little faith". Oddball - Kelly's Heroes
  • FootyFanDan
    FootyFanDan Posts: 1,767 Forumite
    Sixth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    Merry Christmas @LzzyIsGod 🎄

  • Sun_Addict
    Sun_Addict Posts: 24,753 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    Hope you’ve had a wonderful day x
    I get knocked down but I get up again (Chumbawamba, Tubthumping)
Meet your Ambassadors

🚀 Getting Started

Hi new member!

Our Getting Started Guide will help you get the most out of the Forum

Categories

  • All Categories
  • 352.9K Banking & Borrowing
  • 253.9K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
  • 454.7K Spending & Discounts
  • 246K Work, Benefits & Business
  • 602.1K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
  • 177.8K Life & Family
  • 259.9K Travel & Transport
  • 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
  • 16K Discuss & Feedback
  • 37.7K Read-Only Boards

Is this how you want to be seen?

We see you are using a default avatar. It takes only a few seconds to pick a picture.