Prosperous and Creative Soul Year 5

lucielle

Well done getting the L back

L

savingholmes

Thanks KK and Lucielle

Well I had another night away in the last heat wave. Of course I booked the wrong week - and had to change it - so ended up in a single room for the same money. Amazing location though.

View from the road down and then cafe at the holiday cottage village above and of course my journal.

In general I'm still over-spending compared with my desired budget. My total CC debt is now less that £4K. I have savings of more than that - just not as much more as I would like. I think I'm going to have to go more hard core and give up on points spending cards for the most part as they lead me astray. My current focus is on replenishing my savings ready for my Australia trip (which DS still hasn't booked the flights for).

In the last month I sent an extra £400 to my mortgage - I may have said that already - and after the bank holiday I will send another £275. That should roughly make my mortgage line up with where I want it to be at changeover (remortgage) at the start of next year. The legal people said they were sending me something through the post but it didn't arrive so I need to contact them.

My MH still feels rocky. I'm trying to address it - hence the recent mini breaks, more time out in nature by the sea, rock collecting etc. I've indulged my need for novelty with a dual barrel rock tumbler - so don't be surprised if I share pictures of stones on here too. I've also been to the GP and am being referred to see a podiatrist and for a knee x-ray. A recent blood test showed I was low in Vit-D which could account for some of the muscle weakness/heaviness I've been experiencing and the fatigue.

I've done some more work on recording and editing videos for my desired YT channel. I may even launch soon. (LOL). I know I have been saying that for over a year. I'm thinking of focusing on my journals and talking while doing that rather than being front and centre. Given I journal and make art every day that seems a more realistic fit.

I haven't done any of my bigger art pieces since May - so I'm going to try and get back into my online course and address that - in the hope it lifts my mood - and scratches the 'novelty' itch.

I also have a decision to make on insurance - as it's been close to 12 months - and I've been paying for product insurance without selling anything. So I may stop that and just continue the influencer insurance for now and then reinstate product insurance later if I successfully list and sell stuff.

savingholmes

It looks like work might also be getting serious about reducing headcount (in a good way for me). I may be able to leave with a tax-free lump sum of around £26K some time in the new year after my re-rmortgage. (Not as good as VR but enough to make a difference). The main work I'm currently doing should be mostly delivered by then. I'm holding onto that hope for now - and failing that - just 21 months left to go before I could leave regardless. Even that 21 months - would be reduced by around 3.5-4 months of holidays if I continue to buy extra leave etc.

I think if that option materialises I'd take it - even though financially there would be a lot of benefit in staying longer with the related certainty of a guaranteed ongoing paycheck - and opportunity to continue building my AVCs. But I feel work is taking more than it gives - and in all honesty - has been since at least 2021. I have my pension(s) to fall back on if needed. If I got that lump sum - I could delay taking my pension by at least a year if I wanted - more if my art, writing and YT business got off the ground.

If my time was my own I'm hoping I could:

• Optimise my sleep pattern - to fit rather than fight my natural body clock e.g 2am-10 to get 8 hours - rather than the 2-4am start of sleep cycle cut short at 7 or 8am.
• I could prioritise health and fitness.
• I could build my art and writing business and pursue my dreams
• Make the most of any good weather and get out in nature more
• See my son abroad more
• Do more courses
• Find more local groups of like minded interest people - and connect - rebuild my friendship groups

In other good news - the person who borrowed off me repaid the £200 which is fab.

AVCs close to £47K now. Should hopefully reach £51K+ by the end of 2026.

WelshmansDaughter

There is also the option of part time work to have some income if you like

KajiKita

Sympathies on the overspending. Happening here too. I need to duck the algorithms I think!

It’s interesting to see how your art is evolving as you find what’s working for you. 😊

I must admit I’m a bit confused as to why you need all those insurances in relation to your second income stream. Are you at risk of being sued for something?

The timing of the work decoupling happening after your remortgage could be very fortuitous and give you a cushion to glide forward on. I agree WD’s suggestion of part time work being an option. Perhaps once you feel you have recovered a bit?

KK

skint_spice

What a lovely view, must have been a lovely place to spend some time.

TallGirl

Hope you find the right balance and the work situation goes your way. As for the insurance I would just let it lapse especially as you are not really trading yet you can always reinstate if needed. Quite often there are after the event insurance you can buy should the worst happen. (I obviously do not know what the worst could be but might be worth looking into.)

WelshmansDaughter

There is a book on self employment for autistic people if that would help?

savingholmes

Thanks WD, KK, TG and Skint

Insurance is in case I'm sued as an influencer or producer.

But the more fabulous news is - I have launched 3 videos last Monday - and have another I've worked on most of the weekend that's ready to launch tomorrow. DM me if you are interested in getting a link - but for anonymity reasons - may only provide to long terms followers of my diary.

I saw a friend Friday which was lovely and my BIL popped over with his kids on a surprise visit today and we went to the local park together which was lovely.

TallGirl

Well done on the videos that is great news! Now keep the momentum going. Sounds like you had a lovely social weekend too hope your work week is not too bad.