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.
PLEASE READ BEFORE POSTING
Hello Forumites! However well-intentioned, for the safety of other users we ask that you refrain from seeking or offering medical advice. This includes recommendations for medicines, procedures or over-the-counter remedies. Posts or threads found to be in breach of this rule will be removed.📨 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!
A Very MSE Advent 2025
Comments
-
I am wearing a pretty silver and tanzanite ring I rarely wear, and have gone wild and put on a different perfume that doesn't get worn enough, very much enjoying it.
Feeling like there is far too much to do but if I can have a big push and finish cleaning the flat today then we will be ready for getting a tree tomorrow.
There will definitely be a reward Baileys in it for me!https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6466032/an-in-between-phase/p1
'self-blame can be as egotistical as self-praise... any work worth doing is greater than we are... we must not overrate our importance to it, either for good or ill' Margaret Kennedy Lucy Carmichael4 -
I might have to join people in a reward Baileys later - not entirely sure what I'll be rewarding myself for, but I've got the rest of the day to work on that!🎉 MORTGAGE FREE (First time!) 30/09/2016 🎉 And now we go again…New mortgage taken 01/09/23 🏡
Balance as at 01/09/23 = £115,000.00 Balance as at 31/12/23 = £112,000.00
Balance as at 31/08/24 = £105,400.00 Balance as at 31/12/24 = £102,500.00
£100k barrier broken 1/4/25
Balance as at 31/08/25 = £ 95,450.00. Balance as at 31/12/25 = £ 91,100.00
SOA CALCULATOR (for DFW newbies): SOA Calculatorshe/her7 -
This morning I took my sprout earrings out for a run. I thought they went excellently with my rainbow coloured leggings and bright orange top but DH said he thought they might have added extra wind resistance and slowed me down. Personally I think my slower running pace this morning had more to do with the 2 pints of beer I had last night. Who can say which one of us is right?
11 -
My Advent joy today is an OAT, I had 12minutes to get ready this morning, couldn't find a bra, remembered I had a drawer full of nice ones in an old size, tried one and it fitted! So I've pulled out a few others I think will fit. I can try them later, but it's like I've been underwear shopping for free!Debts 04/01/25 02/01/26
Natwest2 £6,509.97 £5,500
NatWest CC £7,612.74 £6,605
Lloyds CC £6,112.60 £4,450
1st Direct CC £176.03 £39.26
CC total £20,411.34 £16,594.26
TSB OD £500 £0
1st Direct OD £600 £0
Car loan £4,000 £4,000
1st Direct Loan £10,684.44 £7.880
Total £36,195.78 £28,474.26
EF £701.52
HF £3.049 -
My advent joy for today is doing the GCHQ Christmas puzzle with Mr Sl by 4pm today, the first day it is up. He didn't even share it until 10.30. It must be easy, we aren't that clever!
Feeling more than a little smug, we are having a pot of tea and two (mini) mince pies each 🐖🐖🐖 ho, ho, ho!Save £12k in 2025 #2 I saved £14,660.97 of £6000 or 244.35% of my target. The 2026 Save £12k in 2026 thread is here
OS Grocery Challenge in 2025 I finished the year at £2880.99/£3000 or 96.03% of my annual spend so I am sticking with a £3000 annual budget for 2026
I also Reverse Meal Plan on that thread and grow much of our own premium price fruit and veg, joining in on the grow your own in 2026 discussion thread
My keep within our budget diary is here8 -
It's Wednesday isn't it? That's enough reason for a reward! Nearly the end of the week for me and you 😁EssexHebridean said:I might have to join people in a reward Baileys later - not entirely sure what I'll be rewarding myself for, but I've got the rest of the day to work on that!6 -
Yes, and it's after mid-day so moving swiftly towards the weekendCheery_Daff said:
It's Wednesday isn't it? That's enough reason for a reward! Nearly the end of the week for me and you 😁EssexHebridean said:I might have to join people in a reward Baileys later - not entirely sure what I'll be rewarding myself for, but I've got the rest of the day to work on that!Save £12k in 2025 #2 I saved £14,660.97 of £6000 or 244.35% of my target. The 2026 Save £12k in 2026 thread is here
OS Grocery Challenge in 2025 I finished the year at £2880.99/£3000 or 96.03% of my annual spend so I am sticking with a £3000 annual budget for 2026
I also Reverse Meal Plan on that thread and grow much of our own premium price fruit and veg, joining in on the grow your own in 2026 discussion thread
My keep within our budget diary is here4 -
I had a nice lunch out today wearing my new necklace. I treated myself to a wild rose balm from Neals Yard and a slab of lemon sherbet flavoured fudge on the way back to the hotel.😍5
-
Despite spending all afternoon doing my best brat impression and whining that 'I don't wanna', the flat is acceptably clean for now so Baileys Cheers all!
I am so enjoying watching the Shard being a Christmas tree in the evenings, I will miss this view.
(The Shard (very tall building in central London) has different colours running up its tip in winter)
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6466032/an-in-between-phase/p1
'self-blame can be as egotistical as self-praise... any work worth doing is greater than we are... we must not overrate our importance to it, either for good or ill' Margaret Kennedy Lucy Carmichael11 -
Rich colours in my jewellery today - amethyst earring and a red pendant 😊
Made my non-internet-using friend happy by letting her know that Monmouth pause-flower reopens tomorrow 😊
Started taking actions to having more life next year: downloaded the 2026 programme for the nearest garden society and looked up what evening / time a local choir meets.
KKAs at 15.01.26:
- When bought house £315,995 mortgage debt and end date at start = October 2039 - now £222,084
- OPs to mortgage = £12,881 Estd. interest saved = £6,203 to date
c. 16 months reduction in term
Fixed rate 3.85% ends October 2030
Read 6 books of target 52 in 2026 as @ 18th January
Produce tracker: £29 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.6
Confirm your email address to Create Threads and Reply
Categories
- All Categories
- 353.2K Banking & Borrowing
- 254K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
- 454.9K Spending & Discounts
- 246.3K Work, Benefits & Business
- 602.4K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
- 177.9K Life & Family
- 260.2K Travel & Transport
- 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
- 16K Discuss & Feedback
- 37.7K Read-Only Boards