Reached my emergency fund target and no debt. Mental health so much better!

Bigbobby

Today was a big day today. I have reached my emergency fund target of 6 months expenses. It has taken me nearly 9 months to reach doing lots of overtime and cutting back on non-essential expenses. I was also in a lot of debt which I cleared prior to me starting building my emergency fund. Debt was not from frivolous spending but from my first buy to let property in 2022 and the renovation costs came to more than expected.

3 years ago when I was in a lot of debt it caused me so much stress. I was not thinking straight at work and making loads of mistakes and the boss was on my case. Fast forward to now and with debt now gone and now I have an emergency fund my stress and anxiety levels have reduced a huge amount. Mentally I feel so much better in myself, I can think straight, hardly any mistakes at work, boss happy, I have humour and a more positive mindset.

I can now have medium and long term goals. I am now investing in global equity and global bond index funds with Vanguard (80% equity and 20% bonds because I am still rather young). Now I'm also making extra payments into my public sector pension as well. I'm also now getting income from my buy to let house. Also I'm contemplating maybe taking early retirement at some point and maybe live in the countryside.

Just wondering if other people have seen an improvement in their mental health once they are in a better financial situation?  I think mental health and money is something that does not get talked about and would be beneficial if people starting talking about it more.

LHW99

Well done BigBobby.

That shows what a difference can be made, not just in your financial situation but in other important aspects of life, by making a plan and sticking to it even when it is downright difficult.

Nil illegitimi carborundum!

Archerychick

Wonderful, well done! I can only imagine what’s weight that all is off your shoulders. 

Hattie627

That is such a positive post and hopefully it will inspire others. Having your finances in order is a huge weight off your shoulders and lets you concentrate on other aspects of life like health, happiness, family, friends and work.

savethepandas

Well said, talking about mental health is so important.

Martico

Congrats👏 

samal

Great post

eskbanker

Bigbobby said:

I think mental health and money is something that does not get talked about and would be beneficial if people starting talking about it more.

Something this site's founder has been vocal (and active) about:

Money and Mental Health - a charity founded by Martin Lewis

chiang_mai

Well done that man. Yes, I found this year that by creating a larger buffer zone of cash in my investment portfolio that I am much less concerned by events that may happen.......I guess I may have found my true risk tolerance/comfort line. 

Bigwheels1111

That is a great feeling isn’t it.
A fresh start, long may it continue.
Keep up the good work.

If found if I do not have a goal in mine I let things slip.

My motivation at this moment in time is to save as much as I can to buy a house in 2 years.
I went back to work this year after 12 year’s as a carer for my wife.

I have saved every penny I could and just hit 13k since the 07/07/25 when I started my job.
Only 37k more to save.

Scottex99

Congrats!

And merry Xmas!