Settling in for the long haul

ellenvan

Overpay the car loan if

A) you definitely don't need it back

B) the interest rate you are paying on the car loan is more than you would get on savings.

Saving the interest, means you will have more money in the long term for renovating.

Chocolatefund

I second overpaying the car loan. Especially if it will save you some interest.

Go Dave Ramsey style and get debt free. Would be a great feeling.

DancingInTheRain

Also vote for the car loan, your pension contributions will increase with the pay rise wouldn't they? So that's something for future you too.

Dakota_Rose

Thanks all. I really appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts.

The car loan being gone is definitely a priority. The home renovations are also one - especially as this will probably be the last winter our front door survives. I think I’ll narrow it down to those two and see what progress I can make with a smarter focus.

You are right of course that the pension and mortgage should wait. I just feel frustrated with myself at times when I see others so much further ahead with their mortgage-free/early retirement journeys. But, paying off the car loan would free up £400 per month and then the snowball could really begin.

Of course, I’ll need to wait till December before any of this can come into play. Need to get back into more frugal habits until then. There’s lots coming up to pay out for and I need to stick to budget!

Now I’m off to have a sob in the bath about going back to work (no real tears will be shed). Enjoy your Sunday evening all x

weenancyinAmerica

Do you use headphones when listening to audio books? I would think that would help concentrate the mind on what you are hearing. Does it work that way?

Dakota_Rose

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82127736#Comment_82127736

I do and I have persevered with the new audio book I downloaded. I’ve found a little rhythm to my walking pad exercises now where I listen to music and walk very fast for the first 20 minutes and then switch to the audio book and a slower setting for the last 10. It seems to be doing the trick!

I think it’s a busy brain thing rather than any fault of the audio book. I always seem to have ‘10 tabs open at once’.

Dakota_Rose

And just like that I’m back at work and although very overwhelmed this morning, I’m now starting to feel like I haven’t been away. Littlest starts back school tomorrow so he’s too nervous/excited to sleep, which is a shame (on me 😂) because it’s my turn to do his bedtime and I’d love an hour to properly switch off and read my book before I have to get some sleep! I’m currently laying in the dark reprimanding his nervous nail biting and trying to ignore his excitable sound effects 🙈. I think I’ll be asleep before him.

In better news, eldest had an email today inviting him to a full day second audition/training session following Saturday’s audition. It sounds like they still have far too many to go through to the final shows but we’re so proud of him for getting this far. He’s due to go in a couple of weeks so has some time to mentally prepare himself.

Well folks, another Monday is done. All downhill from here!

DancingInTheRain

Well done on getting the first day back under your belt, hope little one settles soon. I have an overtired 8 year old struggling to sleep tonight. Pretty sure I'll be asleep before him too 😂

ohdearhowdidthathappen

I saw a really good sketch on insta by the comedienne Hannah East. She was playing a teacher and answering all the stupid questions that parents ask (without any filter). I bet teachers would love to be able to do the same 😂

Hope your little one gets on ok tomorrow

vampirotoothus

Hi, why not ask your mortgage co to round your DD up to the next £10. You won't notice it, but you are then effectively overpaying your mortgage on a regular basis. Go you! V x