Statement of intent

Tesco_points_addict

gallygirl wrote: »

Tesco_points_addict wrote: »

Not you TPA, your wine - although the chances of you having any left come Sept are pretty remote I would have thought :rotfl:

The cheek of you woman!!!!! I'll have you know I still havn't managed to spend my on line vouchers let alone drink the actual wine:rotfl:Did pick up a couple of bottles in store though:p

TPAx

StuartGMC

Tesco_points_addict wrote: »

Ermmmmm, you trying to get too close to me arn't you??:o:rotfl:

Guess it'll be much closer than the last time you invited me...
Hope you have the wine by September then!

StuartGMC

Tesco_points_addict wrote: »

gallygirl wrote: »

Did pick up a couple of bottles in store though:p

TPAx

... and drunk them before the checkout? :rotfl::rotfl:

StuartGMC

We have just returned from a great break in York and I suddenly realise it is exactly 1 year since I started this thread, so happy birthday diary :beer:

So, now where do we stand after a year here?
1) Despite my initial expectations, I've posted here regularly (too regularly I hear you cry! :rotfl:)
2) We moved from our initial plans to improve on our mortgage position to a much more agressive MFD. Presently the October 2009 target is looking a little at risk due to expenses this year and the predicted savings position, but if it slips a few months it's not a disaster and far better that we have enjoyed things too.
3) Our investments are continuing and have recovered from being >55% down to 20.3% down now (includes loss taken on funds sold in July 2008, actual holdings are 17.4% down). Expect these to be improving in 2010 and we still invest £300 a month into the Funds ISAs
4) I have improved our spreadsheet at home and we have much better data on our expenditure than ever before (have you noticed how much grocery bills are rising in the past quarter; very likely due to weak sterling?)
5) We've looked forward to our plans for the next 15yrs or so, and have started to really look at our requirements and aspirations
6) I'm now trying to learn more about the very wide range of options for us in terms of savings and investments to better plan this from 2010 on
7) I've tried to keep the thread interesting but only you can tell if that is truly the case?
8) I've sent my spreadsheet to I think more than 20 people; hopefully some have found it useful? (It's not as detailed as the one I use at home though, which I am sure will scare those who have received the "cut-down" version :eek:)
9) I realise I've not updated the first page since March - sorry
10) I've tried to contribute constructively to others here and thanks to you all for support so far.

We had a great time away in York these past three days, some costs were highish but others a bit more in line with MSE. Stayed in the Novotel in York which is just by the city walls so very convenient, and used LateRooms to book (TopCashBack should be coming). The first day was a long one, left home 0715hrs and got to Grosmont in just over 3hrs which is not bad for 182miles. Did the North Yorkshire Moors Railway all day then drove back to York. However, sadly there were two major accidents on A64 so the 1hr trip turned into some 2hrs (but that's nothing in consideration of those in the accidents). So ate in hotel that night (£63 for the three of us, for a not great meal). Next day very MSE, Tesco vouchers for Jorvik centre plus evening meal at Cafe Rouge (£73 for three of us and fabulous!). Also walked the city walls of course which is free. Today came home via Brodsworth Hall (free as we're English Heritage members). A wonderful break and probable all up cost of £420 plus petrol, but we needed the treat.

Off for a celebratory drink.

uzubairu

Many happy returns. :beer:

I love reading your diary and the words of support and encouragement you give me and many other MFWs.

I especially appreciate the comments you make on balancing the desire to be mortgage free, with the need to enjoy yourself along the way.

Keep up the good work, as you're an asset to this forum. :T

taka

Happy (diary) birthday Stuart! Well done!

Tesco_points_addict

StuartGMC wrote: »

Tesco_points_addict wrote: »

... and drunk them before the checkout? :rotfl::rotfl:

OMG, you were there????????:rotfl:

TPAx

setmefree2

Happy First Birthday



and a big huge Well done on all your MF progress this past year

SmlSave

Happy Birthday Diary!

StuartGMC

Thanks everyone for your replies. The long run on cruise control gave indicated 33-34mpg but spreadsheet shows this was lower at 29-30mpg which on the 3.0 petrol cruising at motorway speed on the A1 I think is pretty good.

Well on Sunday we continued our short holiday, at home; in other words we continued to chill out, relaxed in the sun and read, followed later by a barbecue. I was reading Money Observer as my latest fad (need to consider whether I continue with the PC and internet magazines I subscribe to also) and found yet more useful knowledge there so well worthwhile.

Just checked on gas and electricity consumption and entered the readings for the past week. Also remembered to turn down boiler thermostat as it had been at 3 (out of 6) down to 2, so hopefully some reduction in the consumption too. Estimated positions are:

Gas over last 2 wks 13kWhr per day (down from 19 previous 2 wks) giving 43.96kWh/day since October and annual consumption 16047kWh
Electricity night rate 39kWh/day (down from 49 previous 2 wks), annual equivalent since October 1025kWh
Electricity day rate 9.56kWh/day (down from 11.93 previous 2 wks) annual equivalent since October 5962kWh

Night rate on electricity covers dishwasher (delayed start to mid-night) plus shower for me at 0500 weekday mornings and lights (only about 3months in the year when I can get up without light for shaving or breakfast). Need to see if I can get OH to finish shower by 0700 to also be on cheap rate each day.

So we'll see at end of September what our annual figures are like compared to previous years. Still on the fix to Sept 2011, and still undecided about changing. If we come off this tariff then that's a £100 exit fee, but annual saving of about £200. That said what about increasing prices? Well oil is back up to US$67/bbl today but gas futures look to remain low for a while. However we've seen gas price movements to trend with oil rather than demand in recent past so, who knows?

For now with 2yrs to go I'll stick with the fixed price but it is difficult not to jump based on present figures.