It's not a lot, but it's enough

Morning all,

Don't have too much to report outwith the mortgage side of things.

I feel I've got 3 spinning plates;

1 - My solicitor
I'm required to fill out a form which includes a picture of 2 forms of identification and a bank statement, which caused problems given I'm with First Direct and they operate differently. The form had to be filled out within 7 days or I was going to get charged £10 per day. I think I filled it out correctly so I'll await to hear otherwise

2 - My mortgage broker
As MSE recommended, I went with L&C. They gave me the mortgage in principle and now that the offer has been accpeted my solicitor has asked me to formally get the mortgage. So this involved 2 telephone conversations yesterday. The first went through my affordability (what I earn vs what I spend) the 2nd was 4 hours later with the broker explaining who the best offer was from, the interest rate, cashback, term, etc etc. They needed a copy of my payslips so I that was another document I had to scan and send across.

On this front, it was priced up over 25 years which came under budget, but I think I'll go over 30. It'll reduce my monthly figure by £40 - £50 which will make a big difference. I appreciate that I'll be paying more in interest but I can shorten the term when it comes to remortgaging after my 5 years fixed term.

3 - The sellers estate agent
They chose Purple Bricks so everything is done online or on the phone. Now that the house is off the market, getting the information becomes difficult. I've to check if the home report is still within date, so waiting to hear back from PB to get a hard copy.



I'm constantly worried I've missed something or forgot something, not mention a fear that my mortgage application might be rejected for whatever reason. Anyway.

Off work tomorrow for my trip to Aviemore with the family which will be nice, it's a shame my step-bro and wife can't attend, I'd love to spend more time with them.

I'm going to bake empire biscuits and a vanilla sponge tonight so I need to nip out and get dolly mixtures and also a bottle of red for my mothers day while we're away. Really looking forward to chilling out over the weekend.

Career
Goal: Achieve my bonus targets in work
March steps taken: It’s been a tough month of sales which I was told to expect. Bonus criteria hasn’t been set yet, so I’ll chase this on Friday
Plan for April: I’ve made a note to chase for an update on my bonus criteria and also to get an update on they think I’m doing.


Goal: Build a stronger network of client
March steps taken: It was a decent month and was introduced to a number of clients. I’ve learned from my manager the art of networking and so I’ll look to implement that.
Plan for April: This month should be a busy one which will encourage lots of relationship building.

Goal: Attend at least 1 new training course
March steps taken: It wasn’t a training course as such but a conference in London which I suggested to the boss. Doubt it’ll happen it’s quite expensive but it would be good nonetheless.
Plan for April: Keep my eyes peeled for other opportunities.


Relationships
Goal: Spend more 1-2-1 time with my gran
March steps taken: We had our meal as usual and we also went to Aviemore for a long weekend which she enjoyed.
Plan for April: I’ve got dinner at her house tomorrow and we’ll see how the remainder of the month pans out. If funds allow, I’d like to take her somewhere.

Goal: Visit my Dad at least 6 times
March steps taken: Didn’t manage to see him
Plan for April: Don’t think I’ll get across this month either by the looks of things but I should really make the effort.

Goal: Organise social events with my cousins
March steps taken: No arrangements made
Plan for April: Need to chase up and see what the plan is and get it in the diary

Goal: See my friends children more often
March steps taken: Went and helped out one Sunday and it was hectic trying to juggle 3 toddlers. Don’t know how they do it.
Plans for April: It’s their wedding this month so I’ll offer to help again if needed.


Self
[STRIKE]Goal: Start learning Spanish (again)[/STRIKE]
March steps taken: Found and organised a tutor to teach the 3 of us.
Plans for April: Had our first lesson last night and are now booked in on a weekly basis. Goal acheived

Goal: Live on a ketogenic diet
March steps taken: Finding that I need a mix of being super healthy and strict during the week with a cheat day at the weekend.
Plan for April: Plenty of exercise and continue to keep at it.

[STRIKE]Goal: Buy a house/flat[/STRIKE]
March steps taken: I bought a flat!!!

Goal: Save an emergency fund of £1k
March steps taken: Such a tough month to try and save. Failed
Plans for April: Now that I’ve bought a place and my family and friends know it, I’ll be spending very little. Should manage to save, save, save.

Goal: Read 10 books
March steps taken: Finished by book and I’ve started re-reading to take notes for the bit at the start.
Plans for April: Should finish making my notes then I’ll start reading another.

Goal: Eat out less
March steps taken: Apart from the stag do, I didn’t go out much. All was budgeted
Plans for April: Well…..I might be going on a date. So I’ll need to put something aside for that.