And so it begins: The Pig Vs The Mortgage

Betterthanever wrote: »

Happy new year to you too, PP - you did really well with your last set of goals - and I look forward to reading the next lot!

Nearly got my head around them:rotfl:

I have got so much I want to do that I've decided small chunks are the way forward or there's a real danger that nowt will get done:)

I'm going to start with a review of successes and must do betters for 2017 ( thanks MW ).

Successes

Grocery - this has averaged £36.83 a week which I'm really pleased with. Bulging cupboards and freezers however suggest more could be done and if I want to accelerate retirement then I need to because looking at my figures every penny counts.

Personal spends - averaging £11.26 :beer: 2018 will definitely see more entertaining at home, long walks, picnics, packed lunches and my ever present take from home coffee cup:). My mantra will be purchasing is not a recreational activity:rotfl:

Retirement planning - set up my avc in February and have contributed £800 a month net. This tax year I'll get £200 pm in tax relief :j

Mortgage offsetting. My mfw journey began in August 2017 when my finances became my sole responsibility. The mortgage was £112,000. Its now a squeak below £95,000. Who would have thought that was possible? Certainly not me, it has gone beyond my wildest expectations

Divorce settlement - wouldn't wish one of these on anyone but so glad its done. Two years on an emotional and financial knife edge is two years too many but my goodness the relief when the weight if finally lifted . I am now in total control of my family's future which used to feel daunting but these days quite liberating. Amazing what a bit of confidence, planning and a few successes can bring:)

House decorated and furnished including an attic which is now a smart, new office. The garden is also under control and tidy (except for those endless b****y leaves:mad:). It was a lot of digging and gravel shifting but it should be easy to maintain now.

Realising that I can do basic diy and for everything else there is a lovely handyman:)

DD doing brilliantly in her chosen career, managing her money well as she works towards her goals and settled with a lovely BF.

DS being a really good lad most of the time and a reasonably good lad the rest of the time. He's got big decisions ahead and is going to need support but I'm confident he'll find his way.

A job that I love most of the time and can tolerate the rest of the time:rotfl: It also pays well, has a good pension and is reasonably secure. A blessing I don't count often enough but in 2018 I intend to try.

My dad's medication is proving successful which means keeping him in the home he has been in for the last 56 years and where he feels safe with the familiar continues to be viable. So grateful for this and the support we receive. For the first half of the year it felt like a losing battle so to be where we are now is just fabulous:A

Health - must never take this for granted. It is to be treasured and where possible , preserved. My exercise routine I firmly established. It helps my physical and mental well being and while I can't always be a***d I know how much I benefit from the outcomes which is enough to get me out on the coldest, darkest nights:). This year I've stayed a consistent, healthy weight, have had nothing more than the odd dark moment and look and feel fighting fit. In 2018 the £24 a month classes membership stays as do the odd decent pair of running shoes. Worth every penny:)

Friendships and family - I've got some belters:D. Love them dearly and will spend 2018 showing them I do.


Could do betters

Gifts/Christmas £575.40 - bonkers and needs reigning in. Looking at cost efficient ways of giving generously, thoughtfully and mindfully.

Car maintenance - not my forte:o. I need to keep on top of servicing and keep it clean. I rely on it for work and it needs to last.

Socialising - I need to do more. I've emerged from the shadows a bit this year but I've been so worried about the kids and building a secure home life that I've neglected this a bit. The kids are flying or poised to fly so I need to refocus. My friends are good, long standing ones and they understand my predicament so I know they'll be there when I'm ready. I made a start before Christmas and it was great, I now just need to do more. As my self worth begins to re-emerge I've realised that I don't need to be a Singleton forever. I have one special friendship that deserves special attention. I'm going to make it a priority:A

Sort of linked to the point above it was brought to my attention that my default is to castigate myself for never doing things as well as I could've. It was followed up with if there could be one wish it would be that I saw what others could see and that I would be kinder to myself. I'm going to try to be. Think this also reinforces why I need to prioritise that particular relationship.


Gosh that got a bit rambly and deep:eek: Quite therapeutic though.
Plenty to go at in 2018:A

I will have goals very, very soon :rotfl:

PP xx

Cicatriz wrote: »

Cooking for one is actually pretty efficient if you do it right. Make good use of your freezer and start off small.

I usually cook properly no more than twice a week and make enough for 3-6 meals each time. Portion off into freezable/microwavable containers and put them into the freezer (remember to cool down to room temp first then refrigerate for a couple of hours for better freezer efficiency).

Foods like curries, bologneise, chilli are all great and freeze well. It only takes 2-3 weeks to get a well stocked freezer with a nice variety of food in it.

The internet is a treasure trove of recipes where arguably the problem is too much than too little.

If your culinary skills are really bad, maybe start with a pre made sauce and some fresh meat/veg then step up from there.

Sorry for the thread hijack

Hijack away batch cooking buddy:D. Happy New Year to you xx

sofarbehind wrote: »

Thanks very much for your thoughtful reply PP. I am definitely feeling the MFW love. :T Looks like you had a brilliant 2017, it's amazing how far you have come. You should be a very proud piggy indeed. :j Looking forward to watching your progress in 2018.

I was fit when I started running so I didn't need to run-walk but those days are long gone. I have found a local group that is doing C25K, starting tomorrow so I will get my !!! there and accept I have to re-start from the very beginning. I always liked company when I ran. I wasn't going to because I won't be able to make it consistently because of work but you have made me pull myself together. I do work crazy long hours and I find that I use that an excuse to be lazy. One of my colleagues did a marathon last year and eats well so I need to stop that... (Insert slap emoticon) :rotfl:

Good for you, I bet you'll really enjoy it. I have a weekend running buddy - always look forward to it.:)