Getting it together...one £ at a time!

It's about a third of the price Tea but they were rip off merchants so they're not comparable.

He didn't give us a fitting cost because he didn't want to spend the time quoting if it was a no-no. We'd guess probably 1000-1500 for fitting so closer to £7k.

I've done some initial sums to see how feasible it is and it's not looking good. It'd be ok if we were throwing every penny at it but I want to keep up a decent level in the savings account and I want to keep making a dent in the credit cards so i think, for now, it might need to be put on hold.

After the kids are in bed and we're settled for the night, we'll have a talk about what we both think and make a decision. I don't think it'll necessarily be the one i wanted to hear but trying to be less impulsive than my former self.

Will let you know how the conversation goes...

Thanks for all the support everyone - it's a bit disheartening but we have decided to leave it for now.

We would be able yo stretch to it financially but to pay it off within a year (like we wanted to) would put us under the cosh and would restrict us a lot.

We talked a lot last night and decided to leave it for now. Instead we are going to hammer the credit cards and boost the savings account as much as we can.

With the extra savings, we will aim to do up both boys' bedrooms, get them new beds etc which they're in need of. And our downstairs loo is literally falling apart so my husband will be able to do all that (except the plumbing which his friend will do) for a reasonable price.

I think if we can achieve these things then we will feel like we are making progress.

Plus, we need to get the ball rolling with next year's renovations including getting drawings and planning permission etc so that will not be cheap. If we did the windows we would really struggle to have the money put by to do this.

Overall I know we are making the right decision but the petulant child inside is stamping her feet and shouting "But I want it!!".

Super busy Saturday ferrying the kids from club to club. Just one more to go then I'm free! For now.

Thanks Tea it's hard to be a grownup sometimes!

I think it's the best bet all round. If we manage to make all the overpayments that I've projected for this year, we should be ending this year with just £3k of debt left. And if that's without any survey extras that I might be able to pay in. Our loan finishes in January which frees up £526 per month so I expect to be debt free in the early part of next year. By then the countdown will be on to my youngest starting school in August which will free up another £500p/m so looking ahead to that, there's a lot of potential for savings and money to put towards the work we want done.

Also, it'll feel good still being able yo do bits and bobs with the extra that my husband is bringing in.

We are not relying on things like my bonus due in December because it's of course not guaranteed but projections already are looking good. And I have a salary review every June which is generally between 2 and 6% increase but again not guaranteed. But it's things like that which will make all the difference to what we can do/save.

Can you tell I'm really wringing out wcrry positive that I can to make myself feel better?

Sunday

Today will be fairly simple- had a relaxing start to the day, just sat with a coffee writing the shopping list. Off for a shower now then we will be hitting Aldi.

My son had training for a comp this afternoon but other than that, I've nothing else planned.

Money

My husband worked yesterday and was paid - £250 now ready to be transferred into the savings account

He also has scope for another two fairly large jobs in the near future so we will see where that leads.