I'm going to be completely honest and say I'm largely here to brag because I'm so fucking proud of myself and I know it's not something I can share with any of my friends or family without coming across like a complete twat.
Today I became mortgage free!
So, I had a super horrible upbringing. My mam is a mentally ill alcoholic and has been ever since I can remember, so I had an incredibly unstable childhood. I was regularly kicked out, lived with various friends and family, constantly threatened with homelessness etc. My only goal in life has been to have my own home. And not just home as a physical thing, but I guess the concept of having that one safe place.
I started saving for my home when I was 15 and got my first proper job (I was a Saturday Girl at a hairdressers from 12). It was at a call centre from 5pm-9pm weeknights, and because I didn’t have any bills I could save it all in my ISA. I’d had my ISA since I was born, and had always put birthday cheques in there so had about £2000 already. I worked there until I moved to London at 18 for university. In London, I worked as waiting/bar staff for an events company where I could choose as many hours as I wanted. Sometimes I’d be at uni 9-5pm then work 7-3am, but I’d usually do around 40 hours. The job was also amazing because we were always fed and I’d often have sandwiches to take home, plus tips! Seriously, restaurant/bar work is the best for saving. I used my student loan to cover most of my rent but being in London I’d have to top it up with my wages. I kept costs to an absolute minimum – I’d walk everywhere or get the bus (£1 for any trip) even if it took ten times as long. I only bought whoopsied food at the supermarket or rice/pasta. I did as many free things as I could and still had an amazing time! I would always pay my bills, save as much as I could and then budget as little as I could – usually this would be £50 a week, which actually went really far. I also received EMA allowance my first year as I did a Level 3 course before my degree which gave me £30 extra a week.
Moved back to the North East five years later, got a proper job and lived with my brother. I was fortunate enough to only have to pay £200 a month to him for rent, and then followed the same pattern of bills, save, weekly spends. I also worked evenings at a restaurant, and would do a lot of odd jobs/ebaying. By the time I was 25 and looking for flats to buy, I had around £65,000 saved. Had an offer accepted on a lovely little flat for £75k, and got a loan to cover the remaining amount as it was the best option for a number of reasons (a large one being most banks won’t give a mortgage under £25k). I paid off the loan in 14 months thanks to my little formula. Every single time I got a bonus, sold something on ebay, birthday cash, refund etc. I overpaid my loan.
I now have my home! For the first time in my life I feel safe. I only bought things (sofa, carpets) when I had the cash, instead of on finance, so after I pay my bills (£200ish in the winter, £150ish in the summer) I can do whatever I want with my money! As you can image, after 10+ years of spending very little, it’s been difficult to start. I still won’t buy anything full price and buy my clothes at charity shops, but I’m getting better at spending because I want to and not because I need to. I spent £15 on bath bombs from Lush last week!
My plans are to save to go on a year long adventure in SE Asia and Australia & NZ. I’m fortunate enough to be able to take a career break at work, so can go back to my job when I get back. Then I’ll probably start saving for my next house.
Anyway, this has only been possible due to my absolute OBSESSION with having a home. I never cared about buying clothes, or going out, or being hungry, I just wanted somewhere that was all mine and couldn’t be taken away, and now I finally have it!
April 20, 2018 at 04:02PM
