The day I paid off my debt

Today I made the final payment on my credit card. It felt scary to do it. I had all kinds of anxiety thinking things like “I’m going on holiday at the end of the month, do I have enough?” Well, the answer is yes, I do have enough. It’s a feeling I’m not used to having, but I have enough because I’ve sorted out my financial life.   There have been so many times in the past 6-7years where I’ve been struggling to get through the month, or worse just spending recklessly It’s deeply ingrained anxiety that I’ve lived with … Continue reading The day I paid off my debt

Calculations and calibrations

Last weekend shortly after making my blog post, buoyed by the confidence that I am approaching debt freedom, I spent several hours calculating whether it would be better for me to save money or to pay off my mortgage. Firstly, there are several viewpoints on whether mortgage debt counts as ‘debt’. Of course it is different to a credit card or a car loan as you have purchased an asset that will appreciate in value and give you ‘equity’, and you pay off a chunk each month which also contributes. However, as that equity is tied up in the home, … Continue reading Calculations and calibrations

January/February 2019 – financial situation

I want to track my progress publically for two reasons; one, tracking will allow me to see the progress I have made, and two, it will motivate me and hold me to account knowing I have told people what I am planning to do.  I know it’s February, but I wanted to start at the beginning of the year. Assets: Flat: £450,000 Pension 1: £94,000 Pension 2: £4,382 Investment: £1,800 ETF: £961.00 Savings: £8000 Debts: Mortage: £259,000 Professional studies loan: £7000 Bank loan: £8000 Car loan: £12000 As you may see, I am swimming in debt. It’s not big and … Continue reading January/February 2019 – financial situation

Why am I doing FIRE?

I am in my mid-thirties. I didn’t really think much about the future when I was in my twenties and I think my interest in FIRE is part of a realisation that life is rather short and there is a limited time to do what you want. Of course, I thought of the future, but it was perhaps a fantasy future which was what we were taught to aspire to, rather than the reality. I have led a fairly interesting life and have experienced things that the majority of people my age may not have (marriage, divorce, living overseas, loss … Continue reading Why am I doing FIRE?