Family Trip to the Cinema
Thanks to the points from the loyalty programme of one of the leading stores, our whole family went to the cinema to watch Moana 2. The promotion allowed us to exchange points for a voucher worth double the amount. In our case, we exchanged £21 (in points) for a £42 cinema voucher. This was the first time for our children at the cinema, and also our first family trip to the movies. We’ll definitely be doing this again.
Adopting the FI Mindset
I’ve adopted the approach to life as if I were already FI. Yes, I’ve come to the conclusion that since I’m already on this path and generally everything is set on autopilot, all that’s left for me to do is gradually ease into FI mode. I invite you to read here more about what I mean by that.
Commute Reduction and Savings
This month, I only cycled to work five times, which adds up to a distance of 50 km and £5 saved. Plus, a healthier environment.
Bitcoin on the Rise
Bitcoin is hitting new heights. Although I don’t personally own any, it’s interesting to watch from the sidelines.
Skyrocketing Rental Prices
Rental prices are really skyrocketing. It’s literally shocking. I checked the rental prices for houses in my area recently, and the prices are reaching £1,900 for a 3-bedroom terraced house. Unbelievable!
Electric Car Thoughts
I’m increasingly thinking about an electric car. This year, we bought a 9-year-old diesel car that meets the Euro 6 standard (of course, paid for in cash). From the very beginning, we’ve had nothing but trouble with it. However, if I were to go for an electric car, I’d only consider one brand. Unfortunately, if I’m serious about FI, that brand is currently out of reach for us.
DIY Project Update
Despite promising myself that I wouldn’t touch any DIY projects this year, I couldn’t resist and started laying tiles in our utility room. Photos coming soon.
Podcast and Book Recommendation
I’m a loyal fan of the ‘Founders‘ podcast, where the host tells the success stories of various people. It was there that I first learned about Arnold Schwarzenegger’s first book, Arnold: The Education of a Bodybuilder, which covers the early stages of his career. The book ends just before he starts his acting career. I recommend both the podcast and the book.
Christmas in Poland
This Christmas, we decided to spend the holiday season in Poland, enjoying the festive traditions and reconnecting with family. It was a wonderful experience filled with warmth, great food, and cherished moments, but like any trip, it came with its financial considerations. In an upcoming article, I’ll dive into the costs associated with our Christmas trip to Poland, from travel and accommodation to festive expenses, offering insights into how to plan and budget for a holiday abroad. Stay tuned for a detailed breakdown!
Update December 2024
This month we saved: 29%
And overpaid our mortgage by: £228.8
The remaining mortgage is: £163830.52
We should be able to retire in 157 months, which is just over 13 years! While it might seem like a lifetime, I’ll only be 58 by then. Assuming nothing changes—no pay rises or unexpected expenses—that’s a result I’m really proud of.
December 2024 was a busy month, full of reflections and financial decisions that bring me closer to financial independence. A new year means new opportunities – time to keep moving forward! How was your month?