If you tripled your salary over 12 months... What changes would you make in your life?

[Terribleluck]

Over 12 months I've been able to triple my salary, the reality is that I was grossly underpaid before, the job I got earlier this was a good salary bump, but I'd say that my new salary would be appropriate if I had stayed in that line of work.

Anywho...apart from paying our debts (which are all on 0%)

What other changes in our life would be good? I've thought of finally getting a cleaner, and definitely some holidays!

But what to do with the rest? Over pay mortgage? Pension? Good old savings? Just enjoy it for a bit? (We've struggled financially for almost four years, maybe not struggled, but haven't been able to give our DC the life I'd like).

@Fabrique that's another angle we're thinking of. Although we've been very lucky to be able to get a mortgage, we've never had any money left to actually dress our home. So that's definitely one of the priorities. Some shelves, a new sofa, and a new desk and chair for myself. Towels and bedding, cutlery and plates.

@Terribleluck I've been on some of your job search/interview threads previously (under non-Christmassy names ) and I'm delighted to hear you landed a well paid job that you're happy with - Congratulations 🎊
As to your question, I'd probably start with saving as much as possible because I'd be unused to that amount. Getting a cleaner would be great, so would probably do that too.

Thanks @angel! At some point I thought I was about to lose my mind. I don't know if I'd necessarily say it was "worth it" but more like resilience and determination do pay off. And that you also need to find "your people" and that translates to company/role/career path.

Set aside money for your kids to pay for university?

(Speaking as someone with two at uni.)

Save most but treat myself to a facial periodically as well as go back to salon for hair rather than doing it myself. Not bothered about a cleaner particularly.

Well done! This happened to me when I went from an employed public sector role to self employed ( and I work fewer hours). You are right that while the money is lovely, the recognition of your worth is also very important.

My position is a bit different as I’ve never been the main earner, but I still thought carefully about using the money well. I invest a lot in my pension and stocks and shares ISA, pay two sets of school fees and put extra aside for lovely family holidays. We have lots of help in the house and garden.

The trick is to spend enough to enjoy the benefits of the new job, but not so much as to get stuck in the wealth trap. Getting financially savvy is very empowering ( DH gets targeted by ‘wealth managers’ offering us all sorts of irresistible ways to spend his hard-earned. Racehorses? Fine art? Moldovan vineyards? No thanks!) Invest carefully as the freedom of a comfortable financial future is by far the best thing money can buy.

Yes to uni fees! My parents paid mine and thanks to that I've enjoyed a student debt free life :)

I'm in a similar position, am not doing pension yet as not eligible for three months but saving what it should be so I can chunk in when it opens. Paying down some debt and hired a cleaner, and getting foisting three times a week.

I'm also enjoying Christmas shopping this month. Next month serious head goes on.

I've gone from underpaid part time to realistic salary ft so I'm enjoying it for now.

Congratulations op!