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Planning finances

7 replies

Tractorsanddiggers · 16/08/2024 14:19

We're a couple (married) in our mid 30s with 3dc under 6. I earn around 24k working part time nhs and have done for 10 years. Dh earns mid 50s and is also public sector and has over 20 years service. We have a mortgage with 195k left and a small pot of savings near 10k split between the children. We have 2 cars, own one and have nearly paid off the other.
I'm trying to plan our finances and wondered what others would do in our situation. We need to convert the loft in our house for an extra bedroom but no other big projects are needed and the house is perfect otherwise. Pensions are ticking along and the cars are nearly paid off. Are people trying to pay the mortgage off or put money aside for dc cars, insurance, driving lessons, university and house deposits? We obviously have 3 dc to think about so it would be a stretch to do all of that but we would also like to retire at some point. I wondered about dc living at home for uni if they went. I have no idea if they will go but I want them to have the choice.

OP posts:
Mountainclimber50 · 16/08/2024 14:27

What is your take home each month?
What are your outgoings?
Do you have an emergency fund?

Stocks and Shares for the kids savings are best.

Loft conversion budget 50k to 70k.

Driving lessons 2k each.

Uni, your kids will be on minimum maintenance loan so 7k each to top up. 63k if doing 3 year degrees. Double that if doing medicine.

Tractorsanddiggers · 16/08/2024 14:43

Mountainclimber50 · 16/08/2024 14:27

What is your take home each month?
What are your outgoings?
Do you have an emergency fund?

Stocks and Shares for the kids savings are best.

Loft conversion budget 50k to 70k.

Driving lessons 2k each.

Uni, your kids will be on minimum maintenance loan so 7k each to top up. 63k if doing 3 year degrees. Double that if doing medicine.

I'm not entirely sure but we are spare £700 per month currently which is being used to clear some house renovation debt. I save the child benefit each month. We plan to use the £700 to pay off the car. Then the loft conversion. That £700 would probably be what covers uni if they decide to go. Then I guess after that we try and overpay the mortgage and help with any house deposits. Is that what you would do?

OP posts:
Mountainclimber50 · 16/08/2024 14:51

Do you get Child Benefit if your DH earns 55k? I know labour was thinking of changing this.

You will get decent NHS pensions and 25% lump sum.

Are the children 3 years apart?

Kids get more expensive as they get older (imo).

Once they are at Uni you could go full time if needed.

You need a detailed budget of outgoings and income.

Debts and Assets.

Tractorsanddiggers · 16/08/2024 15:05

I think we get it. Dh had agreed to top up so I can save it.
Kids are 3 school years apart

OP posts:
Mountainclimber50 · 16/08/2024 15:26

Children being three years apart is good for Uni and driving lessons.

It is good you are planning now. Look for long term investment growth for your kids. Little and often.

cavernclub · 16/08/2024 15:45

There are lots of good financial advisors out there. I'd get proper financial advice. You'll get a real mixed bag on Mumsnet. Personally, I would avoid stocks and shares in a time of economic volatility and political uncertainty (USA) and go for high interest bonds.
But I'd get proper financial advice on it first

Mum2Fergus · 16/08/2024 17:46

I'd recommend you have a look at Dave Ramsey wealth building (baby steps).

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