I can't remember how much our mortgage was as a percentage of our income as it was too long ago. We paid 9 percent. I was at home with 2 under 3 but I know all money was spent on mortgage, poll tax, gas, electricity, water, insurance, fuel for old car, food and there was hardly anything left for birthday gifts or Xmas gifts for our kids and no holidays, no days out except free stuff like the park or walks along the canal. No mobile phones, no Sky, no internet, no Sports package on TV, no Netflix, kids only did Cubs/Scouts and Brownies/Guides and swimming which my Mum paid for. Even food was basic so no strawberries or raspberries mostly apples and bananas as they were cheaper. After 2 years of this misery I went back to work part time and things became a bit easier. It's always hard when the kiddies are small. We lived in a village and there were no nurseries unless I drove 14 miles each way. After I went back to work mortgage rates stopped back to 8 percent and we were thrilled. Now kids are adults and our mortgage is paid off but I'm worried about my children's mortgages. My DS has 3 years left on his fix but my DD only has about 11 months left on her 5 year fix and I know she is already worrying about it. In 5 months she can look for a new offer but is wondering whether to buy out of her current fix and try a new fix.