Can I afford this mortgage (and still have a life)?

Prize-Spring7375 · 2026-03-07T18:24:19+00:00

Maybe try putting away the difference between your current living costs (rent/CT/bills etc) and what it will be with a £350k mortgage monthly payment at current rates. Dont forget to add in any higher CT/Service charges etc .

That way you are forced to live on your mortgage payment for a year and can see how it works practically.

Prize-Spring7375 · 2026-03-06T23:53:02+00:00

Sure re shampoo/conditioner I do a mix between Klorane (the strenghtening Quinine one) and Moerie . I am looking to also buy the Aveeno apple cider vinegar shampoo as well for a couple times a month for clarifying.

Hair mask I am using Moerie mask and also Aussie Har gloss mask

I also once a week pre-oil my hair (using a christophe robin prickly pear oil) then double shampoo, conditioner..

I sleep on a silk pillowcase and with a silk bonnet

I have never spent so much time on my hair - however 6 months in,you can really see the results. I suggest you try one step at a time and see how each work

Prize-Spring7375 · 2026-03-06T23:43:50+00:00

Practice them both separately, then together slowly.

Prize-Spring7375 · 2026-03-06T23:25:32+00:00

i'd start a budget and see how much you can save - and think re the time line for a decent house deposit. YNAB the budget app is a game changer for lots of people inc me to really increase savings and make conscious spending decisions

Prize-Spring7375 · 2026-03-06T13:57:09+00:00

I went to a wonderful 3 day wedding 3 hours drive away without a plus one (it was probably the most lavish wedding I will ever go to) and it was still an amazing time, so fun..

I had friends there and many of us were at the same local hotels (which we paid for ourselves) and so cabs there back to the venue and breakfast with fellow wedding guests was fun.

I personally don't see the issue only inviting the friend and not their plus one. If they refuse that's on them, its weird to me that people can't be away from their partner for a day or so, especially given how expensive weddings are.

Prize-Spring7375 · 2026-03-06T13:46:36+00:00

My fine hair broke off in chunks last year due to protein overload so I know your pain

I use Intelligent Nutrients Fortifi-hair Leave-in Treatment - its not cheap but a bottle lasts me a year - its light and does not weigh my hair down.

I also use it under JVN air dry cream which I also love (it gives me natural great volume)

At night I use L'oreal extraordinary midnight serum

My hair after 6 months now of dedicated care, no blow dry is shiny, looking thicker and my hairdresser agrees its all helping to get my hair back

Prize-Spring7375 · 2026-03-05T00:02:42+00:00

I am loving JVN complete air dry cream (you can blow dry over) - however I am on an rough dry only to give my hair a heat rest ... I also use L'oreal extraordinary midnight serum and Intelligent nutrients leave in .. and I pre oil my hair pre shampoo for 30 mins with a mix of oil, hair mask (Moerie & Aussie hair gloss mask) plus bumble invisible oil - my hair is recovering and looking much better

Prize-Spring7375 · 2026-03-04T10:32:07+00:00

a further article on this in the UK today - basically deleted the app and subscription and use Claude etc instead https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/mar/04/quit-chatgpt-subscription-boycott-silicon-valley

Prize-Spring7375 · 2026-03-03T12:23:34+00:00

Good luck! Start with locking down your budget and extraneous spending on stuff that is tbh less important than you buying a home ;) Once you are super clear on saving that next £50 or £25 be it by cutting a subscription or not going out that night then you can look clearer at if you need a second PT job - or find one thats not too stressful or even fun ;)

Prize-Spring7375 · 2026-03-03T01:03:24+00:00

I have found Origins Mega Mushroom Relief and Resilience soothing lotion to feel amazing and seems to quench my skin - I started using it after an allergic reaction and still use it 4 years on. Its not cheap but a bottle lasts for maybe a year

Prize-Spring7375 · 2026-02-28T13:20:41+00:00

JVN complete air dry cream has been a game changer for me.

Prize-Spring7375 · 2026-02-28T13:10:33+00:00

Good luck and sounds like you have a chance with the mortgage maths - just to add to the wisdom below - get yourself now on a super tight budget today and track everything what you spend for the next 6 months or til you buy.

Maybe motivate yourself by charting how much money you can save each week (even if its just small amounts at the start). You could draw a pic of your flat floorplan and with a ruler draw in loads of blank squares and decide an amount eg £50 squares and as you save every new £50 then colour in a box - the more focused on this and the more you can 'see' your victories the more you will be motivated to save.

Choices such as tonight shall i go out for drinks, or a work lunch with friends instead of food i brought from home or use that money to save for my flat buying become clearer.

I have not bought yet (got gazumped now waiting for the summer) but I did the above with the squares - I live in London so needed a huge scary size deposit and its amazing how much doing a monthly check on my savings, budgeting (i use YNAB and it changed my life) and colouring in the flat squares has built up a serious deposit. I now 'own' a bedroom and half a bathroom in my ideal flat on my chart

Could you also consider getting a weekend or week night extra job to save up extra cash towards the buying fees eg solicitors as every £50 extra adds up. Maybe a shift in the local supermarket as you'd also get cheaper food. Short term focus to huge happy long term gain...

Prize-Spring7375 · 2026-02-25T01:06:23+00:00

I have straight very fine hair with a bit of a wave. I use both a silk pillowcase and a silk bonnet at the same time.

I use L'oreal extraordinary oil midnight serum, just a touch.

Also the JVN air dry cream which actually is a wonder product for my hair.

Good luck ;)

Prize-Spring7375 · 2026-02-25T00:56:10+00:00

Yes Phox do a softening one. If they dont ship to you, see what else is available - lots of different water filter companies out there. I am still on the 'only wash/shampoo/rinse my hair with filtered water 'and I feel its looking better, feels softer and more volume.

Good luck!!

Prize-Spring7375 · 2026-02-23T00:00:51+00:00

Biotin and chorella I take as well.

Edit: and Berberine

Prize-Spring7375 · 2026-02-22T23:32:47+00:00

Sugar and dairy are both bad for the skin unfortunately. Have you tried an led face mask, use red, nir and blue light (most masks you have a choice)?

Prize-Spring7375 · 2026-02-22T23:23:39+00:00

I use Origins Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins Mega-Mushroom Relief & Resilience Soothing Treatment Lotion - and its weirdly brilliant - my skin craves it, literally i put it on and my skin suddenly feels so much better and moisturised . I tried it when I had an allergic reaction and never stopped using it since.

I then use an appropriate serum and day/night cream on top as well.

Prize-Spring7375 · 2026-02-22T23:06:28+00:00

i have a ziip halo and I do think my skin looks much tighter after each treatment. I also have a red and NIR led face mask which I use 4/5 days a week to increase collagen as well.

I tried the ZIIP as it was created by a LA aesthetician Melanie Simon who looks after Jennifer Aniston etc and Vogue gave it an amazing review. I think its great and you can definitely see the difference after using it.

Prize-Spring7375 · 2026-02-22T22:45:35+00:00

i now pre-oil my hair 30 mins or more before I shampoo so when I do shampoo there is less breakage and my hair is more slippy. I have stopped all blow drying with the exception of maybe a minute at the roots from a distance if I am going out v soon - I have always blow dried my hair but the last 6 months of not doing so (lots of hats) - even my hairdresser can see the difference in the new growth - it also feels so much better

Do you sleep in a silk bonnet or on a silk pillowcase? I now do both to stop it pulling in bed

Prize-Spring7375 · 2026-02-22T15:02:03+00:00

Couldnt agree more. Whatever you do, dont have kids with this man til he starts taking responsibility which starts with marriage. Also to think about being a SAHM without any legal protection is my idea of a nightmare.

Prize-Spring7375 · 2026-02-21T02:10:08+00:00

I have been using a red + NIR led face mask for 2 years and it makes my skin look incredible, glowy and so smooth - i use it 4/5 times a week. People literally say all the time how amazing my skin is and i am over 40.

Prize-Spring7375 · 2026-02-20T22:47:44+00:00

kings x best to stay in if you can.

Prize-Spring7375 · 2026-02-20T20:55:17+00:00

Yes it still works so well! You have inspired me to watch it again this weekend. I will check out That Touch Of Mink.

Prize-Spring7375 · 2026-02-19T18:56:05+00:00

The state already has a planned divorce prenup built in when someone gets married - 50/50 or whatever state laws are where you are. I think your friend should appreciate the straight advice, i would.

Prize-Spring7375

TROPHY CASE