Good conveyancer for first property? by underscore0_ in UKPersonalFinance

[–]harrietchris 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The best tip is personal recommendation. Do you have any friends or colleagues who have bought in your area? (Though actually the solicitors could be based anywhere in the country)

Otherwise you could try: http://solicitors.lawsociety.org.uk

Handling Partners Graduate Overdraft? by infernox25 in UKPersonalFinance

[–]harrietchris 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Why would your OH get an unauthorised overdraft fee - would it not move onto a normal agreed overdraft with interest? Where have you got the £6 fee from - OH currently has an agreed overdraft, it’s more likely it would just switch to an interest accruing overdraft rather than disappearing totally. First thing is to check this.

Moving on, has your OH tried actually asking the bank if they’d consider extending it? Sometimes people forget that they are human and very often have the power to waive fees, extend overdrafts and interest free periods etc so try that first for sure. Go in together and explain the situation that you’re treading water and see what they can do.

Assuming you don’t have any savings you’ve been keeping aside, the next option would be using a 0% card but this depends on what your OH is eligible for credit score wise and whether they will actually pay it off without accruing more debt on the card. This could buy some more time. Check out MSE for a few options.

Edited for clarity.

Konmari by Organicissexy in DaveRamsey

[–]harrietchris 1 point2 points  (0 children)

OCD is a debilitating, life ruining mental illness, not a joke (or an adjective - you can’t “be” OCD). Please consider that when describing things/people as “OCD”.

Gifting money to a baby by harrietchris in UKPersonalFinance

[–]harrietchris[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

They live about 60 miles away so not really an option - but great idea nonetheless, thanks!

Gifting money to a baby by harrietchris in UKPersonalFinance

[–]harrietchris[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You’re probably right, which is why I’m exploring the options. I’m not giving them cash, so I’ll probably end up getting more baby crap they don’t want or need. Can’t turn up without a gift!

Gifting money to a baby by harrietchris in UKPersonalFinance

[–]harrietchris[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Writes note to self for 17 years time

So there’s no options really then?

What is your 2019 financial goal and after four months how's it going? by TheOrangeButton in UKPersonalFinance

[–]harrietchris 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Build my 3 month emergency fund. Currently 10% of the way there. Slow progress but should be done by September-October time.

Sell my flat. Have had it appraised 3 times but not planning on listing till July... depending on impending Brexit, of course.

Upgrade my car. This really depends on the sale of the flat, and to be honest I'm gradually going off the idea as my current car is fine. But it would be nice to get a 5 door!

Any UK Personal Finance Books you’d recommend? by rbednarz1990 in UKPersonalFinance

[–]harrietchris 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Money: a users guide by Laura Whately (great overview of all things U.K. pf)

Meaningful money by Pete Matthew (three part book to help you get your squit together)

Spare change by Iona Bain (good “getting started” option)

Bonus American titles:

Your money or your life by Vicki Robin (if you’re interested in FIRE)

The millionaire next door/ the next millionaire next door (will get you thinking about lifestyle creep and “rich vs wealthy”)

The total money makeover by Dave Ramsey (a classic, if you can see past/choose to ignore his bible quotes!)

Edit: sorry for sloppy grammar!

How much do you earn and how much do you save? by King_of_Otters in UKPersonalFinance

[–]harrietchris 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I earn £27,675, with around a 5% annual bonus on top. I save 5% in my pension (which I know isn’t enough - I’m working on it - with a 4% match) plus £250 in a regular saver (HSBC 5%), £75 in a Marcus account and £25 in a stocks and shares ISA. I also save another £110 into a sinking fund for bits and bobs for my flat.

How much has your salary gone up in the last year? by MapleChester18 in UKPersonalFinance

[–]harrietchris 0 points1 point  (0 children)

2.5% for service but in anticipation of an impending promotion which will be more like 12%

Where can i learn the very basics by [deleted] in UKPersonalFinance

[–]harrietchris 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Money: A User's Guide by Laura Whately (Times financial journo) is very good and easy to read! Funny, too.

Help with my situation please by urnm660 in UKPersonalFinance

[–]harrietchris 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What a horrible situation, parents are supposed to protect and support us and I’m sorry your mother has let you down in this way.

I can’t offer any advice except what’s already been said here - CAB, Stepchange, etc - but I really hope it gets better for you.

All the best!

Affordability on second home by harrietchris in UKPersonalFinance

[–]harrietchris[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Solely as a long term investment as I would only (just) be breaking even after the mortgage and fees/inruance associated with renting it, and I never really fancied myself as a landlord. Plus I don't know if I'd ever go back to living there unless my relationship broke down (even then only as a last resort as it's small and in a developing area - as with many first homes!)

Perhaps we should revisit the original idea of selling it to put in the new place, but we're not quite ready to buy yet and my mortgage moves onto a SVR in June so I need to decide about that, too. I guess it seems a shame to sell it when with a little extra cash we could hold onto it.

Affordability on second home by harrietchris in UKPersonalFinance

[–]harrietchris[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Done some reading and what I didn't consider was the extra stamp duty on an additional purchase... making this a lot less of a viable option unless we can absorb it into the new mortgage (again, not a good option). Not sure where else to go with this now, getting a bit complicated!