3rd Time Lucky?!- Attempting to clear £6645.93 of debt in 105days (3months+13days)!!

Shelbi · 28 September 2017 at 10:46PM

Better day today...work went well..i managed to get a couple of tasks I've been putting off forever....felt pretty good finishing them...just need to persevere. Forgot to take lunch (oh took it though so didn't go to waste) and so bought some £4.10 and then brought a bottle of wine and beer for oh &I on way home...£12.48. Will update budget tomorrow morning.
Managed to complete my daily swag bucks task..check free postcode lottery and read a couple of diaries this evening...also phone bill came In £6.42 cheaper than budgeted so the saving has been sent to the loan offset account. Planning to skip after work ritual drinks with the girls tomorrow so will recoup the £18.58. Will try another attempt at the illusive SFD tomorrow. Need to start getting a few of these under my belt. Nothing much else to report...absolutely shattered
Night x

enthusiasticsaver · 28 September 2017 at 11:17PM

Shelbi wrote: »

Thank you Magpie100- youre absolutely right I definitely lack determination, I get completely motivated and then lose interest and do something else- usually involving spending- Ive sifted through 3 months worth of bank statements to get a better idea where this money went and my general spending habits- it wasn't a fun task at all, but I really need to get a handle on this before it grow beyond my control- here it is:

Statement of Affairs and Personal Balance Sheet
Monthly Income Details
Income from Employment (after tax. . . . . . . . . 2,435.19

Monthly Expense Details
In Your Home
Mobile phones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38.58 92 (2lines mine & my mothers- niether die for contract end sadly)
TV licence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.00 (OH pays this)
Internet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.00 (OH pays this)
Home phone. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.00 (OH pays this)
Cleaning products/Cleaner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35.00 (im addicted to buying domestos, antiseptic wipes and fabreeze)
Garden maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.00
Household maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.00
Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.00
Electricity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50.61 (based on quarterly bill just paid of £151.83)
Gas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23.11 (based on a quarterly bill just paid of £69.33- Although this will rise during winter quarter)
Water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.00 (OH pays this)
Council tax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92.00 (MONTHLY DD)
Overdraft cost. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.00
Bank account fee. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.00
Home insurance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.00
Mortgage/Rent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 325.75 (£65.15per week)

Food and household shopping . . . . . . . . . . 250.30- stupidly high- had spent £750.91 in 3 months for 2 people)
Drinks for home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52.19
Motoring & Public Transport
Petrol/Diesel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20.00
Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.33- (£100 Resident parking for the year)
Car tax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.37 (monthly dd)
Car insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35.55(based on £426.56 paid annually in July)
Car maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.17 (mot split for the year around £50)
Rail/Buses/Taxis. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35.08 (ubers- sad to say I spent 90 odd on these)
Breakdown cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.92 (£35 per year)
parking fines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57.43 (got a parking fine- don't expect to repeat that)
Debt Repayments
Credit card repayments. . . . . . . . . . . . . 120.00 (minimum payment- I try to pay more than this)
Hire purchase repayments. . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.00
Personal loan repayments. . . . . . . . . . . . 222.26 (paid monthly)
Car loan repayments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.00
Savings & Investments

Regular saving. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250.00 (I used to save this- will not now I know how muchI spend- need to clear the debt)
Family
mum income money. . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103.33 (average amount I pay to my mum when shes short of funds)
Entertainment
Satellite/Digital TV. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.00 (OH pays sky bill)
Family days out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.00
Cinema/Theatre trips. . . . . . . . . . . . . 39.29 (av per month on nights to movies)
Books/Music/Films/Computers . .. . . . . . . . . 0.00
Big days out. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.00
Shopping for fun. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55.62 (have no idea what I brought but I spent it- statement vague):o
Pet costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.00

Drinking out. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . 140.48- didn't realise this was so high basically statements showed I spent £842.89 on nights out in the last 3 months (food and drink- its absord) so total spilit by3 for months then by 2 spread evenly over drink & food (below) out)
Eating out. . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . 140.48
amazon prime. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.99 (used for deliveries, books, prime tv
lotto . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . 17.00 [/COLOR](bad I know but scared to stop lest my numbers come up
Clothes, Health & Beauty
Complementary therapies . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . 0.00
Optical bills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45.00- this is quarterly not monthly
Haircuts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.33 (£10 pm)
Dentistry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.00
Beauty treatments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35.00 (beauty stuff & makeup etc)

Work clothes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58.68 (this is pm - I thought it was less)
New children's clothes. . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.00
New clothes . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . 210.23 (I was genuinely shocked by this- esp as I always wear the same damn thing)
Education & Courses

Your courses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75.00 (based on £900 spent this year- hoping no need to spend any more on courses- but its for work and career progression)
Big One-Offs
Funeral expenses. . . . . . . . . . . . 0.00
Wedding expenses. . . . . . . . . . . . 150.00
Sofa/Kitchen/TV . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.00
Birthdays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50.00 (abut £600p/yr I think)
holiday1. . . . . . . . . . . . . 85.89 (£1030.73 spent- annual figure)
holiday2. . . . . . . . . . . . . 166.67 (based on about £2,000 spent) - probably wont be having 2 holidays in the near future:o
Christmas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54.17 (about £650 per year I think)
Odds & Sods
Newspapers and magazines. . . . . . . 0.00
Tax & NI Provisions (self-employed only). . 0.00
Regular charity donations . . . . . . . . . 0.00
Meals at work . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . 60.00 (based on £3 per day)
Smokes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128.00 (trying and failing to quit)
Coffees/Sandwiches/Snacks . .. . . . . . 0.00

Total monthly income. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,435.19

Total monthly expenses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,260.81
its shocking and sad, I actually told OH and he couldn't believe what I spend-to be honest I couldn't I always thought my finance's were ok- not great but not this bad. I need more control that's for sure...I would be grateful for any help I can get with this....Will work on a budget for September to fill the holes and stop the overspending Xx

Your spending is definitely way out of control here. I think you need to set more realistic achievable targets to reduce the debt and start a spending diary.

You seem to pay quite a lot in rent/bills considering you still live with your parents so you do not really have the luxury of being able to spend at the rate you have been as you are covering bills too. I have highlighted areas I think you can cut back on or eliminate altogether. £35 on cleaning products particularly is jaw dropping just to pick one. Do you shop in a discount supermarket? Lidls or Aldis are great for saving money on groceries and household goods.

Shelbi · 29 September 2017 at 4:32PM

Hi enthusiasticsaver, Thank you so much for your help! I have set about trying to reduce my overspending, in all the highlighted areas

Very much appreciated. I do shop at Aldi but I also frequent M&S and waitrose. Although I wont be doing so for the foresable unless its on yellow sticker

... for this months shop I used sainsbug's as they had a £18 off for first time sign up will also be checking out the butchers for cheaper deals...Aldi will definitely be visited though. Lucky to have one at the top of our road.

Will definitely be keeping a spending diary too that's a great idea and will certainly help

thank you x

Shelbi · 29 September 2017 at 4:47PM

Afternoon all,

Thought id best check in ...Having tinkered with my budget, I have sent another £250 to loan offset account and worked out I have £245.38 for the month discretionary funds after all remaining dd's leave my a/c this ive broken down into the following:

Grocery budget- £65.38
Going out- £50
Occasions (gifts) -£30
Wedding gift -£50
Beauty- £10
Clothes- £40.

Have joined another challenge Organise October which should keep me focused. Kicks off Sunday so I best get organised. on that front. anyways best get back to it...just wanted to quickly update.

Sx

missymoo81 · 29 September 2017 at 7:22PM

Hey my lovely, have just read your diary from start to finish and wow. You sound like me! I have dipped in and out of debt exactly the same as you, and go at it all guns blazing only to get side tracked a month down the line. Super well done on starting again though. It really sounds like you have a handle on things. I will keep reading and subscribe.

Shelbi · 1 October 2017 at 3:57PM

Hey Missymoo81,

Aww thank you for your message..welcome to my rollercoster journey...It feels amazing to know im not alone in this debt free climb...hope it wasnt too dull of a read honey. I will be over to your diary shortly to have a good read too..Thank you indeed, Im really going to try and stick with it this time fingers and all crossed for all of us!

xX

Shelbi · 1 October 2017 at 4:35PM

Overall a fantastic weekend, sorry I haven't checked in but this has been my first opportunity. Yesterday had the most beautiful day at a friends wedding it was magical and my friend looked stunning. Managed to spend £60 being £50 in my friends card. £5 on eyebrow threading (this I cannot do myself) lol...and £5 on milk, croissants few cards from card factory needed for the month and a 2 cans of lynx (2 for £5 in superdrugs at the mo- and got £2 off from loyalty card).

Today has been my first NSD and is the first day of my Organised October Challenge... Going to aim for 15 this month its low but I really want to keep going so will try not to stretch myself too much..Budget as it stands:

Grocery budget- [STRIKE]£65.38[/STRIKE]/£62.38
Going out- £50
Occasions (gifts) -[STRIKE]£30[/STRIKE]/£28
Wedding gift -[STRIKE]£50[/STRIKE]/£0
Beauty- [STRIKE]£10[/STRIKE]/£5
Clothes- £40.

Today was spent doing washing (have aired dried- opened up the windows in the bedroom and put everything on a clothes horse, closed the door to keep cold from creeping through the flat. Refuse to turn on the heating just yet, am donning my pj's and a hooding and socks...OH doesn't feel the cold so hes happy enough...its me that usually wacks on the heat...not today though...clothes can dry au naturel. Other chores sorted- bathroom clean, kitchen clean and sorting through my clothes to see what I have.

Staying home today OH is cooking a pork joint and whatever's in the fridge, will take left overs for lunch...a very chilled Sunday so far... Bliss..xX

Shelbi · 3 October 2017 at 9:21PM

Evening MSE'ers,

Today I managed another NSD, brought lunch in...am trying to do a month of buying lunch, or starve...22 days...2 down..20 to go.

Ive managed a whole day of no smoking, its not much I know but I'm proud of myself. I sent £2.89 odd to loan offset account.
Work was ok, starting to think about my options, what I need to grow, maybe move on...I've been there for several years and I loved it but recently I've been feeling unchallenged..Still cant move just yet unstable times but going to look at what I need to get ahead...and possibly a better paying role.

This evening shopping was delivered, stacked and I got tidied up the kitchen and got to use the basic no named brands- wipes where ok smelt nice, wiped fine...well cheaper definitely a swap id keep, same with the dish washer tabs and honey...happy days..

Evening in with OH, had left overs for tea so no cooking...freepost lottery done, no swag bucks attempted though...was too busy at work, hardly had lunch. Decreased my pension to minimum contribution freeze it as ill lose my company contribution and that's free money. Instead will keep at minimum until debts paid off.

OH and I went out yesterday evening managed to spend £30 and use some vouchers. Was a lovely evening though..

Budget as it stands:
Grocery budget- [STRIKE]£65.38[/STRIKE] £62
Going out- [STRIKE]£50[/STRIKE]/£20
Occasions (gifts) -[STRIKE]£30[/STRIKE]/£28
Wedding gift -[STRIKE]£50[/STRIKE]/£0
Beauty- [STRIKE]£10[/STRIKE]/£5
Clothes- £40.
Petrol- £20.

I also received an email that i would be getting a refund of £50 to one of my credit cards that currently has a zero balance..will use save that to purchase xmas gifts if and when it arrives.

Thats pretty much all Ive got tonight...night x

Shelbi · 4 October 2017 at 2:04PM

Afternoon all,

Another day non smoking, will half a day but I think im doing ok! 1day 6hrs- saving of £6.06 not even a packet yet:rotfl:

Brought Lunch from home 3/22 and today is looking like a spend free day- can I make it to 3/16! I hope so!!

Money saving tasks today- signed up to kindle unlimited in order to get a free book were reading in our book club- saving £7.04 (cheapest option) and a note made to cancel in 29days, shared with friend who did the same. Just need to read it before the times up...sure I will it looks like a good read.

Downsized my season ticket, for zones I don't really use...hopefully refund will come soon. TFL were great bless them. Hmm what else- unsubscribed to some shopping emails...had to be done when I saw ASOS where having a 50% sale- It burned like fire...If I don't see it I cant be tempted :rotfl:Ill probably last about a week on that one but will give it my best shot. Did the freepostcodelotto- nothing yet but I'm hopeful lol! Tonight the lads out with the boys- rather than heading out too as per usual Ive got a date with a chick flick and face pack- maybe a couple of MSE diaries too:D anywhoo best get back to work...have a fab day all.. Sx

Shelbi · 5 October 2017 at 9:17PM

Evening...

So today wasn't a SFD, went to lunch with my team at work. It was nice, service was appalling though so we got 50% off...silver lining my meal was delicious, great for £8.50 all in.
Cut up 2 of my 3 credit cards today...had a listen to Dave Ramsey whilst I worked figured I needed some of his plastic surgery :rotfl:
still haven't smoked:) so thats 3/31.
Haven't received that £50 refund will give it till Monday and call them up.

Overall a nice day...I really cant wait to get paid again. Still to do 1 night out, 1 day out and 2 birthday presents. No swagbucks or surveys..only time for freepostcode lottery...no joy..yet:p

A chilled evening at home...trying to keep costs down! Pretty much all I'm doing at the moment.

x

3rd Time Lucky?!- Attempting to clear £6645.93 of debt in 105days (3months+13days)!!

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