Risen from the ashes ...

rising_from_the_ashes · 9 October 2011 at 9:06PM

Finally debt free:j but need to stay here and beat this addiction to spending once and for all...... it's been a struggle but I've finally got here and am determined not to do it again!

This is the 2nd time I've cleared huge debts and I'm not going to do it for a 3rd time!

A wee reminder of how things were / have been over the past few years (so I don't forget):

2004

Debt = 17k Loan, credit cards, HP, overdraft
Struggling to meet minimum payments
Many accounts defaulted
Living on the payday loan roundabout for food etc

2005 - 10

Worked 2nd job & put all the money to debts
Skint, tired & fed up!

2011

No loans or HP or OD
CC paid in full each month
All defaults now cleared from credit file (6 years is a LONG time)!

rising_from_the_ashes · 9 October 2011 at 9:10PM

My downfall areas::(

I'm useless at budgeting!
I'm taken in by offers on things I don't need
I don't meal plan

(this list may grow - considerably!)

rising_from_the_ashes · 9 October 2011 at 9:11PM

Pretty good at the following, so need to try to concentrate on these and see how they can help with my "downfall" areas:

Making lists - once done, I do actually make sure everything's done on them
I do know exactly how much everything related to the house/car/pets cost me

(really hoping to add some new ones in here)

rising_from_the_ashes · 9 October 2011 at 9:15PM

OK, here goes:

I'm still in my 30's (only just so need to write it as many times as possible while I still can;))
Single - but share my home with 1 dog & 2 cats (who are my furr-babes)
Work full time
Trying to save enough money to finish my degree (approx £3k:eek:)
Own around 1/2 my house, with the bank having the rest:(

I feel like I'm doing an online dating ad!:o

rising_from_the_ashes · 9 October 2011 at 9:29PM

To keep me on track!

Statement of Affairs and Personal Balance SheetREMOVED 01/01/12 - out of date!

Created using the SOA calculator at www.makesenseofcards.com.
Reproduced on Moneysavingexpert with permission, using Firefox browser.

rising_from_the_ashes · 9 October 2011 at 9:36PM

I have more money coming than going out:D - finally!

There is no excuse for me getting into debt again - there is enough money in my budget to live - I JUST NEED TO LEARN TO BUDGET!

rising_from_the_ashes · 9 October 2011 at 9:41PM

1st list - sure it won't be the last!;)

Complete new budget - done
Work out how much needs to be transferred to "Household" account each month - done
Transfer outstanding household direct debits from main account to household one - WIP - most done but a couple still to do
Work out what other pots I need from my bank account and various amounts for each - done
Set up new pots - waiting for pay day

Really hoping the pots work - if I have all direct debits froming from household account & transfer the other amounts to the pots each month - there is no reason why I can't stick to the budget!

rising_from_the_ashes · 10 October 2011 at 4:44PM

What a plonker ...... forgot to subscribe to my own thread!

Taken me a while to find it .... ho hum, now done!

rising_from_the_ashes · 10 October 2011 at 4:46PM

Got a letter with new mortgage company's name stamped on the envelope today ...

Why is it that my heart still sinks & skips a beat whenever I get anything "official"?

At least I do now open all my mail - big improvement on sticking it in a drawer and head burying

but it's always with a sinking feeling whenever I get something.

I was so worried there'd been a hitch .... thankfully not - all they were doing was returning my docs!

IDIOT!:o