Feel so alone

Others have posted their SOA on the forum before so others can come along and see where they can help you cut back. i.e changing mobile phone contract to a cheaper one, cutting back on your electric use or shopping for groceries at a cheaper shop. That sort of thing!! Many on here have done just that and it has helped them to stay focussed on what they are spending on everyday things.

Why not set yourself a budget for going out every week and try sticking to it. You will be surprised what you manage to save.

You will get there in the end although it will take time and effort. Many have achieved what you want to achieve so I am sure they will be able to offer you plenty of good sound advice.

You have made the first step so well done.

Wishing you all the best.

Popstess wrote: »

Thank you, I'm sat here in tears, and shaking this is the first time I've admitted my debt to anyone. That's true about"the joneses" no I don't know their financial situations. I have made myself a budget and using an app called Spending Tracker to keep on top of my outgoings. I feel so guilty and so embarrassed. I have tried to say no or I can't afford it in the past and been talked round I'm a complete people pleaser it it's making me ill I can't go on line this I've been such a fool.

Hi

You are definitely not alone, and it takes a brave person to admit they could have made other choices.

Guilt and embarrassment might be how you got here, but take away motivation and a desire to be debt free (DFD = debt free date). Se yourself some acheivable goals, - like no increased debt for 1 month. Join some of the dfw challenges (save £1 day, no spend days etc, and you'll soon get some self respect back.

Be proud to deal with your debt. its fine to say, 'thats not in my spending plan for this month', 'I'm trying to save a little extra for my pension/holiday/new car/tax bill/parents anniversary' etc.
Or try - as the OP suggests, I'm a little overspent at the moment so I'll have to put that purchase on hold for now.


Work out what you want, what you need and what you can afford.

My version of the MSE mantra is 'do I need it, can I afford it, have I got something else that will do the job, can i get it cheaper elsewhere'. This works for me, although my current debt repayments are so low i'm hardly a shining example, but I am surviving and not increasing my debt, and most of that is down to the MSE forums.

And remember, we are here, you are most definitely not on your own.

Treat the people in this forum as "the Jones" that you want to keep up with. Whether people here are trying to pay off debt, pay off the mortgage, build their savings etc... they are all supportive and seeing some of their success stories can be a great motivation.

Good luck