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Debt free diaries

Archives for May 2013

Pesto is in a messo...
I have had money troubles for many years now. Along with that I have had mental heath issues which I put to the side to 'Just get on with it' attitude. Sadly everything got on top of me and four weeks ago I tried to take my own life. Things should have been on the up but I didn't see that. Facts. -My OH and self rang a…
starting DMP, and panicking!
Hi, Hoping that by writing my own diary, i will manage better with clearing my debt! I'm just organising a DMP, and was meant to be starting in June, but will now be starting in July. My worry now is that the house i am renting may be either put up for sale relatively soon or the owner may need the house back for…
Bring it on - new job, new county, new mindset!
Hello! Well, this is my first diary, something I've been pondering for months and finally think its time to start! The last month has been a whirlwind, I split up with my partner of 7.5 years, graduated and got offered a new job, starting in September, as a trainee accountant, and have given myself carte blanche to spend…
DebtClearer's Diary to Freedom
My story is not one I'm proud of, after a relationship breakdown I was very upset and gambled away my savings and stacked up a huge amount of debt. Now, having had to move to get another job money is extremely tight and I'm doing what I can to put it right. I'm 26 so time is on my side to get this all put right for the…
Heading for a new life.......
Back to taking control after a lovely holiday - decided that now is the idea time to change so here we go. Starting this morning by going through all my outgoings and incomings and setting up things differently as it is not working currently. Will be back later today with an update but at the moment coffee at the ready and…
My journey to debt freedom and decluttered living
After reading various posts I have decided to take control of my debt. My aim is to clear it all as soon as possible following the advice of others that have gone through it before me. Today is the first day on the path to being debt free and living a decluttered life. I am on holiday next week but I am going to use the…
Eventually is now!! Time to grow up.
Hi there, well this is my first time posting anything on MSE (apologies for the long story), I have been a long term lurker but I’ve had my LBM & I’m determined that I’m growing up & getting things paid off. I have a lot of historical debt from when I was young & stupid and thought that it would all be paid off eventually.…
Paying off my overdraft one last time!!
After another sleepless night worrying about a lack of money it's time to get serious! I've been on these forums for years and in 2010 became debt free after clearing £15,250.33. its been one thing after another lately and so have had to use up my overdraft. i've cut down on everything. use the bike/walk as much as…
Mrs P's trying to shrink the spend
Like everyone I am very keen to reduce my spending, sort the house out and try and keep motivated in the process. Also like other people I need a space to put down what I would like to acheive and how well I am doing. My main problem is motivation. I am at home a lot on my own (whilst DD is at school and DH is at work) and…
Baby coming - 7 months to be debt free please!
It seems to be helpful for other people so thought I'd try as I really need a kick up the bum :o Last May me and my boyfriend decided we were sick of being in debt and wanted to get rid of it. Slowly but surely we're getting there but now with a baby coming I want it ALL gone before then so we can start being sensible,…
Get rid of as much debt as we can before we take out the giant mortgage
Hi all This is going to be a sub diary on the deft-free journey. We are in the process of selling our house and buying a new one. Will resume the old diary once we have moved https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/3540963 To summarise We are 35 and 42. No children but Mr B has 4. 3 boys 18, 20 and 22, and one…
How I'll clear the final bit
Hi to anyone reading. Deleted
The journey begins...
After a long time lurking about here, time to get my butt into action and do some serious debt clearing!!! I've been in debt for about 7/8 years, not always at this level but at some level nonetheless. I've gone through many stages of paying debt off, getting it manageable then diving straight back in. Me and my OH have…
Living day to day
Hi all, Longterm on/off lurker here , After checking banks this morning and seeing balance of £26 to feed us and petrol till next Tuesday I have decided enough is enough and I need to get a grip and deal with my debts ...... So here I am , It's not as bad as it seems tax credits went into bank today and tax credits went…
fuddle's 'the bottom rung is broken' diary
4 years after bankruptcy and repossession my family are still no where near being able to put money aside for a mortgage deposit. We've very little in the way of surplus income but time is ticking away and at 33 and 37 we're fast losing our only hope of getting back on the housing ladder... that's time. I say ladder. I…
Post wedding debt plan
Today was my first day back to reality following my lovely wedding. As planned we now have a few (but expected) bills to pay. So I am hoping that by writing it down I can sort them out a lot quicker. As my husbands job means he does not know what days he is working from one week to the next. He also lives away as it is too…
C'est La Vie
Hi All, I've started a new diary as my circumstances have changed dramatically in the last few months. My original diary is located here https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/3534335 if you want to read how I got to this stage. Well, after 12 months of looking, we finally found a new house! :j Technically we…
I wanna move to the country
Good morning, I'm no Newbie to this site and post on the Old style board daily. I always have lots to waffle on about so thought I would start a diary. Ok so a little about myself, I'm married to a wonderful man and have four grown up or nearly, youngest is almost 17, kids. We started a DMP with SC at the beginning if…
I want to go home....
Hi everyone, I've been a long time reader of these forums, and have been inspired by so many of you, so have now decided to sign up and post my own journey. I hope you'll help me along the way. :) I'm 35, married, no kids. I have a total unsecured debt, as of today, of £75030. I have a mortgage remaining of £81000 for a…
5 years and 3 months till my debt free date!!
I am feeling really hacked off today :mad::mad: So, here's a little bit of background info for you all. Been on a DMP with Stepchange since July 2010 and while I am over the moon at how much we have paid I am getting to the stage where I hate the fact that we still have 5 years left till we are debt free. Just wondered if…

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MSE News

Ofgem proposes new 'no standing charge' Price Cap – but Martin Lewis warns vulnerable customers need to be opted in or it won't work
Ofgem has today launched detailed proposals for a major shake up to its Energy Price Cap that dictates the price over 80% of homes in England, Scotland and Wales pay for their energy bills.
Lloyds, Halifax and Bank of Scotland to cut overdraft rates for millions but hike them for others – here's what's happening and full help
If you're a Lloyds, Halifax or Bank of Scotland current account holder, the interest rate you're charged for using your overdraft could change soon as part of a fees shake-up. The Lloyds Banking Group, which owns all three brands, says millions of its customers will pay less after the changes – but a "few" will pay more.
Warm Home Discount expansion confirmed with millions more eligible for the £150 top-up this winter – here's what we know
Around 2.7 million more low-income households, including 900,000 families with children, will become eligible for the £150 Warm Home Discount this winter, as the Government has confirmed it will remove the existing 'hard to heat' eligibility criteria. The extension has only been confirmed for winter 2025/26, with further changes possible for future years.
Martin Lewis: At last a chance to fix Council Tax flaws impacting millions – debt collection, difficulty challenging your band, discounts and more
Major flaws in the Council Tax system in England could finally be fixed in future, as the Government has launched a wide-ranging consultation to review hideous debt collection practices, the difficulty of challenging your band, the overly complex and horribly-named Severe Mental Impairment discount and more. MoneySavingExpert.com founder Martin Lewis, who has long campaigned on these issues, shares his response and analysis.
Energy complaints to be dealt with more quickly and Energy Ombudsman to get new powers under Government plans
If you have a complaint about your energy firm, it may be resolved more quickly in future, as the Government has announced a raft of proposals to strengthen consumer protections in the energy market. The planned changes include giving the Energy Ombudsman new powers to force firms to comply with its decisions – but it's still very early days. Here's what we know so far.
Warm Home Discount expansion confirmed with millions more eligible for the £150 top-up this winter – here's what we know
Around 2.7 million more households, including 900,000 families with children, will become eligible for the £150 Warm Home Discount this winter, as the Government has confirmed it will remove the existing 'hard to heat' eligibility criteria. The extension has only been confirmed for winter 2025/26, with further changes possible for future years.
Base rate held at 4.25% – here's what it means and when it might be cut next
The Bank of England has held the base rate at 4.25%. Below we explain why, when it might be cut, plus what it means for your mortgage and savings.
Applied for South West Trains 'boundary fares' compensation? Act now to claim it
If you applied for compensation from South West Trains before the deadline in January 2025, you now need to provide your bank details to the claim administrator so it can be paid to you. Here's what you need to know.
Winter Fuel Payments to be reinstated for millions – Martin Lewis explains how it'll work, what it means and if it's an improvement
All State Pensioners in England and Wales will receive a Winter Fuel Payment this winter, though those who earn over £35,000 will see it clawed back through the tax system. It means nine million pensioners will get the £200 or £300 top-up. Here MoneySavingExpert.com founder Martin Lewis shares his instant response and analysis, and we include answers to your key questions.

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Debt free diaries

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