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Debt free diaries

Archives for March 2021

My 5 Year Plan to a better life!
Another new diary! One I want to stick to now though as I'm about to take on almost £50k of debt that will be paid off within 5 years. I won't go all into the whole boring back story of my life, as this is all about a new start. I have a decently paid job where I work part time and although I'd like to describe myself as…
Finally debt free
Hi all, First time poster, long time lurker. One year ago today I visited these forums for the first time as I finally felt overwhelmed by my debts of around £9k (loan and credit cards). I make a decent living as a single person (50k per year) but was in that awful habit of somehow “mysteriously” always being broke and…
Positive outcomes dealing with Capquest in relation to old student loan
Hi Forum, Looking for info from anyone that has a had a positive outcome in dealing with capquest (how did they deal with them etc). Mant thanks
Slowing after a sprint start!
My true LBM was December 2019 with an aim to be ‘debt free by 2023’. There have been numerous false starts over the years - I have printed off so many repayment plans and never stuck to any of them but this time it’s been different. So far. After calculating a snowball and really looking carefully at our finances we…
From £28k debt to debt free - my story *long read*
Hi everyone, please forgive me for I wish to gloat... a bit. But also to hopefully give a little bit of hope to everyone who finds themselves struggling. Sit down, grab a brew and have a read of my life story for the last 4 (ish) years. In 2014 I got my dream job in the NHS, I had always wanted it and after 2 long years at…
Fed up of the debt cycle
Hello all, I have finally taken the plunge to create a DFD after being awake until 2am last night, thinking about money. I am off work this week, so obviously not tired enough to just crash out as I usually do! I have lurked on these boards on an off for a few years, but this year I really want to break the cycle of being…
First Step On A Long Road
Good morning! This has taken me a few days after opening an account to get the nerve to write this post, but needs must and events over the past week or so have shown I need to start taking my debt seriously. Today is also a day where my better half is at work so I am able to sit and type this out without panicking about…
The Bones - Take 2
Morning, I hope this posts ok. I had trouble logging on once the upgrade happened as it kept freezing and throwing me out :( I have a work laptop now, so I'm hoping it's sorted itself out. So I'm back with a new diary, or I will be until I get thrown out again :D Here is how things are debt wise in the Pmo2 household -…
Going Debt Free With Salary Finance
Here we go on the journey to being debt free and being more senible with money. I previously had a salary finance loan of £3,000 to buy a new car and that has finished and they asked if wanted another... At same time my fluid card wanted £115 minimum payment for hitting £3,000 (active) with the APR at an eye watering 49.9%…
Credit card debtcycle
Credit card spending
Monthly Commitments below £1000 diary 2021
Afternoon All I've been on here a long time, got out of debt and back in again, this time, since following Dave Ramsey, will be my last. I have a stressful job and not sure how long I can live with the anxiety on a daily basis, its making me ill. So I decided to do something about it. My task is to pay off my debt and…
The end of the road is in sight just the last stretch to go
I have been on this site for so many years and have learnt a lot, yet I have never set up my own diary. Here it is! I cannot actually wait to be debt free and post in that thread, nearly there but not quite. Tonight was quite momentous for me. After taking advice on here about a CC that was due to expire on the 0% deal. I…
LIGHTBULB!
Does anyone else think of the minions/despicable me when they hear lightbulb? Today i’m starting my diary. I’ve previously been on the forum, many years ago and whilst my debt is better “controlled” it’s probably the same amount. It’s time to really knuckle down and get rid of it. So here we go. I’m 34, married, two…
Treading water before learning to swim..
*takes deep breath* Hi everyone, this diary has been a long time coming. I had my lightbulb moment last week, after months of burying my head in the sand. After the Chancellor's Budget announcement I realised I needed to take stock and come up with a plan for our finances, so here I am! I'm in my early 30s, have 3…
Advice on owing a solicitors bill
Hi I instructed a solicitor Nov 2019 , was informed by the company that money would always have to be upfront for the work. My case was due for court in Feb 2020 , prior to that the standard of work and communication by this solicitor firm become dreadful and my original solicitor who I had instructed with 8 yrs…
Sixty thousand reasons to stay motivated
Hi, I posted my circumstances on here a few months ago but have decided that I need a diary to keep myself on track. I have already posted my SOA on my other post. I made an error and incorrectly listed my total debts as almost 70K whereas it was actualy just under 60K. We had our LBM last Autumn when we realised that we…
Inheritance during a trust deed
Hi all. Looking for some advice on behalf of my partner. In early 2020 her father passed away leaving an inheritance to her and her siblings which includes a small property. Her share would likely be around 30-40k. She notified the trustee of her trust deed and it has been over 6 months since that point with no contact.…
Finally taking back control after a decade of debt
Hello, Long-time lurker, first-time poster. I've had CC debt ever since moving to London after university around 9 years ago. Coming here for work on a very low wage, I quickly ate through my savings and started racking up debt on credit cards, without any real means to pay it off. Came to a bit of a head when I ended up…
Starting over again.....again!
Not sure how to begin this, as it feels like I've been here a hundred times before! I've spent alot of time away from these boards aswell, so it feels like I've committed and act of betrayal! I also have this huge fear of being judged, even through a screen, and it sends my anxiety through the roof when I write anything…
Here I am again...
Hi I’ve been a member of MSE for many years. I would join in challenges and get a real buzz from no spend days, from moving energy suppliers, from bartering on insurances etc. I have been in and out of debt since I was 20 (now 40 something) I never considered it to be debt in my 20’s as I just paid it monthly and it didn’t…

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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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