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Debt free diaries

Archives for August 2022

2 Humans, 2 bunny's and debt!
After lurking for a long time, being inspired by all your diaries nows the time for me to be a proper grown up and start! Quick overview while I drink my tea before work... 2 humans - me and Mr Bunny (he'll hate I call him that!) 😂 recently married but together 10+ years New build house, purchased on the help to buy scheme…
Our journey from debtdom to freedom…take 4,5,6? I’ve lost count!!
CCs (0%) £22,147.26 Mortgage £224,346.23 Buy to Let Mortgage £146,574.32 Total £393,068 Restarted Jan 2019 1.87% paid off This was the last time I posted, in Jan 2019. The world has changed significantly for everyone since then and for us it’s been beyond challenging on a personal level. That said, we made some radical…
Chomping our way to financial freedom one meal at a time
We started 2015 with £39k of debt as the house needed some major work and spent the next 5 years hard core budgeting to clear it, booked a fantastic holiday in 2020 (saved for in advance) to celebrate and were looking forward to having more available cash to enjoy ourselves! 🤣 Mr Star WFH during COVID allowed us to finally…
At the tipping point. now or crsis
I have managed to wrack up a significant amount of debt having tried to get on the property ladder and renovate my first house to make it livable. Some of the debt was home improvements, some wracked up covering costs e.g. car insurance while I did so. Some is plain, irresponsible overspending. I'm just about making the…
In denial no longer!
I've been reading all your inspirational posts on here for a few years now (I'm more of a lurker than a poster) and thought that it would be really helpful in the current climate to create my own, hope that's ok! A bit about me - I have been a SAHM since March 2020 (lost a part-time job due to the pandemic), luckily DH has…
Single, self-employed and debt-free by March 2024
I thought it might be good for me to start a diary of my debt repayments. I have not been in debt for many years, and manage my budget pretty closely, but this year I renovated my house (it desperately needed it) and had to borrow some money. I didn't want to spend all my savings as I am single and self-employed and need…
dealing, not feelings... (getting past the overwhelm)
Hello all, Writing here to keep me accountable. Not expecting anyone to read it! This is my first post and a first step to dealing with debt and money mistakes I've been trying to push away for many years. I have had many false starts at "dealing" with things, and stumbled every time. I know from reading other people's…
Trans girl in a financial hole looking to juggle my way out.
I need to keep myself honest with what I'm spending, what I'm paying off, what credit I'm using. I got into serious financial trouble maybe 5 years ago, and I'm coming so close to the end of a debt management plan but I've taken out loads of other credit in the mean time and it's becoming unmanageable again. I don't want…
Pinching Pennies
Hi everyone I have been reading through a few blogs on here so thought I’d take the plunge and hold myself accountable! A few things before I begin this blog: I’m a student. I get a maintenance loan and work part time, so times are a little hard during term time. I can work full time during the summer months but this year…
Evasive action! Stop the trench becoming a hole.
I need to take evasive action, and I need to hold myself accountable. I'm not going to call where I am a hole. It's still a rut. A trench. I've got savings, but they are in accounts where they earn good interest rates so I hate touching them. I've just moved house, and I've been doing a money shuffle every month, borrowing…

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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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