My diary... becoming debt free whilst still having a life!!!

savingholmes

hi Ruby - yes the summer holidays can be like temptation city - all that time on your hands and the kids nagging! We need to get better control of our spending we are still spending way too much!

In_my_dreams

New here and making my way through everyone's diaries and yours really struck a chord with me.

I have actually managed to put some money away this month for things I know that are coming up, i.e. uniform etc and it settles that uneasy feeling! We have also had commission on both our jobs and spent them before we received them and not on debt busting. I'm really trying to be realistic with my budget so I don't set myself up to fail!

Look forward to reading your journey x

rubydoiwannabee

Hi In my dreams, thanks for reading and posting. Good luck with your plan, it can be a slog but it is rewarding also. Well done and putting money by, I always seem to be able to find something to spend it on!!! haha.

Having a realistic budget is crucial as is the 'do we really NEED it' question. This has helped us many a time. We can live quite happily with freeview tv, less wine and beer in the fridge, wearing what is in the wardrobe (well most of the time...).

Good luck and pop in to let us know how you are getting along.

rubydoiwannabee

Cas.... just to demonstrate how tuned out my OH is, he has just asked if I think we should have a holiday abroad next year????!!!!!!!!!

savingholmes

hi ruby - my OH recently told me he had nearly booked us a holiday abroad since this year had been so depressing (me currently out of work).... it must be something in their psyche....

rubydoiwannabee

Hi all, think I might have messed up!!!! After OH successfully getting a good life of balance card with barclaycard, I thought I might do the same so that I could transfer some of my highest int debt to it. I applied and then sat wondering whether to put the 'actual' amount in when it asked the balance transfer question or whether to just choose a lower amount and transfer part of it. Anyway I put the whole lot in £5199 and it said we can't approve this now we need to discuss it with you further!!!! :eek::eek::eek::eek:

I have checked my credit rating and looked at report and all is well, so I can only assume it is because I wanted to transfer a lot of debt to it. Ho hum. I guess I will have to sit it out with FD and their huge interest rates after all. I am overpaying so that is some consolation but still feeling a bit fed up now.

Also I have a BIG confession to make, I have really splashed out over the last few weeks to the total amount of £600!!!!:eek::eek::eek: I was feeling really fed up, dowdy, old and pretty down and discussed it with other half and because he said go for it I did. I wanted a new look and wanted to change my glasses, hair colour and get a few new clothes.

I am (overdue) a pay increase because I have increased my hours and this will be paid at the end of this month and backdated to July 1st, I know I can pay it off at the end of this month.... but now I feel really guilty. In case you are wondering here is what I spent on:

New spectacles and sunglasses £230 (had old ones for about 10 years)
New DUO boots for winter to fit my fat calves £120
New trainers for DH, DD and DS £70
New coat £30 tesco
Monsoon sale, 3 tops £33
Hair colour and cut (plus DH, DS, DD cuts) £100
lancombe foundation £26

I feel really self indulgent, but also it has really cheered me up. I know the money could have gone to our debts, but somehow it is all the last years spending I didn't do in one go!!!

When I get paid I will have enough to pay it off and put some away for the christmas pot, so all is not lost.

Just felt I ought to come and tell all... so that I can be told off and move on.....:o

xxxxxx

rubydoiwannabee

I've just realised I have had this diary one whole year today!!
Happy Birthday Diary.
xx

sistercas

happy birthday Ruby's diary :bdaycake:wow a whole year
I have made some fabulous friends on here ( albeit virtual) we have shared our ups and downs and the support I have had has been brilliant.
so :beer: to you all

Ruby I spend about 60-80 pounds a week for food , I am sure I could get it down further if I really tried, but there are some things I just cant compromise on ( like lurpak )
and dont worry about the £600 especially if you can pay it back, the psychological benefits far outweigh anything else

any news SH?

savingholmes

Ruby - I have been naughtier than you so no shouting from me at the mo!

Happy diary anniversary/birthday!

To answer your question sc: I have perm job interview tomorrow - didn't sleep until 5.30am today I am so stressed over it alll

sistercas

savingholmes wrote: »

Ruby - I have been naughtier than you so no shouting from me at the mo!

Happy diary anniversary/birthday!

To answer your question sc: I have perm job interview tomorrow - didn't sleep until 5.30am today I am so stressed over it alll

SH oooh good luck, I will be thinking of you will post on your diary to say the same.x