The Harrys debt-free diary

the_harrys

Here is my list of updated items in my new budget (previous amount in brackets), I've managed to keep to this for a month already so should be realistically possible to keep going:

Water rates 26.00 (40.00) called with meter reading, reduced payment
Gas 110.00 (175.00) using wood-burning stove more
Electricity 80.00 (72.00) this is based on me checking the meter over the last month: worse than I thought!
Telephone 28.00 changed to BT anytime plan and use say no to 0870
Groceries 433.00 (£100 per week)
Clothing 100.00 (£312)
Pet ins/ vet 18.00
Entertainment 100.00 (200.00)
Holiday 200.00 (250.00)
Mortgage ins 22.00 (0.00)

Net savings

the_harrys

Whoops, couldn't find the calculator.

Net savings for new budget compared to old is £568. It seems so straightforward on paper. I really don't know how we've wasted so much in the past as we've nothing to show for it!

GeorgeUK

Calculators are still on the 1st page where you left them

Well done on making those savings. Hopefully when the payments are all up to date you will be able to get a better deal for the utility bills too. Hopefully hubby will be able to see all the positives coming out of your efforts and be able to assist. Hope you're continuing to keep him up to date with everything and continuing his education.

the_harrys

Things are still going according to plan, though we have been visiting family including a meal out so spent around £80 on that: it'll be a cheap night in next weekend to make up for it.
I don't know about anyone else, but I have been feeling a bit jittery about all the doom and gloom this week. We don't have shares or Icelandic savings to worry about but as we bought our house last year I wouldn't want to be forced to sell now. I guess all I can do is keep plugging away in the knowledge that day by day we will be improving our financial position , as long as our jobs are OK. mind you, I went to a big outlet centre yesterday and it was still packed. I only bought DD a swimming costume for school lessons for £4.99 so very restrained I thought.

On a more cheerful note I have £57 tracked in Quidco to look forward to.

the_harrys

I haven't posted for while as things have been pretty hectic in the Harrys household. I have been doing long hours and quite a bit of travel at work so all my spare time has been taken up with the DC, DH and generally trying to ensure no one starves or goes to school in odd socks.

I have a few days off now so time to catch up on here. I haven't had much time to spend money, which is one advantage of being busy. At work I have been asked to apply for an internal post which if I got it would mean a good pay rise and less travel, so I just need to pluck up courage to go for it. That would bring my DFD forward by a few months which would be great.

I moved the MBNA debt to another 0% card so now it is "paid off" MBNA keep phoning and texting me with offers: I can see why it is so easy to build up debt! The 0% cards are up and running now, so I have until Jan 09 before I need to pay any more CC interest. Hopefully my balance will be down to around £7000 by then!

the_harrys

Sorry, make that no more CC interest until Jan 2010.

My last car payment goes out in November after 4 years, I had planned to get a company car now, as mine is really showing it's age, but the credit crunch is giving me cold feet so I haven't yet ordered it.

My DD (10) was even talking about the credit crunch (it was on Newsround) and asked why the Royal Mint couldn't just print more money. I mumbled something about notes represnting gold or something (except in know Gordon Brown sold all our gold reserves) and realised I haven't the faintest idea. Anyonw know a good explanation or where to find it?

I must try and teach the DCs about money so they never get into the pickle we have.

the_harrys

MBNA is continuing it's quest to get me back into debt now I've moved it: this month's statement showed a zero balance accompanied by the "good news" that my credit limit had been increased by £3000 and some credit card cheques (which I shredded straight away).

The weather has been miserable here and I would love to start planning next year's holiday. My OH collects air miles and we have enough for 5 return flights to the US or Europe, although the real value of these is not quite so great once we pay the surcharges. The children really want to go to Egypt or Crete so will start my challenge to find a holiday for us for £2500 to stay within my new budget.
On the one hand, I really want to bring my DFD as far forward as possible, on the other I really cherish the time we spend as a family and know that the opportunity for family holidays won't last forever.

GeorgeUK

It's all about balance.
You shouldn't just focus on clearing debt if you have enough breathing space to do things especially if it's with the family. Otherwise it defeats the prpose of trying to clear the debt - so you and your family are secure and can spend time together with out worrying.

I'm already a miserable git so i don't need to worry about that. As long as you keep an eye on the debts you should feel you are able to do whatever you want with your family. The only thing you may need to worry about is the recession becoming a depression. I'm not sure how safe my job is so i'm just going to keep my head down and plugging away.

judi24

I aggree with you both (George and the Harrys) I am very aware of my debt (currently £12,000) and it gets me down often! but I have 4 wonderfull children - and the debt is not thier fault! My oldest 2 are 17 and 15 and I have suddenly become aware that they will only be around for holidays etc for a short time. I think balance is the key! I don't want to take them round the world but I do want to spend time with them and have fun - so debt payment will go on but I will need to be more realistic and I ill try to get a better balance! You guys remind me that I am not alone in my stuggle but also help me see what is important!

the_harrys

I'm glad you feel the same GeorgeUK and judi24. And GeorgeUK, I think your posts are always really supportive and positive George, so less of the "miserable git" please !!

I'm just off to the dentist (root canal) so a combination of pain and large expense to look forward to, but then going to see the new Bond film later.

As it's the new month and I have now been paid, I'll review where I am financially later, but I think things are still on track.