MadWombles DF Diary

MadWomble_2

I've been an occasional reader for several years now, and thought I'd finally dive in, headfirst, and begin my own debt free diary! I've picked up loads of inspirational advice on these forums before just reading others threads, and the responses that come in, and think that the support available here is fantastic.

First some background...
My current debt issues began 7 year ago, when I began my last job. I had a lot of loans and ccs, and was just about managing (albeit minimum payments). I tried not to think about the debt level too much as a result, as I'd gotten used to a reduced pay packet. However, I then walked out of my current job (whoops), and ended up unemployed for several months, at which point my minimum payments no longer went out, and, well, it all went pear shaped. After fretting for a bit, I eventually pulled my head out of the sand, contacted all of my debtors and explained my situation to them and made payment plans with them all. This was after I got scared to even asnwer the phone as it was predominantly my debtors phoning me constantly.


Several years later, and I'm well on the way there (must have paid off 12K), and have one 2.5K loan outstanding, which is still just being paid off at minimum monthly amount of £66. However, I'm moving back in one of my parents for a while (6\12 months) to save up a house deposit, and am determined to clear this debt before I start saving. I've also got a £700 overdraft, which would be good to finally get rid off.


I'm fairly horrified at the few lump sums I've got over the past few years, and have squandered. £4.5K reclaimed from a bank in 2006, although I paid off a £1000 loan with it, I didn't touch my current loan with it foolishly, and a 3K inheritance which I also blew on good times. Anyway, I'm determined to actually get to a debt free stage by End of Jan 2009, so I can begin saving in earnest. To this end, I thought I'd create a little place at these forums where I can log my progress as I get there, get some useful tips on the way, and hopefully be able to chip in with useful advice to others where possible.

Incidentally, I'm hoping for another 1K in reclaimed bank charges, which I should start the ball rolling on. (makes mental note)


While I'm on a roll, can I just say a hearty thank you to Martin and all the site mods, admin et al who give time to keep this awesome resource going :beer:

Looking forward to it all :j

MadWomble_2

Just updating my diary. Have moved back in with parents for a while to help clear debts and begin saving for house deposit. Have managed to reduce debt by nearly £1000 this month through having low rent and bills for first time in *ages*. Have made mental resolution to try and start new year debt free. There, now I've written it down, I'll likely make more of an effort to get there.

Back on packed lunches again (peanut butter sandwiches, yum!) and my sole entertainment budget for the month is one computer game, but this should entertain me for a month or 3 and stop me spending on anything else, in theory at least.

Next month, once my current account is back in order, I'll begin proceedings to reclaim my last 2 years worth of bank charges. As this is the second time I'll be doing this, I hope they don't decide that I'm not a customer they want on their books anymore. We'll see.

saucymare

Hello There Just giving you a welcome I'm in the process of getting debt free but will take a while yet it's good to see the figures going down the way :DIt did take me a while to get my head out the sand. I have followed the advice given to others on here to get where i am now it's a great place to be:T