Fizz's Debt Free Diary

slig

Hey Fizz,

Just wanted to say good luck with the debt free quest, and with the no unnecessary spending month!

clearmydebts

Hi Fizz,

Just wanted to say good luck with the challenge. You sound really determined and motivated to get rid of the debt. I will pop in every few days to see how you are getting on.

fizz190

Thanks for the words of encouragement guys!!

Had my first 'bad' day yesterday - had to travel to Nottingham for work yesterday and was underprepared so ended up spending about a fiver on breakfast and an afternoon snack. (also spent money on lunch but can claim that as expenses). Not too bad all things considered.

I think this is the first time I've ever gone so long without spending money when I have some in the bank! It's a nice feeling to know I have money there but that I can manage quite nicely without it (as opposed to being forced to manage because I spent it all!)

6 days down, 25 to go!!

Fizz

fizz190

HI all,

It's been a while since I've logged on.

My 'no spend' month didn't go exactly as planned, as I changed tactics half way through! Rather than try to end up with money in the bank for christmas, I decided to buy christmas presents early. This worked very well for me as I scratched the shopping itch and still paved the way for a less financially stressful december. I also have about £100 leftover for this month which will either go towards christmas festivities or a debt (haven't decided which yet!). I'm really pleased with this as I can't remember ever having money in the bank at the end of the month, and having bought the bulk of my christmas presents means that December won't be as tight as it usually is.

We have also managed to stick to our weekly shopping budget, which has been really easy (so easy, I might try to reduce it a bit further - shh, don't tell my bf!)

I've just realised that my GUS account has interest on it of 29%, which was added onto the balance when they agreed the repayment plan (can't believe I missed that one!) so may veer from my snowballer slightly to get that cleared. I've just called them to find out how much interest would be removed if I settle early and they said someone would call me back. It would be nice to get it cleared as that would free up more cash per month for other things. My vanquis account (48%!!) will be clear next month, so I'll be able to put about £150 a month more towards my monument account once both those are clear.

All looking good!

Credit crunch, what credit crunch!?

Fizz

fizz190

Oh, and another good thing that has come out of the last month is that I have discovered a love of hosting nights in. My friends all seem to have enjoyed it too, so will definitely continue to entertain at home rather than in the pub where possible!

Crap_with_money.com

Hi Fizz,

Just popping in to say and wish you luck DFW journey!!

I've started a wee diary of my own - hope you're finding it helps as I do!

Glad you're enjoying the nights in with the girls too - I've amazed myself this year at how much I'm actually enjoying the changes in my social life! Long gone are every weekend spent in the pub/a club! But luckily it's not as boring, or scary a prospect as I once thought it would be! - And equally - ling gone are the credit card and overdraft! so it must be working!

Happy MSE'ing anyway

xx

ElizabethJH

Hey Fizz! I've just started my No spend month.. given myself a £10 weekly budget for food and entertainment and then apart from bills and budgeted expenses (£150 for Berlin ) the rest is going to try and sort my finances out once and for all!!

Congratulations on completing your first month and I hope December goes as well!!