Hello...

lizzie4785

:hello:
I've been lurking for a very long time now and decided it was time I posted as I've realised that all you friendly people here could be just what I need to give me a kick up the bum to shift my debts.

So here's my story...

I graduated from uni a little over a year ago, which is where the majority of my debt came from. It currently stands at approximately £5K, although I'll work out the exact figures in a little while.
Since leaving uni I've had one constant part time job which I love and have carried on alongside various full time/temporary positions. I still live at home with my parents so outgoings *should* be at a bare minimum, however this doesnt seem to be the case and I'm struggling to figure out how I can have to jobs, live with my parents and still be skint!!
I'm 23 now (since July) and really want to get my own place, although I know this is not an option until I can ge my finances under control. I've also been looking to get a new car since January, something else that is on hold until the money situation is sorted out.

So...to summarise my ramblings I just wanted to say hello, some of the diaries I have read on here are so inspirational, you guys have so much willpower, I want to know how you do it!!

Hope you can give me the helping hand I need and that in time I will learn from you all and be able to return the favour.

Much Love
Lizzie xxxxx :beer:

Help_Vincent

Hello from another newbie!
Good luck with it all

GettingThingsDone

Hi and welcome to DFW!

Good luck and keep posting

gtd

Nomad25

Hello Lizzie and welcome.

If you think it would help you to sort yourself out, post your SOA, link here:

http://www.makesenseofcards.com/soacalc.html

one of the DFW gurus will take a look at it for you.

doodledo_2

Hi and welcome to the board you are in a fab place!

A SOA is a good start, like you say living at home and with a job should mean you are in a good position to pay back your debt.

If you don't have many outgoings it might be you need to keep a spending diary. Write down everything single thing you spend your money on however small and then you may start to see where your spare cash is going.

Good luck with your journey.

Nomad25

Thanks doodledo, should have included that.

A good suggestion and maybe more appropriate for a student who's outgoings are limited to smaller spends [i.g. no mortgage, council tax, lekky, etc.]

lizzie4785

Thanks for the warm welcome.

Just to avoid any confusion, I'm no longer a student, I graduated in 2007. I am however still trying to find that elusive job that will kick start my career, and in the meantime I'm working two jobs (one contract ends on Nov 9th though)

I'm working at both jobs tomorrow so may not have time to post, but will definately try to sit down and work out figures and a plan of actions on Tuesday. I will also be keeping a spending diary and am happy to report my first no spend day for today

Thanks again for the advice offered and any more will be happily received.

Much Love
Lizzie xxxx

Nomad25

Good luck Lizzie and [cue scary music] :rotfl: we'll be watching to see how you get on - keep us updated.

lizzie4785

Just a quickie as I must go & get ready for work.
I have so far spent 90p today on a bag of crisps n a chocolate bar with my lunch at work.
If I go to the pub after work tonight I will spend another 25p. I should probably cut out the stuff from the venders at work (todays 90p) so that will be my next challenge I think.

Much Love
Lizzie xxxx

Nomad25

Hi Lizzie, why don't you hop over and have a look of Moneysaving O/S [it's very unoldstyle] - they have all sorts of suggestions for DIY lunches. If you only cost 25p at the pub, that makes you a very cheap date;) !

GotNoRhythm

Hi Lizzie, :hello:
You sound a lot like me - I just qualified as a teacher but still looking for that elusive job! Have you had a look at websites like totaljobs? I found it to be really useful - you can register and get jobs emailled to you.
As for work, I make my own sandwiches to take to work and make a big batch of tray-bakes which I freeze and just take out as I need them - much cheaper than buying snacky things like nutri-grain bars! :money:
A spending diary is a really useful way to see exactly where your money goes - I found this really useful (I'm onto my second month of keeping one now) and got quite a few surprises! It's shocking how the little things add up! :eek:
Everyone's really friendly and I'm sure you'll pick up lots of tips :beer:
Good luck! I'll keep reading your thread!
GNR xx