Another Debt Free Diary :)

natsplatnat

Hi Elizabeth!!

3 months extra is nothing compared to keeping your sanity. Not everyone (me included) is cut out to lead a life of nothing! I could not do it!! Just make sure your newly acquired MSE ways stay with you and you stick to your new deadline. What a great way to end the year / start next year. I've got a couple of years to go..... but I'll get there!

Nats x

Lemon_Tree

just a tip from when i closed my MBNA card. I paid off in full the balance, and then the following month was clobbered for some more interest, i dont' know if you're paying interest but keep that in mind. Also as i paid it in full online, i cancelled my direct debit, they tried to charge me for a missed direct debit, so if you're going to do this ring up their technical support which if i remember correctly do everything and make sure they record that you've cancelled the direct debit. They were the first people who said to me 'the computer won't let me' when i hit the roof over them charging me. I got it refunded though, but i had to be like a dog with the bone and keep insisting that it was there error (which it was).

ElizabethJH

Thanks Nats, you're totally right - I thought because my amount wasn't as big as others that I ought to really aim to do it quickly.. but a more realistic aim will mean that I keep the stress levels down as well!!

Lemontree - thanks for letting me know, I think I'll phone up and find out the exact amount including any further interest that I owe them and pay it off and close the card over the phone. If I get a name of someone who told me the amount and the call is recorded then that should be the end of them forever lets hope!!!

ElizabethJH

I'm starting my £40 a week early. I still have £132 in my bank after all bills, which means I'll have £50 towards my overdraft straight away this month!! Going Oxford for the weekend for a friends birthday, will give friend £10 for petrol and then it should be a cheap night out once we're there! Sent my parents my SOA so they could see exactly what I'll be paying as well

Lemon_Tree

well done for starting as you mean to go on, and for being totally up front with your parents. One of the only downsides of a loan from the bank of mum and dad is that sometimes they feel they can comment on what we spend on, but it's far outweighed by the reduced stress that you feel.
Good luck with MBNA - glad someone can take something positive from what happened to me and work it to their advantage.

ElizabethJH

Yes - I feel like I need to be totally upfront about what I'm spending with my parents now, but that's ok as if I can't justify it to them then I can't justify it to myself!!

ElizabethJH

Uh oh - I'm feeling awfully tempted by a fizzy drink from the machine right now!! Got to make sure I don't get too relaxed

Think I should set down rules - still packed lunches at work (I have been buying recently due to not feeling like making stuff though not over a £1 a day!)

Still only £20 a month to spent on clothes (out of my £40)

Still only go properly out for special occassions (believe me I have enough of these without extra nights!)

Still tempted by some cola! Think I'll get a free water and free cup of tea instead!!

looktothefuture

Hey sweet, just popping my head in to say Hi!

doodledo_2

Just popped by to check you are ok

ElizabethJH

Hey - am doing ok. Feeling much better with just a little bit of sun!!

I have a confession to make.... I booked flights!! OK - so I know I wasn't meant to have any more treats... but £20 inc taxes to Pula, Croatia!! Just going with another friend and we are youth hostelling it (Already checked and can stay in Croatia for £12 a night) and as we want to travel I've already checked bus/train routes and it's all REALLY cheap over there.

I feel like I've fallen off the wagon - but I'm still feeling really happy. This has to be the last treat, but it's a good last one!!

Saw the ex last night - had a really nice night and chat - don't think it's sensible to stay friends though so going to try and meet up with on Mon/Tues and exchange belongings back - maybe have a bit of a goodbye party just the two of us. Think we could be friends in the future - but it's too much for me at the moment.

Cheque has cleared in my bank today so tmw I'll be phoning up and paying off the cards - will update my signature then and see what it's looking like.

I don't feel very inspirational at the moment for anyone reading this - STICK PAYING OFF THE DEBT!! I'll get back on the wagon now this whole break up saga is finally over. Make sure I'm still getting that overdraft down as quickly as possible!!