American Dreamers' Debt Free Diary

American_Dreamer_2

Hi Good People,

I have been inspired by some of the diaries that I have read on hear, so much so that I have decided to start my own.

I have used spreadsheet budgets for about four years now and because my debt increased and I took on creditor after creditor, I rehashed them constantly. As a result, I now have the most complex budgeted spreadsheet to date. Utilising this I predict my DFD to be around March 2010:eek: . There are a few milestones to look forward to on the way.

Overdraft £1300 Clear in Feb 09
Halifax One £1330 Clear in May 09
Barclaycard £2845 Clear in Aug 09 (will dip £400 into OD but worth it)
HBoS Loan £7152 Clear in Mar 10 (17 Months early!!) :T

I am going improve my life along the way also. I am tied to a 12 month contract with a health club and haven't been for about 7 weeks now:rolleyes: so that is the first thing that I shall be sorting. I have been tee-total for 31 days now and I am packing in the smoking at midnight tomorrow. I am determined to learn Spanish too and this is something that I will be looking into this week.

I have been a lurker on the site for a few months and posted a handful of times. Tonight however, I have decided to commit myself to these targets and give it my all. I look forward to the support you may wish to offer and in turn I look forward to helping others through their difficulties.

So here it is..... the journey begins :j :money:

American_Dreamer_2

Good eveining all,

Well tonight I will smoke my last cigarette and unlike previous quit attempts, I am really up for the challenge. The last time I stopped was back in March and I managed for just under five weeks. I was caught out by 'Nics' old trick "just the one won't hurt" But I have no itention of being so dumb this time around.

I have worked out that by the time my DFD arrives I will have saved £2900.16 and 42 days of my life. Shockingly I will NOT have smoked 12160 cigarettes:eek: :T


I really need to stop lifting the 'odd' tenner from the bank.... they really add up don't they...hhmmmm

Anyway, onwards and upwards:j

KTjazz

*hugs*

All the best to you. You sound so motivated. It's inspiring.

Good luck.

KTjazz

American_Dreamer_2

Thank you for the support, I really appreciate it:beer:

American_Dreamer_2

Pleased to say that day 1 is going really well. Its not been anywhere near as hard as I had anticipated. Just a couple of key decision making moments where I have had to find the will to say 'No'.

£4.77 saved today by not buying 20 cigarettes :j

Its amazing how you ignore the ridiculous cost of these things when you're its slave. NO MORE!!!

American_Dreamer_2

Well today was a real tough one. I left work like a bear with a sore head, snapping away at the smallest of things. It left me feeling really down and with a strong desire to reach out for a cigarette.

I am just back from the shops and I am glad to say there are only two 2L bottles of coke and no cigarettes. I entered the shop still uncertain of what I would leave with. The main reason for going was to get the coke but when I was told there was a minimum transaction of £5.00 when using a debit card I was tempted to get the cigs. It was as if fate was conspiring against me but fortunately, the woman was brand new and put it through for two quid.

The thought of 'reporting' in my diary that I had failed has helped me greatly. Its not something that I would enjoy writing at all. Another £4.77 saved... fantastic:T

MrsAudus2b

Hi Amercian Dreamer

Just want to say good luck stopping smoking, I really admire your motivation (and am a tiny bit jealous!) Keep it up!

Love
xxx

American_Dreamer_2

Statement of Affairs and Personal Balance Sheet

Monthly Income Details
Monthly income after tax................ 1511.77
Partners monthly income after tax....... 0
Benefits................................ 0
Other income............................ 0
Total monthly income.................... 1511.77

Monthly Expense Details
Rent.................................... 300
Telephone (land line)................... 10.5 (For Broadband)
TV Licence.............................. 11.65
Satellite/Cable TV...................... 70 (Contracted till Jan 09)
Groceries etc. ......................... 60 (Lunch for work for month)
Clothing................................ 40
Presents (birthday, christmas etc)...... 20
Haircuts................................ 10
Entertainment........................... 35
Gym..................................... 65.5 (Contracted till July 09)
Total monthly expenses.................. 622.65

Unsecured Debts

Description....................Debt......Monthly...APR
Barclaycard....................2845......65........14
Halifax One....................1330......25........13
HBoS Loan.....................6942......210.......0
Overdraft......................1300.......0.........12
Dell................................850......22........0
Total unsecured debts..13267.....322

Monthly Budget Summary
Total monthly income.................... 1,511.77
Expenses (including secured debts)....... 622.65
Available for debt repayments........... 889.12
Monthly UNsecured debt repayments....... 322
Surplus(deficit if negative)............ 567.12

Still living with mum which helps. Really need to clear all debts before I can afford my own place.

American_Dreamer_2

Thursday November 20th 2008, otherwise known as Day 3 was a bloody nightmare.

I had choice at 7pm to either give in and go and buy some cigs OR go to sleep to escape the torment..... I went to sleep.

I felt much better when I got up again and was pleased that I didn't cave in. I am trying to improve so many aspects of my life and if I fail on any of them, the rest might just go as well. THAT CAN NOT HAPPEN!!!

Seriously, if I lose my motivation this time around, I don't know when it will come back again. Perhaps weeks, more likely months or even years. If I started drinking again and somewhere along the line gambling, then my debt would rocket. I honestly believe that failing this quit has the potential to do that.

I am off work for a few days now so I will be getting my money's worth from my gym membership. The plan is to get fit, healthy and debt free in the next 17 months and make a decision about my future. It really is in my hands...

Thank you to the 'giving up smoking thread' guys and gals for the kind words and support.

JoolzS

American_Dreamer wrote: »

Hi Good People,
I am determined to learn Spanish too and this is something that I will be looking into this week.

Congrats on your new plan. I only quoted the one sentence above to mention that if you can find the Michel Thomas Spanish learning course tapes/cds at your local library (or buy them if it's in your budget) then they are brilliant.

Julie

mrs-d_3

Doing great with no smoking well done. I hope I'll be a non smoker soon, I'm reading Alen Carr's book at the mo. You are doing great don't put yourself down, you are on your way. Mind over matter.