Surely it can't be that difficult?

Rachie004

I've been lurking around on these boards for a while and I'm always amazed at how many of you are wittling away at masses of debt and how successful you seem to be at it! I'll probably be £700-800 overdrawn at the end of the month and have another £600-700ish on my credit card.

The thing is, I have savings that could clear this debt and should soon have an extra £1000 coming from work, my partner has also offered to pay it all for me. I know I could save on interest payments etc but the problem lies in my spending habits and I feel that if I used my savings it would only be a matter of time before I ended in the same situation. For example I went to a staff sale last week and spent over £200 and somehow managed to justify it to myself :eek:

I know this seems insignifant in comparrison to the huge trials and challenges that many of you are going through but I'd greatly appreciate any advice/support that is going spare!

Thank you xxxxx

boredofbeingathome

I think you may well have answered your own question really..for me it equates to budget and restraint..very difficult though when there are so many tempting offers on.

So ask yourself


1.do you need it
2. can you afford it
3.will you still want it tomorrow....

Mind i often ask myself that about Mr.B, but that's another story:o :rotfl:

whatatwit

Rachie, every time I go into the bank to pay something off my credit card....I get asked if I would like a quote for a loan to clear the card....they could save me lots of money.

The staff look bewildered when I say great, then I would have a loan as well as a credit card bill, as I'd run it up again.

Why not reduce your overdraft over the next few months.

claireabelle_2

you have to really want to be debt free and have more control over your finances, instead of letting them control you! :j
I don't spend on anything unnecessary because I hate the guilt of entering it onto my spreadsheet and seeing my debt free date move back... do you have a spreadsheet/plan of action?
Claire

Rachie004

I annoy myself really, because at the time I think 'yes it'll be ok' then I check my banking and sit here racked with a sick feeling that I could be so stupid!
I'm too stubborn to ask OH for help

Claire, whats your spreadsheet/plan of action? Sounds like a good idea!

urg123

Hi Rachie,


My advice is to

• start a Spending diary - this really has taught me about my bad habits.
• Try setting a budget - I used the SOA format to set my budget and use it allocate my spending at the beginning of the month.
• Leave the cards at home! Only take out enough cash for the day!

What's great is that you realise that you are in this position. You learned to spend in the way that you have - it takes some time to unlearn these habits (believe me - I know!).

Good luck

URG x

doodledo_2

Like the others have said its all about budgetting and changing the way you spend.

If it was me I would clear the card and the overdraft with your money saved, then close the card and get rid of the overdraft. Then you can only spend what you have