Mizmir's "Determined to be debt free by Christmas 2009" diary

boredofbeingathome

Take care Miz...don't do anything we wouldn't do..

Karmacat

Or if you do ... make sure you enjoy it!

taxi73

Have a great time xxx

doodledo_2

Have a good trip

strumpet

Hey Miz!
Sorry to hear you're having a few probs at the moment - not what you need on the run up to Christmas. Hope everything gets sorted for you in time for you to have a well earned break!

As for the discussion on cashpots etc, I worked out how much I spend on household bills, council tax, utilities, SKY etc and when I get paid, I transfer the required money into a separate current account which acts as my "bill account". All my payments go out by Direct Debit. Then I know that all my bills are covered for the month. Any money left in my other current account is money I can spend in the month.

I know that some companies charge a fee for payment by DD but in my circumstances, this "finance charge" is worth it for me as it helps me to budget properly. The consequences of not budgetting properly, usually result in me buying on credit cards and incurring interest which is far and above the finance charges for the DDs! A lesser of two evils!

Cash pots are great as you can physically see the money being spent, but there is an opportunity to save money by using plastic, if you have a cashback card.

Stay sane chuck!

Strumpet

mizmir

Hi all - I'm back! Thanks for all your thoughts. Good trip on the whole though tiring. Now am getting caught up with stuff. Finances are a bit ropey at the moment - very tight in the run up to Christmas (and pay day more to the point!) but hopefully some expenses and stuff coming in then will help. Right now I am more focused on avoiding debt rising than in doing any major repaying - if we can get to January and not have increased debt will be happy!

How is life in DFW land?

hypno06

Welcome back!

Much as we would like to be able to pay big chunks off the debt, there are some times of the year that we have to be content with not increasing the debt.

In years gone by, the debt would have increased - now it at least stays static, and that has to be a really good thing!!

mizmir

Wise words as always hypno - thanks. :A

taxi73

Welcome back...I totally agree with Hypno as in if you don't increase the debt then that's an achievement.

mizmir

Just touching base though nothing really to report. Paid early this month which is good but must remember has to last longer! Have family coming tonight and friends tomorrow then a couple of days to get sorted and then away at family's for Christmas - all feels rather fraught. I'd really rather shut the door and say home for the duration but is not to be!
Anyway better get the house sorted for visitors. Hope everyone is managing a frugal and peaceful Christmas.