I'm back again - this time I'm terrified

iwanttobreakfree

I daren't type anymore so I have split it in two.

I think my plan has to be MAKE as much money as I can to help pay things off as at the moment my budget has very little room for flexibility - would you agree?

I'm not sure what messed everything up really - I can't even remember where things started to go down hill. I have thought about hypnotherapy to see what sub-concious problems I have but I'm not sure if it works - anybody done it?

I think the fact I'm "trying" to manage 2 accounts etc (regular wage and self employed income) isn't helping.

If anybody is a complete whizz with organising people, finances and advice in getting things running smoothly again I'd very much appreciate it.

I think my trouble is I have so little time that I only half do things (including housework, work for classes and many more things) so nothing is of quality anymore - I don't get the time to finish anything and this has just put the knife in even more with my finances.

God do you ever sit and think how the hell did i get here? And was all the stuff I bought and things I did worth it? The answer is no. I have no life now at all - I can't afford it - I'd give anything to have just that little more money that a few years ago "was never enough".

How stupid.....

Keeping_Motivated

Hi I don't have much advice but one thing that has really helped me is having 3 accounts with the same bank.

Account 1: Wages gets paid into this and I have a standing order for X amount to go out on pay day into the bill account that covers all bills.
Account 2: Bill account, I don't have a debit card for this account I just leave the money in all month for bills to roll out of.
Account 3: Saving account for any 'spare' money.

This way I know what ever is left after the standing order goes to the bill account is ours and I am not checking when the next direct debit is due out etc. I know that all money is in the bill account waiting for the bills to roll out over the month.

Also the next thing I would do if I was you is keep a spending diary and EVERY single penny down so you can see were any money is being wasted. You could use this thread to record your daily spend if you wanted.

Good luck

iwanttobreakfree

I think i will do - I never did this before as I thought that nobody would want to read my drivvel!

Get ready peeps!

Keeping_Motivated

I'm sure people will read but the main thing is its a record for you and thats whats important coz it may well help you keep on track and make some sense of what is happening with you and your money.

Don't underestimate what small steps will do to help you sort this, them steps will mean gaining some control again so record everything and thats your first step.

KM x

iwanttobreakfree

Thanks KM - i will get a diary started asap!

clou19750

I personally feel u need to ring CCCS. In the last few weeks i know of 2 people who contacted them.. they have been so helpful. Maybe worth a try giving them a ring and see what they can advise u dont have to take it but listen what they got to say.... and i personally think u can get cheaper deal on the car insurance and the mobile.

U didnt say how old u are?

savingholmes

My main advice would be - at least ring CCCS or National Debtline for advice. Secondly join cashback sites like quidco. Thirdly look at the £10 a day challenge for ideas on how to increase your income...

Good luck and welcome to the boards. We were over-spending by £1K a month when we joined, now I aim to pay off £1K a month which is a £2K shift. Your numbers will be different but the principle is the same...

Hope that helps at least a little - well done for confronting the situation...

iwanttobreakfree

I'm 24. And I've been a debtaholic or spendaholic which ever is appropriate, since I was 19 - holidays, going out etc I've never really done due to the problems I created for myself - stupid girl!

I will call them - lets hope they know some stuff I dont!

haleygrey

Hi, ive only done my SOA this afternoon and so far Ive had lots of friendly support and advice from people. Ive also had links to forums for making cheap christmas gifts. Im sometimes in the same position as you when it comes to not being able to buy food, which is terrible as i have children, dont despair tho, everybody here will help you. Also try the national debt line - www.nationaldebtline.co.uk and or www.cccs.co.uk. They will be able to help you work through the debts and come up with a plan to minimise the payments.

iwanttobreakfree

I've just got a mobile friendly spreadsheet for my monthly budget - I just need to create one for a daily spending diary now.

This is a very stupid question but how do you start it half way through your pay days? It will be so messy with having 2 income and one that's unpredictable - arrrrrgh!