Waking up to reality at last!!

fedupandskint

Right I've done it. I have at last realised how long and how hard I am going to have to work to take me to pay off all my debts. I have not sat down and gone throught it with a fine toothcombe but that is my next job.

I have applied to transfer an MBNA CC to Virgin at 0% for 14mths and this has taken me 6 years to do this. I haven't used the card and have just paid the min payment for all that time. Surprise surprise the balance hasn't shifted.

How stupid have I been to ignore this. I have other CCs and Loan debts which I am working towards paying off v.slowly.

I guess I wanted to say if it hadn't been for all the people trying on this forum I would have continued to ignore my debt

The challenges I have signed up for are the first time I have saved in almost 20yrs.:T

I have spent so many years feeling ashamed of how I handle money and hiding it to everyone with my endless consumption which I despise in myself and the in world:o

I have had PLB moments in the past which never amounted to any changes in my spending habits. :mad:

I have found this site invaluable which helped me make to step to get a 0% CC which I will freeze in a cup of water and keep in the freezer and be unable to use.

The OS board has helped get me SC out from uder the stairs for the first time in 12mths and use it. I enjoy the thriftiness of cooking which I have been doing for the last 6mths of this year rather than what I was doing before. Endless shopping and topping up of cupboards. I did a storecupboard challenge when I ran out of money and was amazed I could manage for 2 weeks apart from milk (DUH!!!)

I am thinking of trying the live on £4000 a year challenge next year but I don't know if this is a step too far even tho' I know drastic action needs to be taken to get results.:eek:

Just wanted to say thanks to all who post - it really does make a difference to hear of other people's experiences. It has inspired me where others have failed. :A

any advice or comments is most welcome and appreciated, you never know I might change my name to happier and skint now! :j

MrsTinks

Start with a full SOA for us You might be amazed at where else we can save you money

fedupandskint

MrsTine wrote: »

Start with a full SOA for us You might be amazed at where else we can save you money

Thank you Mrs Tine - I will do this even though I am scared of how much it will be. (Take a deep breath, it will be ok)

I have looked at others to see how they work and how mine might compare. I have tried to cut back as much as I can in some areas but I think there are others I need to be more on the ball with eg how much I spend on food shopping and petrol:rolleyes: which are my main expenses after debt/mortgage (nothing left after these that's why!:rolleyes: )

Will do in next few days as any help is appreciated