My debt free diary...determined to do it for my girls!!

Swinstie73

Morning helnag and others,

Didn't manage to get any housework done last night, ended up going to my niece's dance display, she's 10, but the wee ones were so funny, just stood there in bewilderment! Got a half day today and off tomorrow so going to make a start on the house.

Good luck with ebay, I can only buy things off there cos haven't a clue how to sell - need to look into that! x

helnag

Ahhh bless,

My 5yo is in her school fashion show on Saturday (which I've somehow been roped into helping at???) she's so nervous though, I hope she does ok.

Don't be too hard on yourself with the housework, it's not that important in the scheme of things. I felt really low this morning cos I moved here in January and the house has still got un packed boxes in every corner but there's so much decorating to do and until certain rooms are finished it's impossible to unpack. Just feels like I'm kind of stuck in a rut with it all. The kitchen was nearly finished and then the boiler was condemned, where they've ripped out old pipes and stuff half of it needs to be re-done now and I just can't find the ooomph to do it. I've already paid for flooring to go down but there's no point in doing that til the paintings all finished and blah blah blah.....

Still, at least the kids room is done and looks really nice. It's just a bit depressing cos the whole house needs doing, carpets, tiling and all sorts and now I've had my LBM I realise I don't really have the money to do it for the time being but hey ho I will eventually, just a bit of hard work clearing the debts and making some extra money first...I know I'll get there eventually.

About the eBay, it's really easy to sell. I'm guessing that as you buy stuff already you have an acc?? Literally just go to sell an item and then it's pretty self-explanatory. I've probably made about £150 in the last few weeks which I'm gonna leave in Paypal until this other stuff (fingers crossed) sells. Then I'll transfer it over and half clear my Next Cat. acc. I'm sure there's an eBay thread here somewhere so have a look and get selling, you'll be surprised at how easy it is.

Helen. xx

helnag

Excuse me...Who do you think you are???

I receive around £1000 per month in tax credits (I had by mistake put this in at £1200) which includes my childcare and an underpayment from last year due to maternity allowance and then I receive £120 per month child benefit which I presume you will also receive?? I work 20+ hours per week as an admin asst, I don't claim housing or council tax benefit although I presume I would be entitled. I am also in the process of starting a 2nd job to become more self sufficient. The point of these forums is for support...not judgement. I have unfortunately found myself in the position of being a single mum which I owe no apologies for. My kids are fed well, clean and happy. My house is clean and I work very hard so before you comment in future perhaps take these things into consideration. I agree that this country is wrong in many ways but sometimes people have no choice but to seek help. There are of course some that abuse the system, but maybe instead of being judgemental feel proud that you are supporting yourselves.

I would appreciate it if did not comment on my thread again. Thank you, and good luck with your baby, I hope you never find yourself in my position.

helnag

Well it seems like a dig to me. As I said I agree about the countries ways but there was no need for that comment on my thread...perhaps you should have a read at the top of debt free wannabe...: 'Announcement: Pls remember Debt-Free Wannabee's for support and help not judgement'

mluton

My opologies to everyone reading this thread, I did not mean to sound as if I was taking a dig at helnag.

And also sorry for placing a mislead post in a thread where I should be supporting the members.

Swinstie73

Afternoon helnag,

How did your daughter's fashion show go? My niece's dance display was good but lasts about three hours and is way too long for the wee ones, all rubbing their eyes cos they were tired.

Must have missed that nasty post, see it's been deleted! Everyone should be supporting each other, I know I've seen the error of my ways coming on here, although I did manage to splurge a bit at the weekend - oops x

mum2one

Hows everything going, how was the fashion show, hows u, hope all going ok, u take care xx

helnag

Hiya,

Well, I've had a funny few days...a few good bits and some bad.

Starting on Friday my car broke down yet AGAIN on the way home from work...called the AA and it was the thermostat so I got it towed to my friends and had to borrow my dads car to get the kids home. NIGHTMARE!!!! Luckily it only cost me £40 and could have been much more if I'd taken it to a garage but as it was I got it back Saturday so not too much harm done. Think I've just reached that point where it's all gonna go bit by bit.

The fashion show was good apart from a BIG moment of weakness, I brought some clothes for the girls...£41.50 later. OOOOPS!!! I then became so depressed about this that I came home and smoked 10 cigarettes in between sobs. I felt soooo bad. Anyway the clothes were sent back to the company on Monday with a request for a refund.

I'll be honest, I've really let it slide but I've realised and am pulling it back now.

I think because I hadn't been on here cos of some idiot I kind of lost my momentum, but it's back. I will ditch the cigs again tomorrow. I haven't been smoking much considering what I used to smoke but I still feel like a failure. I've been having around 5 a day which compared to my normal 30 is still good, but not good enough.

I've decided to set myself some targets....

1) To pay off an extra £200 per month on my debts on top of my normal monthly payments.

2) To stick at this 2nd job, I'm exhausted already just from the kids, housework and my normal job, but it's important to me.

3) To make at least £200 per month from e-Bay, surveys, cashback, change pots etc.

4) To have at least 18 no spend days a month!!!!!!

5) To live on £50 per week which will include grocery shopping and pocket money.

6) To lose this stubborn last 1/2 stone.....

Fingers crossed!!!!!

I will also check my online banking every day (internet permitting as I haven't been able to log on to my bank for a week).

I will also post here every day, I have realised that this diary is a vital part of my support whilst trying to become debt free and healthier...without it I really did fall right down. I'm sure I'm talking to myself half the time but if anyone is reading then please feel free to comment on any mistakes you feel I am making or to offer any support. Friendly chit chat is always welcome too!!!!!:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

I know I will make lots of mistakes and have lots of struggles but I can and will do this...I will be debt free and more self sufficient by the end of 2009...

helnag

Right...

Things I have achieved today:

Banked 2 cheques, one from broken mobile sale: £6.00
one from insurance refund: £16.71

Banked £55.00 from change pot. (will pay towards Next when I can log on)

Did all ironing (pile of mount Everest proportions)

All housework

Finished dd's Easter garden for school comp...wow it's actually quite good!!

Tidied, de-pooed and disinfected back yard...YUCK!!!!

2 loads of washing washed and on line

When I see it like that it's actually quite a lot. This is just the incentive I need. I know this is boring for anyone else but if it gets me motivated then woop woop!!!!

helnag

Things to do tomorrow and Friday....

1) [strike]Find out if there's a way to fix my blimmin computer...why wont it let me log on to secure sites????? Answers on a postcard please!!!!!
[/strike] seems to be working now but who knows???

2) [strike]Go to gym appt to maybe join up?????[/strike] Done!!!!

3) [strike]List 10 items on eBay[/strike]Done 12!!!!

4) [strike]Hoover and normal daily chores[/strike] Done!!!

5) Re-do gloss work in the kitchen

6) [STRIKE]Look for letter to send bil's bank re: hardship...anyone know of one???[/STRIKE]Thank you NWSM, all e-mailed over for him to print and sign...Done!!!

7) [strike]MUST POST LETTER!!!![/strike]Done!!!

8) Chase up company re: new tender...

9) Bank cheque from fashion show splurge refund.

We have been asked to tender for a massive new area for a client, they called on Friday and wanted prices in by Monday!!! Worked all wknd and really wanna know if we've got it. Would be around another 40K a year for work and maybe then I could ask for a small pay rise plus it'll add another 8 hours a week, fingers crossed!!!!!