Luckycharm's debtfree and self-sufficiency journey

Luckycharm_2

I managed to dig car 1 out yesterday and got it to the garage where it will be MOTed today. I'm extremely nervous about this. It always feels like a huge gamble...it could cost £100 or £700 and I can't manage without a car 'cos of transporting equipment to work. So fingers crossed it doesn't cost too much.

There seems to have been a thaw overnight. We've lost about 4 inches of snow exposing lots of ice but still, it's quite promising. I really wish this weather was back to normal.

All the extra money making strategies are still ticing along (except for BB) so not much to report there.

As soon as the car comes back I'm going out to spend my christmas money on me! I thnk I deserve a treat after nearly 3 weeks snowed in.

Luckycharm_2

I just signed in but my wee green light is not on...testing...testing...

Luckycharm_2

MOT came in at £500. :eek::eek::eek::eek:

What a nightmare. The good news is the car will be fixed in time for me to get to work.

I have £300 saved for the bill. The challenge is on to find the other £200. OH has £59 from bingo britain so that can go straight in the pot.

We got a quote for car 2 from one of those companies that will buy your car whatever nick it's in. So we have an appointment with them on saturday and they're evidently going to give us £375. (But it'll probably be less than that cos these places usually quote high to get you in the door.) I now need to work out how to get car 2 moving, get it down our bob sleigh run/track and get the brake unlocked so I can drive the car there on saturday...

If this works out, then the bill will be covered with a little to spare that can go in the matched betting pot.

I have no idea how the debt is going to look by the end of this month but it's a matter of pride that I do NOT put this MOT bill on CC. It will be the first one in years that I haven't put on the card and really important to me.

Luckycharm_2

By some miracle, my tax rebate arrived today. I couldn't quite believe it when I checked the bank account. Thank goodness for that.

So, I have paid off the nasty credit card completely. :j:j:j I've had a ceremonious burning of back dated statements and all kinds of carp they've sent me in the post recently. I have filed away the credit agreement, the card and their phone number. Might try to negtiate a 0% transfer rate with them a few months down the line.

God that feels good.

I have also written out a cheque for some work stuff that has been overdue for a year. It's now paid off in full. :j:j:j

That feels good too.

I also have enough money to pay the MOT and top up our budget for food and petrol that was going to be really tight this month. Now I don't have to worry about electricity running out and things like that.

This all means that the sale of car 2 and OH's bingo cash can either go to debt or I can put it in my 'save a month's wage' fund. Or have I left my matched betting pot a bit short? Maybe need to have a look at that again.

I'm still finding budgeting difficult, as you can see.

Luckycharm_2

So, the debts are now over 2 credit cards and an overdraft.

One CC has 16% interest and the other has been 0% for a while but is due to go up to 16% in March. I'm dreading that happening. I applied for a 0% recently but was refused. I'm thinking of trying another 1 before giving up. I know everyone is struggling to get credit just now.

I think my overdraft is at 17% so I should really pay that one off first. Plus it's much smaller than the 2 CCs so could be paid really quickly and thus keep me motivated. In fact, if I keep to my target of paying £500 per month, I could have it cleared by the end of next month.

It's amazing how this diary helps to keep me on track. Just writing it down helps me get my head straight. Brilliant.

Luckycharm_2

Wonder when I get my second star? When I reach 200 posts? That would be good...

beanielou

Good news on tax rebate
Card you have paid off may offer you a 0% in a wee while.

NAEFAGS

Hi
just to say well done your doing gr8 :j
i need to pull my socks up and get the debt busted xx

lucielle

That is excellent news. keep going.
L

Luckycharm_2

Thanks so much for the support everyone. It's much appreciated. :A

I've managed to get car 2 moving in preparation for tomorrow's sale but been burning rubber up and down the road trying to get the brake lock off and no luck. The tyre is possibly bald now but I can't tell cos it's dark. Will give it some WD40 in the morning and hope for the best.

I've paid everything that needs paying and am having a break from matched betting again. Sometimes it really drains me by taking up lots of time.

I've had 4 new referrals at work and am starting with those clients this week and next week. It's all more money for the pot so very welcome.

Strange to think we're only half way through the month. It's an emotional rollercoaster, this MS business, and I've had so many lows and highs this month it's untrue. And all in just over a week!