The last week in my life without credit

john_kent

Hi all

Into my third week with no credit cards. Some amazing things this week.

1) Was offered a sunday night shift off three hours. Wouldnt normally bother as tips are bad and minimum wage so would have had a policy of not bothering and using credit card if short. This time i took the extra shift. Mainly because with no credit things are different. Also ment I couldnt be tempted to a friends for a drink

2) My penny jar is going down fast. using it all for EBAY postage. Big plus is that the buyers pay postage into paypal and then into bank account. Saves me a trip to bank.

3) due to less cash being available. Well more cash but less credit, I am having to schedule my car journeys. Saturdays Id normally got to relatives 20 miles away , and sunday my sisters 15 miles away (Same direction) . This week told sister it was saturday or nothing.

4) have to really look in shops when food shopping. I didnt know that bread prices fluctuate between 65p and 99p at my local co-op. Same with a lot off foods.

5) Am earning more money as well because I cant go out to pub lunchtimes or evenings , I do extra 30mins lunch time and 30 mins mon -thursday after work. Will increase my income by about 50-90 quid a month.

So that was my week. Kind of getting used to it now. Even forgot my wallet two days on the trot this week. Not part of my requirement when I go out anymore

John

wigginsmum

Well done

queenofthedump

well done

I am on 67 days without using CC and it is fantastic not to be relying on them anymore - we feel more strapped for cash and like you being very very careful with the cash we do have but keep going well done but since that day we have stopped guess what the cc bills are getting no higher apart from interest of course

LookingAhead

Hi John. Don't think me "perverse" but I enjoyed reading your post....
I know my debt is smaller than yours but it's still a hefty weight around my neck and I can relate totally to what you say. Like actually *looking* at prices now...really having to think about things such as scheduling car journeys etc.

It was such a chore at first and I resented it....now I just think to myself that I was "spoiled" before (...when I didn't care about money...) and how my Mum had to raise me on far far less than I have now but she was never in debt like I am. I feel humbled and I care now about every penny. I cringe when I see credit card & consolidation loans on the TV and think "I don't want your filth!"

:rotfl:

I'm with you every step of the way.. :beer:

Bossyboots

Good on you. Keep up the good work.

Lydia.42

Well done!!!!!
All very good ideas. I was horrified by my petrol consumption for work. Have managed to cut back to about 2 days in the office now (3 days at home or out on site -which i can claim milage for). Made such a difference!!!!
Amazing what you can cut back on when you have your light bulb moment!

Peppa_Pig_5

John, you are doing so well. It's a great feeling isn't it, not using those credit cards. I haven't used mine for a couple of months now and don't even know my pin numbers which is even better.

Keep posting, interesting thread.

Peppa
x

taplady

Well done John!:beer: am glad you stuck with it and thanks for telling us how you're getting on! its very inspiring! am into month 10 without credit myself and have never felt better!!! I love using cash and saving up for things makes me appreciate them much more than if I'd stuck them on the credit card!

We saved up for a new computer and paid with cash, it was a great feeling!:j

Keep up the good work and let us know how it goes!

moozie_2

A lovely post, thank you. You made me think a lot. I have found leaving the credit card at home quite a big thing too. Getting used to it now but it certainly makes me think twice about using cash/debit card.

Keep up the good work :T

Lucifer

Well done john_kent. u are doing really well. I am also doing this. Haven't used mine since xmas. The sad thing is that its kind of liberating now. Most of the time I put a small amount of cash in my pocket, car keys and mobile. Thats all - I leave my handbag at home now.

beanielou

Well done John kent.
I am also on the same journey, so keep posting and keep me inspired.
As you say it is mazing what you can do when you really have to.We will beat this.
Thanks.