Miss KJ's, "Actually I will have it all" with brass knobs on, Diary.

MissKJ

OMG! I have an interview for a job I reaaaaallly want. Next Friday, got to prep, as I dont actually think I am the strongest candidate. Very slightly less money, but better hours, nearer to home, and will save massively on mileage and travel time (4 hours per week), and better medium term prospects for promotion, which will more than compensate (aiming fo two years to next promotion - not long had one).

I will probably take a teensy little step back fom this board until then. Wish me luck!

MissKJ

Fire_Fox wrote: »

This might sound a bit mad .... but could you maybe try to make the budget meeting fun? Perhaps disappear the kids for a few hours: send them out or to their rooms a bit early. :T

Then each dress up in something ridiculous or themed OR alternate who gives the other a gift OR alternate one of you cooking for the other. The twist being that the present has to cost no more than a quid or be homemade, and the meal has to be two courses yet made out of stuff in the cupboards or again no more than a quid.

Probably not the best examples, but what would work depends on your sense of humour ... It could be really silly and childish or a bit naughty as you see fit!!

Firefox I just read your post properly - You naughty person! I cant see much thought being given to the budget in these circumstances! But you are right in a sense, a treat on budget meeting day would definitely be in order!

MissKJ

Right,plans for today.

Chapter 4 is a bit rubbish. It says "keep it under your hat" and suggests that people are either not interested in your money making goals, or could be jealous and therefore negative. There is some truth in this, an although I have shared with all of you peeps, I know you don't fall into either category. I am too embarrasssed to tell other people I know about my debts, so I suppose I am already doing it. Some people may be have guesssed that with the job I have, the car really doesn't match the income. And I never go to work do's, cant afford them. And I never have cash when there is a collection (I have to plan ahead for these) and I am not in the tea club, I suppose to some it is obvious. So that chapter is done then.

MissKJ

Update on objectives.

I have calculated that if the bank agree to 1 of my requests (interest only for 2 years) which isn't unreasonable in the circumstances, then from December 2009, without any other help from them, the costs would be covered by a 6 month long term let for winter at the rates I am currently recieving and holiday rentals for 8 weeks in summer ( which I achieved last year) but needs to be a slightly higher rate. I would break even. This would free up a staggering £1600 of income every month. £19200 per year. Once DMP payments are reviewed in November, theroretically there is no need to up them again for another year. So I could use this money to make offers on my debts one at a time. So I will challenge myself very hard,

Achieve tenant for winter
review marketing strategy for next summer.
Obtain full and final settlements of 5 debts by December 2010.
Have the dream family holiday in florida, just once. (April 2010)
Replace old car with slightly newer but still old car. (September 2009)

If I can do this, I will be on a roll to be debt free in 6 years. I intend to have increased income during this time, so I am aiming for debt free in 5.5, December 2014. Just in time for my elder child to be considering university! Cutting it fine!


This will also speed up my repayments to other creditors, as I would keep DMP payments steady, and they each would receive more.

Fire_Fox

Good luck for the interview!! If you aren't the most experienced in the field, focus part of your prep on your transferable skills. And be super enthusiastic in the interview - that's always my secret weapon. :A

MissKJ

Thanks Firefox, I have lined up some help next week, and expert interview trainer, and the previous post holder to fill me in on what I need to know. I am not usually too bad at interviews, but I am more nervous because I want it so much. I hate being unhappy at work, it is too many hours to be unhappy!

MissKJ

More sums,

580 days and 40 paydays between us.

need £4000 big trip fund, 1500 car fund, £9880 to make full and final offers on lowest 5 debts. total £15,380. Average £384.50 per payday, or £769 per month.

Compingirl

Hi Miss KJ, your new diary has made me laugh so i'm now a subscriber! Good luck with the matched saving, don't worry about the holiday -you've still got to live and Florida is so worth it! My tips are start a spending diary its a real eye opener and try and do a food menu and only shop for what you need - you will save loads!

Good luck cgx

MissKJ

In addition to the above, we will have also paid £14,112 into the DMP, although half will be interest as not all creditors have stopped interest. £5927.04 will be capital payments. This added to amount above will equate to 16% of total debt. But this assumes that creditors will take offers on outstanding debts.

Up side, sun is shining, and did I mention I have an interview!!!

MissKJ

Compingirl wrote: »

Hi Miss KJ, your new diary has made me laugh so i'm now a subscriber! Good luck with the matched saving, don't worry about the holiday -you've still got to live and Florida is so worth it! My tips are start a spending diary its a real eye opener and try and do a food menu and only shop for what you need - you will save loads!

Good luck cgx

Thanks Compingirl, food plans are a real must, I dont go shopping without a list now, or else I spend about 40% more and don't have enough food to last the week. Some of my kids favourites are chicken casserole made with smart price casserole sauce jar for 46p with some "3 for £10" packs of chicken or pork. I get 3 meals for 4 people out of those packs, and only need to add some frozen veg.

Another current favourite meal, use the 2nd pack of chicken breast, sprinkle with cajun spices, and use smartprice pitta bread at 19p for 6. Very summery with a bit of salad and a few chips.:D

Kids love the smartprice lemon barley and orange cordial at 26p per bottle and last a couple of weeks.

Doesn't feel too bad if you can ring the changes a little.