bountiful's debt-free diary 2009

bountiful

I am starting a new diary to keep tabs on staying debt-free on a low-income. I began on this site with a debt problem which was leading to bankruptcy which was resolved by inheriting enough from my Dad to pay it all off.
However, my current situation is that, on a low income, with a 22yr old dependent, I am in danger of slipping back into debt.

I am working with CAP who pay my bills from a budget account I pay into. They also recommend a budget for me.

I am using an applicaiton on my iPod called a Spendometer which is a spending diary - to monitor my spending.

I am looking for ways to earn more money. I am also studying a course about money with the OU.;)

EssexHebridean

Hi Bountiful, and welcome. There seems to be a few of us now who are using diaries as a way of staying within our means or saving, rather than trying to get out of debt. It's a great way to focus the mind and keep on track if you feel the urge to splurge....nothing like an impending confession to make you decide that whatever it is isn't so vital after al!

bountiful

Despite getting up at 5am to leave at 5.30am and cycle to the nearest station to get to work at 7.15am - and doing the same in reverse, but in pouring rain, to get home again - I had to shell out £8 for the train - which seems so unfair. I think they should give all us workers free public transport. Spent nothing else today though.

MissKJ

Welcome Bountiful, have you considered posting your soa so we can see if the peeps on here can try and shave a few pounds off for you?

bountiful

MissKJ wrote: »

Welcome Bountiful, have you considered posting your soa so we can see if the peeps on here can try and shave a few pounds off for you?

I have a working budget with CAP which I use as my basis - and an advisor to help tweak it. I am also doing an Open University course which involved doing a personal budget. The real nitty gritty bit is sticking to the budget ..... that's the downfall. I use a little application on my iPod as a spending diary - I spend more than my budget most weeks......

bountiful

I am totally failing to keep up with MSE at the moment - so much going on. I have an interview on Monday 20th to be a postwoman in my local town -which would (a) totally eliminate a £150 a month travel-to-work expense (b) be a lovely, healthly, outside physical job and (c) break me free from my care-work identify - which is dragging me down bit-time!

I have just donated all my major items of furniture to the local SOFA project - to help other people. I have had second-hand/donated stuff all my life. I have now used £2000 of my inheritance money to buy some decent, locally-made, lovely items of furniture which I can really enjoy and love.

bountiful

Interview for job with Royal Mail tomorrow at 9am - local - so would eliminate all travel-to-work costs - big consideration!

carkeyz

Good Luck with the interview! I have one tomorrow afternoon, at a local school Good luck

Karen_30

Just wanted to pop in and say hi and best of luck with the interview tomorrow! Seems that a lot of people stay on here even once debt free to move forward and not slip back. x

bountiful

Thanks to you both for wishing me well with the interview. I didn't get the job - but I am on their waiting list - so checking the vacancies daily for a suitable vacancy. I have reduced my hourse in my current job, to 25 a week from October. I just need to do less - I am so tired all the time with the shift work and travelling. Have been really bad at keeping up with MSE - my attention seems to be pulled in so many directions at the moment. Still here though - life is changing, has changed, so much from when I started here about 2 years ago now I think.