Taking the Plunge - desperatelyseekingmoney's diary

desperatelyseekingmoney_2

Hi Guys

I have been visiting here for quite some time and have finally plucked up the courage to take the plunge.

I have spent all of this month trying to cut back where I can and finding ways to increase my earnings to try and clear this debt as soon as possible. I have managed to get some extra overtime at work and also trying to sell stuff on ebay.

For the last month I have been so addicted to this site that it has made me realise that something can be done and not burying my head in the sand and just carrying on.

For April I have promised myself that I WILL keep a spending diary, to see what I am spending, and also to cut my grocery budget back. Oh yes and also not to use my credit cards! I am going to take it one day at a time but unfortuately I am the type of person that if I do not see results straight away I give up (Hence the reason for coming on here).

I need lots of help to keep me going forwards and not going backwards and I know that I will get it from here.

I shall keep you all updated as to how I am getting on. I suppose you can say that I shall keep this as my diary but I feel it is the only way I can do this, and I am SO sorry for stealing other peoples idea.

Thanks for reading.

Bestthingsinlifearefree

Hi desperastelyseeking money,

welcome to MSE

seems like you have had your "light bulb moment"

The spending diary is an excellent idea. Do it for one month and you will be surpised where all the cash goes and even just the act of doing the diary might help restrain any wasteful spending.

Why not post a statement of affairs here (all incomings / outgoings) and members can advise you if there are any other areas they can spot with room for financial improvement.

Good luck & keep posting !!!

queenofthedump

Hi desperatelyseekingmoney

welcome to you I too was like you but now i have clocked up 90 days for not using a credit card I too want it now and tend to give up if it doesnt happen now but I am still going and still knocking away the debt.

Good Luck it is not a quick road but it it is an interesting one !!!!!!!!!

spaghetti_monster

I think the diary is a good idea - I started doing one in Jan (but a paper one, not on the forum).
You do feel that you're making progress cos you're looking at your day to day progress in terms of a few pounds and pence - there are lots of little achievements to keep you motivated.

Good Luck!

BACKFRMTHEEDGE

Good luck

CAFCGirl

Hi D-Seeking,

I'm like you too. I've only recently really started taking notice of the site and have been trying to make cut backs where I can,as well as taking some of the deeper advice about finance, such as the bank charges.

I'm bubbling with enthusiasm too at the moment, but every so often have a darker moment where I'm not sure it's really going to work.

But then I have to tell myself, it's only going to work if I stick at it. I can't change the world in a day so I won't even try, but the small things are starting to really mean a lot to me. Being able to decrease my overdraft by £50 isn't really a lot, but since I normally live within it, I'm obviously cutting back somewhere to be able to afford to do that!

My little tricks so far have been to only have a small purse which has cash in it, never more than £20. I don't carry my cards, because thats just an open invite to me to spend on rubbish!
Good luck with everything.Keep posting and maybe drop your own little hints and tips in. I think we can all learn from each other, and remember everyone is always here for you!

ozzyfan_2

Hi DSM

Good luck with all the targets that you've set yourself !

Have you looked at the old style forum yet as you will find lots of ways to reduce your grocery budget there & they also have a grocery challenge as well where you set yourself a target & try to keep to it.

You'll get loads of help & advice from everyone here so keep posting & all the best!

desperatelyseekingmoney_2

Thanks Guys

I am determined to get through this and it is great to know that I have got support from you all. I shall keep you updated with my progress.

I have had a great start, I managed to make £39.00 on ebay Friday night and I also started my extra hours at work so at the moment I am feeling quite positive.

Once again thanks for your support and if I think of any tips myself I will post them to you.

Sea78

Hi,

I know exactly what you mean - am in debt too and was just ignoring it - now I'm reading all parts of the site for inspiration and ideas! Good luck this month - I'm trying to reduce grocery bill too. I've always had in my head that I would feel 'poor' if I was able to buy what I wanted in the supermarket. Silly I know but it's been with me most of my life.

Look forward to hearing more how you get on!

Sx

Ronankfan

Good luck - you will get loads of tips on saving on food bills from OS boards - i know that i did!!!!!

craigp_2

Hi mate Keep it going-I am exactly the same as you giving up if I dont see results but I've realised this is one thing I have to go through with.