A fresh start

Wordsmith

You're not exactly in the same place, Seaxwyn. Your debt is less. You've learnt loads about yourself. You've changed your work patterns to suit your circumstances. You understand your OH better. I don't know exactly what your resolutions were, but there must have been times when you were following them throughout the year. So treat this year's resolutions as reminders, not "oh, no, best start that lot again". You're so strong, you will get to your happy place at some point. Can I suggest, though, that one of your resolutions this year is to do some things for you to put you in the right frame of mind for doing things for other people. I read somewhere this is called the "oxygen mask principle" - if you need to use the oxygen masks in a plane, you are to put yours on before helping your children put theirs on, otherwise you might not be in a position to help them or yourself.

Very best wishes for the coming year.

Seaxwyn

Thanks all!

Buddiebabe, I am loving the positive vibe! 2011 will be our year - bring it on!! In readiness I have just been to town and paid £1.83 off my overdraft, and am now cursing as I found a penny in my bag which could have gone into the bank too. Rats!

I am now heading to Tesco to take back a dress and top I bought there yesterday. I bought them for a New Year's Eve party but noone but me will care what I wear. I'd rather have the £27 back in my account so I can maybe start 2011 in the 26500s instead of the 26600s.

I'm looking forward to our 2011 challenge. We can do this!

lucielle

That's the spirit. Hope you have a good party.
L

buddiebabe

Well done on the overdraft and returning the clothes to tesco :j

As for the penny you found after you came out the bank that can just go towards the next payment you need to make!

beanielou

Happy party

taxi73

Happy new year and have a great party xx

Sea78

Enjoy your party hun and I'm with you on the realistic good for me new year aims! xxx

Karmacat

Woo hoo! Seaxwyn, you're moving! You're definitely on the go. Have a great time tonight no matter what you wear - you'll be bouncing into the New Year, firing on all cylinders.

Seaxwyn

My debt total as at 1 January 2011 is £26,612.54.

That's £5,358.39 less than 1 January 2010, so I have paid off £446 a month or £103 a week.

However that reduction is almost entirely due to loan payments. Non-loan debt only reduced by £658.83.

This year my challenge is to reduce ALL categories of debt (loan, credit cards and overdraft).

My goal for this year is to get down to £20k.

hypno06

Happy New Year Seaxwyn! The debt IS reducing - by whatever means, and whatever amount - it is significantly less than it was 12 months ago, and in 12 months time it will be less again.

Wishing you love and happiness in 2011 xxx