Penguins 24 month countdown!

penguin83

I am liking the idea of a new bed. We will need to save to put a bit towards it but the money off Nan would be the biggest chunk.

I have been thinking (yes it hurt!) and wanted peoples opinions please. All of our debt is now interest free (with debt collectors so interest frozen, payments agreed and everyone happy!). I will naturally without overpayments become debt free in about 15 months but OH would be a lot longer. The plan was originally to save up to make full and final offers. Because of the way things are at the moment, OH work being crap, me in a public sector job with who knows what for the future, I am very concious that we do not have any savings. As you know we have been without hot water for months and it is only because of my Mum and Dad that we can think about getting this fixed. I thought maybe having 3 months expenses in savings. About 6-7k, carrying on with the payments to the debts but not paying it off straightaway but leaving some savings to fall back on. This goes against everything we have been trying for ie to become debt free asap but I feel quite unsecure at the minute. Ideas anyone?

Wol, piggies are amazing, getting huge and a little bit fat, so they have been having lots of free range time in the living room. Cuddling them is fun but its not working off all those calories! xxxx

Will post last weeks spending diary tomorrow when I am more awake! xx

taxi73

I agree with your savings idea ...think that's a great idea...then you at least have sometthing to fall back on as you never know whats around the corner...

hypno06

taxi73 wrote: »

I agree with your savings idea ...think that's a great idea...then you at least have sometthing to fall back on as you never know whats around the corner...

I agree with this too. As long as you are meeting your minimum payments, and you are not being hassled for more, etc, then I would not worry too much about the length of time it takes to clear the debts if you have the potential for reduced income in the future.

BTW, def agree with a new bed!

penguin83

Thanks girls, it does seem like the best thing to do at the minute but seems weird to change my way of thinking to saving instead of paying off debt!

My brother was knocked off his motorbike today (that he bought a month ago after selling his car to save money!). A car pulled out in front of him and he had the option of going straight into and over the car or making a jump for it. He managed to throw himself clear but has broken his arm quite badly and will probably need an op in the morning and the bike is a write off. He is getting married in 11 weeks and his fiancee flies out tomorrow for her hen weekend so they are all a bit stressed. It could have been so much worse but he is annoyed because the driver was a banned driver so should never have been on the road in the first place.

I lost 1/2lb at weigh in this morning, was a bit disappointed as I had been so good this week but I am hoping it all catches up and comes off next week instead!

Hope everyone is well xxxx

taxi73

Sorry to hear about your brother..wishing him a speedy recovery xxx

In_Search_Of_Me

How you doing? Hows bro?

taxi73

Is everything ok?..as you've not posted on here for ages

penguin83

Thanks ISOM and Taxi for asking. Everything is ok but has been manic lately (in an overall good way!) Have had a few nice days out with OH, some with kids and with friends. Its funny how you do nothing for months and then everything seems to come along at once and then it will all be quiet again for a bit!

Went to the Cheshire Show with OH and DD last week which was lovely. We go every year and is something we all look forward too. Had an unexpected night out with friends. Kids were staying at Mum and Dad's, OH was in work and for the first time in ages a few of us were all free at the same time! All in all it has been a nice couple of weeks. Back down to reality though now. Reining in spending and back at work.

Money will be tight but ok for this month if my dodgy maths is right! Total debt now standing at under 19k and of that only 4100.00 is mine. Debt free date is not as forthcoming as I would have liked due to a number of things but we have changed our focus a bit as the debt is interest free. I really want a bit of a savings cushion for emergencies.

Brother is doing ok, he had his op and has had 2 pins put in his wrist and is in plaster, hopefully the plaster should be off in time for the wedding. He is off work for at least 8 weeks and may not be able to return to full duties for 6 months. He is understandably not impressed but it could have been so much worse.

Will have to do some workings out on the money side of things and will then be able to give a proper update on the money.

Will be having a proper catch up with everyones diaries over the next few days. I have 2 assignments due in next Weds but then should be able to post a bit more! ISOM - I will be back at Scrabble in a few days but I am a bit out of practice!

Sorry for the mammoth post x x x

taxi73

Great to hear from you and to see you have been doing nice things.
Glad brother is healingxxx

taxi73

Great to hear from you and to see you have been doing nice things.
Glad brother is healingxxx