I have literally no money!

Fire_Fox

brokeinwales wrote: »

Following an inspiring PM from someone who's been reading the thread, that basically re-inforced some things I've been thinking, I've also been starting to formulate the seed of some kind of plan for finding myself something more fulfilling and higher earning to do. More of this to come over the next few weeks/ months/ years (eek) I hope, alongside my DFW mission.

I've paid the first £160 off my electricity debt now, and I gave my Dad £50 at the weekend to start paying him back. Also hope to pay off some overdraft debt if I can. Now I know I can live very cheaply, I've realised that my debts aren't impossible, and with a bit of organisation. Looking at my spending diary so far I've realised that many of the things I spend on, such as newspapers, or soft drinks, or work lunches,or bus fares I actually won't really miss, I just do them out of habit. There's also things like having to buy lunches at work, because I've forgotten to bring food with me, are more a matter of planning than anything else. And then there's looking for cheaper alternatives to things I do buy - which MSE is helping with a lot. As I said, I've never been a spendthrift, but I have often been an "unthinking" spender - spending more than I have to out of a mixture of laziness and scattiness. I guess you can get away with that kind of thing when you're on a good wage - but on a lower-than-average income, especially after some of the bits of bad luck I've had recently, it's a recipe for disaster.

It's easy to think "but I'm really careful with my money" and "but I never treat myself as it is, how can I possibly cut back?" - not all of us got into debt through the designer shoes and sports cars route - sometimes it's just living your life in a bit of an unthinking (and perhaps a bit immature) way. I need to grow up and take a bit more responsibility for my financial well-being I think. I need to know what's going on.

And then there's getting over my morbid fear of the "check balance" button on cash points....

BrokeinWales you just made me smile with a tear in my eye which, for me, perfectly sums up this whole thread! The above post is full of determination and hope, insightful into your weak points without being negative. Lovely to have you back and please keep posting as I know you will go on to inspire many newbies.

SwissLe

A local in need! perhaps if you're ever stuck again we can set up a come dine with me type affair

I could take you shopping in a supermarket SwissLe style, it's something my girlfriend has come to love - after being shocked and educated about prices!

vivamartin

brokeinwales wrote: »

gosh that was quick!
Thanks for the ideas. I have some dried chillis in the back of the cupboard, a bit of coriander - and a bag of ginger someone gave me too.
I reckon I can make a pasta sauce to last a few meals, I also thought about using baked beans ina sort of improvised vegetarian chilli.

The worst of this is I don't have any family nearby at all (the nearest is over 200 miles away, so can't really pop over for tea!), not many close friends either. I did manage to get some cheese swirls from the 24 hour Tesco last night for 10p each - which made for an OK dinner with the last of the tomato ketchup.

This really sucks. I hate having no money. It sucks even more because when I tell people they say "Oh I've got no money either" then swan off for a pub lunch saying "I know I really shouldn't". They don't realise what I mean by "literally no money"! I couldn't waste cash like that if I wanted to at the moment...

Thanks for the support here though - makes me feel a bit better.

If you live in London, I can tell you , where you can eat, and collect free food.
Is sad situation, happens to me too. after pay my bills I have less than 20 pounds to eat
I work, so I have to have breakfast before go out
I make porridge,and tea, keep me full, and is healthy
lunch, toast, basic tin potatoes, with basic eggs
basic keptuch. with tea, with basic UHT milk.
to dinner pasta with basic tuna, or a fresh tomatoe if found cheap.
I can tell you more, but is long to write down here

kittiej

Woohoo BIW is back in town!

Swiss le what are your le secrets?

See what you've started BIW? Your very own secret agent shopper in swiss le.

Glad all's well, I don't normally do Cardiff but I could be persuaded for a friend in need xx

Fire_Fox

I want to know how SwissLe got to nine grand on Quidco?! :eek:

Little_Miss_Road_Rage

Yeah me too lol.

BIW you're an inspiration to us all. Keep up the good work and keep us updated we're all routing for u

Mortgagefreeforme

brokeinwales wrote: »

As I said, I've never been a spendthrift, but I have often been an "unthinking" spender - spending more than I have to out of a mixture of laziness and scattiness.
....

That sums up a lot of us, and it's an easy situation to get into. The important thing is you've realised it and are working to sort it out. Well done, it's not easy, I know a lot of people who take the head in the sand approach instead of tackling things. You should be proud of yourself.

jo1972

Pleased to hear you're back and got through your tough time. Sorry to hear you were so unwell. Hopefully now you will be able to get yourself back on track and start towards getting those savings and cats

msgnomey

Glad you're back and well, had us worried there!!

Stick at it babe, you can do it!!

Money_maker

Wonderful thread - fantastic people helping out and supporting.

Well done to BIW - the only way is up now. And a big pat on the back for all the posters, so nice to read such a heartwarming and faith restoring thread.