Taking the first step...

TMoose

honeybear wrote: »

And why on earth did you ever buy a light for your keyboard?!?!?!

I have no idea where it came from, it could have been a present from friends/family, it could have come with my work laptop, I could have bought it in a fit of shop-a-holism prior to a long flight... In any case it was still in original packaging!

Also, to save money in London, I would highly recommend visiting the various galleries in the centre, as well as walking around the various historic bits. Also, TimeOut online has some good (free) ideas too!

euronorris

honeybear wrote: »

I know where you're coming from, Euronorris, but until I learn to drive it's not a viable option - which is even more expense! But it would pay off in the long-term so it's yet another thing to consider

Why would you need to drive? For work?

Everything else you can do without a car. Shop online, use the buses (Oyster works in Bromley and Orpington) etc etc

Driving is well worth it. Maybe you could set yourself a mini goal after a few months. Start saving for lessons, car etc etc. And then, when you do start, you'll have the satisfaction of knowing it wasn't paid for on credit.

honeybear_2

Weirdly, I have a TimeOut diary, which was recommended by a friend before I moved here. Yes, had to buy it but have found it's been really useful for places to go etc.

Know what you mean about the galleries; I haven't been to nearly as many as I've intended to. Will have to start planning on going out more - on the cheap/free tho, obviously!

honeybear_2

euronorris wrote: »

Why would you need to drive? For work?

Everything else you can do without a car. Shop online, use the buses (Oyster works in Bromley and Orpington) etc etc

Driving is well worth it. Maybe you could set yourself a mini goal after a few months. Start saving for lessons, car etc etc. And then, when you do start, you'll have the satisfaction of knowing it wasn't paid for on credit.

For work.

I manage pretty well the rest of the time without driving so it doesn't worry me.

Think my main goal atm is wrestling the overdraft into submission then I will have driving as the next. And you're right, being able to outright pay for something is a nice feeling

TMoose

honeybear wrote: »

Weirdly, I have a TimeOut diary, which was recommended by a friend before I moved here. Yes, had to buy it but have found it's been really useful for places to go etc.

Know what you mean about the galleries; I haven't been to nearly as many as I've intended to. Will have to start planning on going out more - on the cheap/free tho, obviously!

Also try : http://www.freelondonevents.co.uk/ and sign up for the library - seriously, the online reservations across multiple boroughs is genius! (and free - at least in Tower Hamlets)

honeybear_2

Ooh! Thanx

honeybear_2

Just wanted to say, following on from all the helpful comments yesterday, that I've spoken to my bank about clearing my overdraft & it looks like I can get something sorted out

Josie-Jo

dannynixon wrote: »

Hi and well done for posting you SOA. Here is what I make of it. Not sure if you have family etc so I will take it you live on your own.

Rent @ over £1000p/m?!?!? Could you downsize?
Do you need a landline and a mobile?
Could you drop your £250 a month shopping budget using the old style board for recipies etc?
Other travel - is this a bus? Could you bike to your destination?
Do you need a haircut every month or could you go every other? Could you get your hair cut by students at a college?
Can you afford a holiday?



How long do you have left on the loan?
What are you spending £100 a month on the Visa for? Your SOA doesnt indicate this. Is it £100 worth of entertainment?

Hi,
I am a new debt free wannabe and am reading your posts with interest.
Can I just ask a few silly questions - what do the abbreviations stand for !! - SOA, LMB, DMP, DFD & CCCS
Then I might shame myself into listing all my unwanted debt :-)

honeybear_2

Josie-Jo wrote: »

Hi,
I am a new debt free wannabe and am reading your posts with interest.
Can I just ask a few silly questions - what do the abbreviations stand for !! - SOA, LMB, DMP, DFD & CCCS
Then I might shame myself into listing all my unwanted debt :-)

Check here: http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=35717

Look under abbreviations for the answer to your question (I struggled with that too!) but the rest might help