University sunset

Swarfiga

Hi urg,

The rent includes council tax and utilities, as long as you're willing to share with someone then there's some good deals out there for the unnattached like myself.

entertainment has been underestimated slightly. I'm not a huge party animal, usually keep it to one or two good nights out a month. I don't have my actual, physical credit cards any more, not for about 6 months or so, so i don't use them when out.

My car is costing a good whack in maintenance at the moment with the MOT coming up, mainly because of neglect over the past 2 years that i've owned it. Also, my insurance is up for renewal next month and with the no claims i have finally managed to accumulate it will be going down around 200 quid a year. I use my car a fair bit for work, doing outreach in rural schools around hadrian's wall so, sadly, i have to hold onto it for the time being.

thanks for your comments though, i know i've probably come across a little defensive in this post but i'm trying to give you a more complete picture of my situation.

urg123

Hi Swarfiga

Thanks for replying - you don't sound defensive. I have got used to questioning - I always hope it makes people think.

The thing I have learned about this site is that is full of loads of great info.

I see you are on ebay - what about selling text books on Amazon? This is the perfect time of year for you to list them! I earned over £200 for mine a few years ago.

Also look at earning a bit extra through free scratchcards and clicks - have a look at the 'up your income board'. Join a few challenges too - shave a bit off your grocery budget; Aim for a few No Spend Days. They help to keep you motivated when things feel a bit difficult!

Good luck

urg x x

Swarfiga

I'm back again. I fell off the wagon for a while over Christmas and new year but I am back taking care of my debt!

I have re-done my SOA:

Statement of Affairs and Personal Balance Sheet

Household Information
Number of adults in household........... 1
Number of children in household......... 0
Number of cars owned.................... 1

Monthly Income Details
Monthly income after tax................ 1196.56
Partners monthly income after tax....... 0
Benefits................................ 0
Other income............................ 0
Total monthly income.................... 1196.56

Monthly Expense Details
Mortgage................................ 0
Secured/HP loan repayments.............. 0
Rent.................................... 350
Management charge (leasehold property).. 0
Council tax............................. 0
Electricity............................. 0
Gas..................................... 0
Oil..................................... 0
Water rates............................. 0
Telephone (land line)................... 0
Mobile phone............................ 30
TV Licence.............................. 0
Satellite/Cable TV...................... 0
Internet Services....................... 13
Groceries etc. ......................... 70
Clothing................................ 10
Petrol/diesel........................... 20
Road tax................................ 11
Car Insurance........................... 53.93
Car maintenance (including MOT)......... 15
Car parking............................. 0
Other travel............................ 36
Childcare/nursery....................... 0
Other child related expenses............ 0
Medical (prescriptions, dentist etc).... 0
Pet insurance/vet bills................. 0
Buildings insurance..................... 0
Contents insurance...................... 0
Life assurance ......................... 0
Other insurance......................... 0
Presents (birthday, christmas etc)...... 10
Haircuts................................ 6
Entertainment........................... 50
Holiday................................. 0
Emergency fund.......................... 0
Total monthly expenses.................. 674.93


Assets
Cash.................................... 0
House value (Gross)..................... 0
Shares and bonds........................ 0
Car(s).................................. 1000
Other assets............................ 0
Total Assets............................ 1000

No Secured nor Hire Purchase Debts

Unsecured Debts
Description....................Debt......Monthly...APR
Egg card.......................354.26....35........26.9
HSBC card......................380.......13.2......17.9
Barclays overdraft.............690.......25........0
Total unsecured debts..........1424.26...73.2......-


Monthly Budget Summary
Total monthly income.................... 1,196.56
Expenses (including HP & secured debts). 674.93
Available for debt repayments........... 521.63
Monthly UNsecured debt repayments....... 73.2
Amount left after debt repayments....... 448.43

Personal Balance Sheet Summary
Total assets (things you own)........... 1,000
Total HP & Secured debt................. -0
Total Unsecured debt.................... -1,424.26
Net Assets.............................. -424.26

Created using the SOA calculator at
Reproduced on Moneysavingexpert with permission, using Firefox browser.