always in debt

sarahb7538

It tends to have that effect...but at least you have faced up to it now and are no longer kidding yourself. Least you have a date to look forward to

Good luck

brokemedic

Thanks sarahb

I think it was the initial shock.. Even though I had started on the debt-free journey a while ago, I thought it would take me 2-3 years - not 5:eek: . I think seeing it in writing has shocked me and made me realise that I have to be more determined and focussed about this.

Moneytroubles_2

You never know, you could reduce the 5 to 3 years so dont be disheartened!

We just need to come up with ways to make and save extra cash! - I havent had my heating on for months and now the colder nights are drawing in i keep telling my OH to get a blanket and and a hot water bottle if hes cold. trying to see how long i can go without the heating on lol Im also gonna buy some tea light candles to light at night rather than having my "big" light on. I know it sounds daft but but they say every little helps! I've also dropped down a brand at the supermarket!

Im off to uni to do social work, when i do go I will have to reduce my hours at work (currently do around 40 a week)

Im considering doing the body shop at home but not sure if its for me or not?

sarahb7538

Yes i was exactly the same, I nearly keeled over when i saw my DFD but I have only started my DMP this month and although i have a current DFD of 2023 !!!! In January when i move back home my new DFD will be 2011 so its not all doom and gloom.

You will have to make some tough decisions along the way and do without but it will be soooo worth it when you can start again ( thats what i keep telling myself about moving back in with my parents for 12 months)

I will be making huge changes but sometimes making little changes now can also shave a few months of your DFD

brokemedic

Social work.. challenging but very rewarding. Well done!! I hear it was really difficult getting into uni this year - 7 students for every place!!

Have often thought about dropping a brand but isn't there a huge difference in the way food tastes if you do. I can definitely tell the difference in the coffee I drink the one time I did drop a brand. How did you find it?

brokemedic

sarahb7538 wrote: »

Yes i was exactly the same, I nearly keeled over when i saw my DFD but I have only started my DMP this month and although i have a current DFD of 2023 !!!! In January when i move back home my new DFD will be 2011 so its not all doom and gloom.

I am impressed :T. How did you manage to knock 12 years off? You have more than halved the date. Is it all from moving back home for the year??

Moneytroubles_2

It really hasn't been a problem, when you are hungry you will eat anything lol (well i will anyway)
but also i havent just dropped a brand on food but also other items i.e. toilet rolls I buy the packs of 9 "discount brand" for £1.99, I buy supermarket airfreshners instead of febreeze and oust (unless there on offer), I buy supermarket brand anti bacterial sprays, and bathroom cleaners etc

Give it ago - I loved it the first time I went, I did a weeks shop for £30, I was so excited that I told everyone the next day at work , they thought I was barmy lol

Ames

I find with most things that there's not a taste difference between value and other brands, if there is I just stick with the brand I like. Some thing I prefer the value/own brands! For instance, I love Asda's own muesli but hate Alpen.

The weight loss has taken a looong time, but I'm getting used to it now and it's getting better. I've mainly done it by cutting out chocolate and stuff (apart from this week for various reasons), and using the healthy eating plate. It really is as good as everyone says! I have a big problem with comfort eating, and I've switched to eating berries instead of chocolate when I need to (most of the time). I've still got another 5 1/2 stone to lose though.

As for your DFD, it'll probably come down a lot when you qualify, I assume you'll be earning more then? And working stupid junior doctor hours so no chance to spend...

brokemedic

Ames,

You might be surprised but doctors don't make lots of money in the first few years (if only they did) especially with the EU regulations meaning that our work hours are limited and that's where the extra money built up.

I know a few former health care professionals who have qualified as doctors but have to go and do bank/agency shifts during their first couple of years to make up the shortfall.

Also I suspect I will just increase my DFD when I qualify as repayment of my student loan kicks in then..

Can someone remind me why I embarked on this debt-free lifestyle?:rotfl:

(very) brokemedic

Happytogetdebtfree

Hey brokemedic not to be nosy but where are you based its just i work for the nhs and there is a shop for nhs emergency staff and people in the food industry it has food like waitrose meayts sainsburys etc etc at discount proices heinz soups and beans 20p ive noticed a real difference for store cupboard ingrediants and it does help
PS i hope your not a typical doctor who thinks they are better than a nurse and be littles them :O i cant say im too keen on them and just of late i keep hitting abulk of them grrrrrrrrr :O