Russell's 'New Leaf' Spend Less, Make Money, Pay off Debts Diary

rustysmart

Crikey, I can't believe it has been so long since my last update.

Had a busy (and expensive) week last week with two Christmas nights out. Probably spent around £60 in total, but I'm not entirely sure as there were a number of other expenses that weekend too (clothing, taxi etc.). All in all it was an expensive start to the month.

Things have been a lot quieter this week though with just petrol as an expense so far. I'm out again on Saturday for another Christmas meal - this time with family, it shouldn't be too expensive but another cost to weigh up.

Not too sure when I am getting paid this month as payday is the day before Xmas eve - usually I get paid earlier if this is the case. I'm still going to budget for a 'normal' month though.

More updates to follow during December I'm sure, but want to weigh up paying off some of my credit card in bulk - yes I know it's on 0% before you shout at me, but would be a great feeling to pay off a chunk.

rustysmart

Payday (so I've heard) is two days early this month (22nd) so that's good that January won't be an extra long wait until the next payday. I've had to dip in to my savings to make it to the 22nd - only by £30 at the moment, but hopefully that will be all.

I have decided that I am going to pay off around £1000 of my credit card which means it will be cut by almost a third. If my calculations for next month are correct my total debt will be around £700-800 which is great - a very real chance that I will be debt free in the Spring. Fingers crossed!

Not too much else to report - all seems a bit quiet on the diaries over the past few weeks? Hopefully everyone is having a good December and enjoying the snow!

rustysmart

Early PayDay so that means one thing ... New signature update and can't quite believe it myself!! Feel like my journey is slowly coming to an end and it is so close to the end now, but may still take a couple of months as 'spare' cash isn't easy to come by - but it feels great!!

The total debt does take into account my savings, so when I do pay off my credit card it will mean starting with £0 again - but who cares?!

Let's hope January proves to be a cheap month (cough cough), yeah right!!

rustysmart

Now I am feeling more in control of my money, I have decided to make more use of my American Express Cashback card. I have set up a special column on my spreadsheet (because I'm a geek!) to make sure I am aware of what I am spending on it, I'm also going to continue using my iPhone budget planner - the only difference will be that I will be earning cashback on petrol, shopping etc. Happy times!!

Have a good Christmas everyone!!

rustysmart

Well I've broken two of my resolutions already (even though they were unofficial ones!) - I've been on Facebook this morning and covered my crumpets in butter, not the healthiest start to 2011 but certainly a lovely one!!

Going to come up with 'a plan' today to see how soon I can be debt free. Updates to follow including a target date!!

Happy New Year to everyone!

Herewego

Happy New Year, looking forward to your DF plans

rustysmart

Just waiting for my credit card statement to come through (won't let me pay online for some reason!) and then I am going to make a lump payment of around £1150 (and some odd pence) - that leaves me with exactly £2000 left to pay off. Next month (end of Jan) I am going to make a further lump payment of £1000 which will leave me with £1000 to clear and then I will be debt free!!

The tricky part next is where and how quickly I can scrape together another £1000. I usually put away £500 or there abouts in savings so that would mean a final lump payment end of April. The only way I may be able to do it sooner is to get back on eBay (which I don't have too much to sell) or any cashback I am due, but that isn't too much. Nevertheless, a (possible) Debt Free date of end of April would be pretty good and would be 19 months since my initial lightbulb moment and £15,000 paid off!! Yay!!

rustysmart

Two items now listed on eBay - struggling to find stuff worth selling!

Going to raid the book shelf for Amazon sales later today as I have loads of books that I do not read - they will take some sorting!

New Year sort out today me thinks!

rustysmart

Well having said I didn't have much to sell, I've just listed 24 books on Amazon for sale.

Both items on eBay currently have bids on them too so all feels good at the mo.

Now ... what else to list?!

rustysmart

WooHooo! My small investment of shares are actually beginning to achieve something! Two (out of my four) companies are almost break even which although doesn't sound great I had to pay £1.50 commission and 15p stamp duty for each so now made that back. Whilst I'm no millionaire and have no intention of selling (these are long term investments) its nice to see them doing something other than dropping!