New here - can't talk to anyone else

Sugar

Thanks so much for the warm welcome, i look forward to getting my bearings around the site I'm going tomorrow to pay some money towards my credit card before i spend it! Money burns a hole in my pocket!

Thanks again

JOANNESAPHINE

I was like you with a similar amount of debt 2 years ago and now I have £219 left to pay which will hopefully mean I will be debt free as of beginning of December this year except mortgage. It has been slow progress but I am feeling quite excited and proud of myself now. I have found where I have wasted money with a money diary and made cut backs. I have cut back from expensive food to shop own brands. It was hard to start with but it now it seems second nature to buy the slightly cheaper items and to cut some things out altogether. I have even managed to put a bit by for Christmas this year but again I will not go so mad and spend so much there either. You can do it too and along the way make new habits that you will stick to once you are debt free. I would do a money diary and write down everything you buy. Try to just buy things you need and try and cut back brand wise where you don't mind it. Good luck.

tealady

Hi I know what you mean when you say money burns a hole in your pocket! The thing to do with that is to make sure all bills are paid on a monthly direct dbit and they all come out just after payday. Then have a weekly budget and take that out of the bank in cash. Any left over at the end of the week can either be "rolled over" so to speak or put towards a debt.
If you cant cope with a weekly budget you could always do a daily one and join the PADers (payment a day)
HTH

gfplux

Hello suger,
Make out your SOA (link - http://www.makesenseofcards.com/soacalc.html ) Try not to guess at the figures, dig out the paperwork! However remember a partial completed one is better than none. It is in fact one of the most IMPORTANT things you will ever do to start on the road to recovery. If you want a lot of help on this forum, posting your SOA is the first and most important step. After it is done it is very easy to keep it up to date. In my opinion everyone should have an up to date SOA even if you have little or no debt. It is a great tool to manage your life with.
If you post it on the forum answer the obvious questions before they are asked so you get immediate feedback, such as :-
If you have other Income explain what it is
Mortgage – interest only or not.
What is the age of any children.
Council tax over 10 or 12 months.
Electricity and gas any arrears.
Water rates meter yes or no.
Mobiles, how many and when are the contracts up for renewal.
If no contents insurance is it include with buildings insurance.
If your pets cost money, what are they.
House or flat value, has it been valued by an Estate Agent and when.
The more you can explain about your financial figures and circumstances the quicker you will get advise rather than questions.
When you have posted it and it does not look right or you want to change it, do so and repost it.
Also:-
Start a spending diary TODAY to find out exactly where your money goes. That knowledge will shock you but also give you power.

BeautyandtheBeast_3

hi and welcome!

join the No Spend Day challenge - its good for keeping you on your toes! xx