Scared witless

cragrate2

Hi Putty, there's a lot of unrealistic tosh on here I think. I am just trying to be realistic. Xmas is gonna be a budget affair this year but then my family are older and it doesn't hold the same magic as it did when they were young. Just make it as memorable for them as you can. They don't need to know how furiously you are kicking beneath the surface to stay afloat. I will keep you updated on how I am getting on

gizmo111

Hi Putty, there's a lot of unrealistic tosh on here I think

cragrate2

There is also a lot of sound advice, don't get me wrong!

cragrate2

Just taking time out to look at things like water usage and subsequent gas/elec when taking a bath (which i have been doing every night) and the boys having 1shower a day instead of 2!!!! I reckon that combined with changing my utilities provider will save me about £40 - £50 per month!! I am now showering at the gym after training (free gym incidentally, before everyone starts shouting at me). I have pledged not to have a drink in the week at all and limit myself at the weekend (another £20 per week) Thats another £120 per month towards overdraft!! If I stick to my guns it should be paid off before Easter then I can get stuck into the credit cards. I need to build momentum and maintain it cos I think this process will snowball as long as when I have paid something off I add what would have gone out to the next debt.

Nargleblast

Sounds like you've made a good start, keep it up!

Kandipandi

You seem to be making good headway at tackling this debt. Can I ask why you are concentrating on reducing the overdraft first rather than paying off the high interest credit cards and loans?

Denis_UK

http://www.mysupermarket.co.uk/


Above is a useful site to compare Supermarket prices, it also highlights any spcial offers.

cragrate2

Just about time I was on better terms with the bank I guess. I am in the throes of changing my account to one that charges much less on overdraft facilities so when that is done I will focus more on credit cards. At the moment tho my current account is charging me more than enough.

RAS

cragrate2 wrote: »

Just taking time out to look at things like water usage and subsequent gas/elec when taking a bath (which i have been doing every night) and the boys having 1shower a day instead of 2!!!!

The boys will be fine with a shower every other day and a strip wash the alternate one, unless you can put them under the same shower.

Teach them to wet themselves, turn the shower off, then lather up, and turn the shower back on.

And find the thermostat on your water heater and turn it down to 60 degrees.

Turn the room thermostats down as well, even if only a degree.

And close the curtains as soon as possible after dark.

You could save even more.

cragrate2

Hi Thanks. Boys are 15 and 18 so shared shower!! Don't think that will happen. They both play a lot of sport and I would rather be broke than compromise their cleanliness. I have just turned down the water thermostat and fortunately the central heating has not gone on yet this year.