22 paydays until I'm debt free!

Pinkphoenix

Think today I'm going to put some extra money onto credit cards. Oh has been off work poorly this week, and likely to be next week as well. Seeing as he drives lots of miles to get to work, we have made a saving on petrol!

That makes up for the fact that he is driving me mad with constant whining!

Lemon_Tree

hi, chrissy is particularly hard when you feel that you are buying/spending less than other family members. It's taken me years to get my head around that if can buy something in a sale i don't have to buy additional gifts so i spend the same amount i would usually spend. I should factor in the original price.

Pinkphoenix

I'm the same! We never really have many people to buy presents for so we are lucky, but we have still drastically reduced our budget to £15 per person. I found something my Dad would love for £5 (reduced in the sales) and I have to continually remind myself not to buy something extra!

I decided to let my folks know what me and OH are doing so they can be supportive, and also by us presents of a similar value. Knowing my mum she won't do that but she likes to spoil us at christmas! (but she's MF, DF and on a very good wage...) Luckily, my mum is good at getting pressies, so she'll usually get me things i need or want sand that way I can save my own pennies!

It's my birthday soon and a few people usually give me money, OH and I are discussing whether to pay debts with it all, or save some for a treat. Sees silly to keep it all, but when I'm working hard it would be nice to have a small treat!

Checked my cc statements today because today is the statement day and woohoo knocked extra money off the debt!! (About £350ish!) That'll be even more after balance transfer come through! Have decided to BT my debt from my MBNA card and close it straight away. No temptation then...

macgirl

Hi Pinkphoenix :hello:
I misread the title of your diary - I thought you'd be debt free in 22 days too

Sounds like you're on the right track, it is hard to break the habits of a life/long time, but you will get there.
Lemontree has a good point about not bumping up the bargain presents to the full value.
Really the fact that you have been thoughtful and bought a gift for someone you care about, is what it's all about anyway....

Good luck with it - I'll keep tuning in

Pinkphoenix

Have been looking at my spreadsheets for my debts this morning. I've decided I want to set a mini goal. Thinking about long term debt is too depressing at times! have decided I want the cc debt under £8k by 14.01.09 which is my Jan statement dates. I'm sure I can do it.
Am thinking of ways to make money now to make that even more achievable!