My story so far......

domestic_goddess

Well I haven't been around for long but I just wanted to let everyone know what has changed with me since I started looking on this website..........

The reason I started to think more about my debts was that I decided to go part time at work as I have two kids and I wanted to spend more time with them before they were all grown up!!!

I have so far found out that I can claim back bank charges so I am in the process of that, that could come to a few thousand if my claims are successful?!?!?

I have changed telephone provider, home insurance and am in the process of switching my electricity. All of these have saved me money.

I have paid off and closed four of my smaller store cards and transferred one of my balances on my credit cards to 0%. On my debts I now pay more than the minimum payment which is something I have never done before.

I have also joined quidco and pigsback and have earned about £125 through quidco. E bay sales have made me about £90 so far.

I have changed my mobile to a pay as you go ( even the sim card was one of those free 02 ones with free texts) and my husband is going to do the same when his contract ends.

I have started to meal plan (not too good at this yet) but my heart is in the right place. The advice on the OS board is great.

I now have all my paperwork and bills neatly organised and filed. And I have a monthly soa that I refer to a lot (even just to make me feel better).

Last month I didn't use my overdraft for the firsttime ever - which is probably why abbey felt the need to send me a letter advsing i could up it if i wanted. Obviously I delclined their generous offer lol.

I have also opened up a new bank account (£50 cashback with quidco) and asked for no overdraft. How brave is that!!!!

Each of these things is quite a little thing but when I am typing them up I feel like I have done loads since I have been on this site and all of it is something that someone on here has advised me to do.

So to those people posting their soa now take note of all the advice. All the little changes add up to a more comfortable life....

P.s The only thing I ignored was about getting rid of sky - couldn't do that!!!!

domestic_goddess

OMG sorry about length of above post..... once i started it just took on a life of its on
:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

southernscouser

Well done SHM (it's easier to call you that )

You are doing brilliantly. :T

Was surprised Abbey even asked you if you wanted an increase! Normally they just do it! :eek: They must have sensed your MSE ways! :rotfl:

As for the Sky! Have you considered threatening to leave so they knock the price down for a few months?

brranger

WoW! you have done so much, Well done, Its great being a part of this community.

domestic_goddess

I love your sig brranger - Sometimes thats how i feel, save money somewhere and then an unexpected bill hits you.

SS - I contacted sky and they have reduced my bill for three months. Not bad for a five minute phonecall...... cheers

Broken_hearted

Have faith you will get your bank charges back.:D

tesuhoha

Its amazing how you start to pick up once you come on here isnt it? Well done.

Broken_hearted

tesuhoha wrote:

Its amazing how you start to pick up once you come on here isnt it? Well done.

Its wierd every month I seem to have more ways of getting/saving more money.

*Sparkle*_3

very nice to hear, keep it up and well done!!

CosmoCat

oh my goodness, you've done sooooo well.

it's inspiring to see how much you've done and how much you'll save by your efforts. congratulations. :j

LookingAhead

Well done SHM, I think you have done so much already.

Good luck with the meal planning. Once you get the hang of it you won't look back. You will feel more organised and you will save money too (I speak from experience...!).

Great to have you on board.

L.A. x