Newbies' 10K in 2010 Challenge!! :)

KipKip_2

Hiya

It is really hard sometimes on the social life when your paying off debts. My three closest friends are all in debt to a certain extent but unfortunately they havent had their LBM yet (no matter how much I talk about it !) so they are still going out all the time, drinks after work, clubbing nights out every other weekend, booking holidays, going shopping every Saturday & want me to come too to every one. I don't comit myself to anything but will go out if it's someones birthday etc, but I spend about 10% of what i used to! Which means my bank balance is healthier, my liver is healthier and i dont have a hangover but still have a good night & keep friends happy!

My bf is very very supportive on my debt free journey, obvsiously our holidays, nights out and treats have been cut out, but we still cook nice romantic (cheap!) meals together, watch DVD's, and we are currently planning a day/night out in London using Tesco Clucard reward vouchers!

So it is tough, but when you have a goal and know that after you've paid off your debts you can do all the nice things (within reason!) it is worth it! Debt paying has become very addictive for me!!!

Talking of which:

£9.16 from amazon came into my acc today so I'm putting that in savings towards paying my loan off!

**trotts off to update sig!***

KipKip

Amatheya81

With all the bad news recently I thought I was due some good... Last time I posted I said I wished some money would magically appear in my bank... I should say that more often because today I got a letter advising me of an unexpected bonus at work!!!

I'm a very happy bunny

banwa

Amatheya81 wrote: »

With all the bad news recently I thought I was due some good... Last time I posted I said I wished some money would magically appear in my bank... I should say that more often because today I got a letter advising me of an unexpected bonus at work!!!

I'm a very happy bunny

Hurray, well done Amatheya:A

museumworker

loumac wrote: »

Just a quick question (hope it's not too personal!) - In your quest to be debt free - how much of a social life do you still have?

Good question - today I have been invited with the lovely girlies from work to a weekend away in Florence! I would so love to go, and it would be relatively cheap (£70 flights) but I know there would be a hotel/hostel for 4 nights, plus food and sightseeing monies... easy £300.

I have had a hen night, a hen and chicks night, two thirtieths (both away, one where we chipped in for a cottage) and a 70th since the beginning of the year:eek::eek::eek:!!! How I've coped is by booking ahead and taking the megabus where possible (dirt cheap, slightly depressing but saves cash), making presents, alternating drinks with tap water when out, not offering to buy rounds, wearing things already in my wardrobe, getting a better deal on the hen night meal out;)...

But of course the challenge impacts on my social life - I've just said no to a night out in a jazz club on saturday and will have to say no to the florence trip... I have a trip to Poland for a 30th in July I can't miss, and I need to prioritise that.

I try to have people over for dinner/sunday lunch to socialise, or take over a bottle of wine to a friend's house rather than go to the pub. When I do eat out it is either with an offer or at a cheap independent restaurant. I go swimming with friends once a week which combines socialising with exercise (no temptation for extra spends there either!) One of my friends has been charity clothes shopping and jumble saleing with me which has been great fun.

tlc123_2

Hi all

You're right it had gone quiet! As for the social life, I've pretty much restricted myself just to birthdays since my LBM in November. I live with my hubby to be so we don't do evenings out!

I have 7 weddings this year alone includin my own. One of my best friends that I've known since I was 5 is getting married in Cyprus - 3 weeks after I get back from my honeymoon but she's been great and understands that I won't be going. Another friend's hen do was going to be 3 nights in Brighton at over £200 before we even get there!

I also have 7 hen dos - said no to two but have managed to budget for the others. And my bridesmais have been amazing and organised me a weekend in Nottingham for mine (i went to uni there and wanted to re live my student days) and got us a bloody bargain!

Its tough being 26 when everyone bloody decides to get married the same year as me!!!! How rude!

T x

lamarsi

have the same problem just been invited to a chocolate fountain and wine evening on saturday but i work as a taxi driver on my days of so have to turn everything down, although ppl understand as i'm at uni but it is a tad boring...
new total though is £3,047.64 and i'm prob going to be the only person at my uni that leaves owing less money than when they started !!!!

loumac

Thank you so much everyone for responding to my post!

Mostly it helps to be reminded I'm not the only one in this position.

Though lots of my friends are very supportive and understanding, these are big things that I really want to do. I am definitely putting a bit by to go towards them and won't be spending too much on drink or outfits! :A

It's not forever as you say! :cool:

bloodofareptile

Another 609 off of my total please!

5,080/10,000

Also, we've paid off another credit card, and are now credit card free! Whee!!!

:j:j:j

Nottoobadyet

loumac wrote: »

Thank you so much everyone for responding to my post!

Mostly it helps to be reminded I'm not the only one in this position.

Though lots of my friends are very supportive and understanding, these are big things that I really want to do. I am definitely putting a bit by to go towards them and won't be spending too much on drink or outfits! :A

It's not forever as you say! :cool:

I know its tough, isnt it? My big killer is saying no to travel, its so hard with the world at your doorstep!

The best think for keeping socializing cheaper for me has been to switch booze for soft drinks at the bar and have lots of dinners in. I can rustle up a big dinner for 4 or 6 for less than one meal with drinks would cost in a restaurant, and you almost always get a return invitation! Sometimes you're even left with wine....

fayei

I received a cheque from Santander today for £161.87 :j (to come off CC) and i also sold my first lot of items on ebay so when i've been paid i'll add that in too!

Completed 2 mystery shops today, but apparently dont get paid for another 6 weeks...oh the joys!!

I feel like im going nowhere fast here as i've done plenty work but have to wait to be paid, down side to what i do i suppose!...on the up that means that when i get paid i can pay a big chunk off.

I dont go out much either, i have a few horses which i've had since my teens and they cost me a decent chunk so i class them as my entertainment......though its not much fun getting up extra early to go muck out in the snow :eek: