My "life begins at 40....better late than never diary!!"

Snowdonlily

First of all I'd like to say Happy Christmas to everyone!!

I've been reading all of your posts for about a year and even though I made a half hearted attempt at starting a diary a few months ago, despite all the inspiring stories I've read on these forums..................I've just managed to make things worse............not only is my debt expanding..........so is my waistline!!

Sooooo, I've decided this is it................2010 is going to see a new me with a smaller waistline and larger bank balance (once I've paid my bills anyway). I've spent so much money on clothes these last few months just to make myself feel better, when I have a wardrobe full of lovely stuff that just won't fit me any more!! (I'm typing this with a box of Lindt chocolates beside me..........once thats gone its no more chocolate!)

I've also finally told my husband how much I owe on my credit card bill......not what I wanted him to know, but the REAL amount. Its going to be a struggle but I know I can do it.

I'm a mum of three boys aged 20, 17 and 14. My eldest is at Uni and I'm so proud of his hard work ............. but I don't want him to graduate next year thinking that debt is ok..........so I'm going to lead by example.

My spending too much has caused no end of arguments between myself and my OH (who is extremely careful with his money) so if I can get myself debt free that would make life argument free and so much easier!!

So, tomorrow I will post details of all my debts (but not my weight.....I'm not going to post my starting weight until I reach my target!)

Oh yes!! I forgot to mention one thing............. I celebrated the big 40 in October so this is it..........."Life Begins at 40........better late than never!!"

Snowdonlily

I found a wallet today! I went to see my parents this morning and just outside their gate was a black wallet with £132 in cash and some suspicious looking blue diamond shaped pills!

I'm glad to say the thought of keeping the money only crossed my mind for a split second and the wallet was duly handed in at the local Police Station. The nice young PC informed me that if the wallet was unclaimed in a months time, I can claim the money (but not the pills!!).

If I'm honest, the money would be very handy against my bills, but I hope the owner goes to claim it...........I'd hate to lose that amount of money..........mind you, if you had a wallet full of pills........would you go to the Police Station to look for it..?

Other than petrol to visit my parents, I haven't spent anything today. I've also decided that I'm going to avoid the sales this year, but I don't think this is going to be easy when the boys have Christmas money burning a hole in their pockets.

I'm going to go and do some sums now and then maybe I can figure out how to update my signature!

HAPPY BOXING DAY!!

Lemon_Tree

well done for starting a diary afresh, and don't feel bad about going back in a months time to see if the money has been claimed, if it hasn't at least you can have it with a clear conscionse (ok i've tried spelling it about 20 ways and they're all wrong).

penguin83

Hi snowdon welcome to diaryland. I agree with LT definitely go back in a months time and see if has been claimed - you have done your part in trying to get it back to its owner.

Well done on coming clean with your OH about your debt and heres to a great 2010 x xx x

spendtoomuch

Hi would love to join you on your journey. I too am 40 in Feb, mum to 3 boys, need to make 2010 the year this fat comes off and have a DH who i very good with money and tears his hair out with how I spend!! My lovely great uncle died in November leaving me some money, some of which I will get in March and the rest when the house sells. Due to the size of my silly debts its not enough to pay them all but will make a good dent in them, so my challenge is to pay the rest off and NEVER do it again. Second challenge is to get back to Slimming World and lose this fat and go to the gym at least twice a week (preferably 3). Well done for handing in wallet and I hope you get it back, let us know!

Good luck to you on your journey and I will keep reading. x

macgirl

Hi Snowdonlily :hello:

Can I join the Fat-free/debt-free at 40 with spend-thrift husband's club?!
You sound like me. I got OH to buy me a copy of ZEST magazine today to boost my fitness plans and here I am, sat munching on a box of chocs! :rolleyes:

Well done :T for handing in the wallet - that is good Karma and will wing it's way back to you at some point :A

All the best with your journey, Mac xx

Snowdonlily

Well, here I am again.......another day and I haven't spent a thing! I haven't had too much temptation though as I haven't been anywhere!!

I have another week till I have to go back to work and I'm going to do as little as possible until then.

Thank you macgirl, spendtoomuch, penguin83 and Lemon Tree for your replies........its really nice to feel part of something and know that I'm not the only one who likes eating chocolate and spending too much!

I've got a feeling this is going to quite a fun journey (but also hard work) and you're more than welcome to join me.......... I'm absolutely sure that 2010 is going to be the year we make some changes (for the better this time).

Spendtoomuch - my husband also tears his hair out at my spending - another reason to change ( he doesn't have much left to tear out!! ).

I have had a few chocolates (and jelly babies) today but I haven't had any wine tonight or last night. DS2 and DS3 both work at a pub/restaurant a couple of miles away...........so they'll need picking up about 10pm.

Had a good morning today..........I went through all my clothes and sorted them into piles......one for the charity shop and one for ebay. I've listed about 20 items on ebay this afternoon and managed to log off without bidding on anything.

I've already got one watcher on a lovely dress I never wear so fingers crossed they'll sell!

I'm off now to read some of your diaries........some of these are so inspirational and really funny.

Before I go............does anyone know if you can freeze turkey leftovers? I think my boys need a turkey break for a few days!!

spendtoomuch

haha my DH does not have much hair left either(!) probably as a result of all my spending. Its good therapy staying in - I cannot believe I have not spent a penny for four whole days!! I am bored now though and need to go back to work. I go back Wednesday which is when I plan starting the diet. My mum is 60 new years day and we are going out to eat but gonna try and choose wisely! Did not buy too much food for Christmas so its nearly gone but still got 3/4 bottle of Baileys left and that stuff is lethal!! Need to finish it quickly. You have inspired me to start a diary which I have done today. Looking forward to catching up again soon on yours. x

beanielou

Happy shiney new diary
Keep posting!

Snowdonlily

Thank you beanielou
I'll definitely keep posting this time!

Snowdonlily

I got a bottle of Baileys too spendtoomuch but MIL came round last night so that one's gone.

Just off to pick up the boys ........then I can have a Babycham!!