What would you do differently? (SOA inc)

IWantToBeFree_2

I sympathise with you on the clothes buying expenses - I am doing WW and find that my clothes don't fit me for very long and I end up wearing baggy clothes that make me look like a sack of rubbish so would splurge every so often. I offset this by selling the clothes that no longer fit me on ebay, as I don't wear them for very long they are usually in good condition and almost pay for the clothes I then buy.

I stick to buying cheapish clothes (New Look, DPs), I would hate to be spending loads on clothes for them to not fit me in a few months time.

ms_london

I think £451 is not a bad amount to have left after your debt repayment, at least you are not in minus figures.

There is no budget for your groceries and daily spends? What do you think a realistic weekly budget would be for you?

I would try and pay off your debt with the APR first of all. Certainly more than £11 each month, as I am sure you can't be getting anywhere with that sum when the interest is put back on? If you could throw £200 a month at this credit card, it would take 2 months, then you can pay the 0% overdrafts off at a more leisurely pace without paying back more than you need to. Obviously it depends on what you can afford, but if you are frittering away £400 on 'nothing' - £200, and as said, for only 2 months, would be dooable. People tend to stay in in January and not do as much socialising, so it's the easiest time to get on the bandwagon in a way, as it means you are not really missing out on any fun.

Is your OH paying £100 a month for the holiday too? Where are you going? Must be somewhere exotic?!

I've always allowed myself £50 a week for groceries and misc spends, but to be honest, even knowing that I'm not getting anything for that money and just essentially 'wasting' it, makes me want to cut it back even more. Or you could budget that, but if you don't spend it, 'roll it over' to the next week, or put it towards your credit card.

xx