Pinky's Happy ever after diary! 2010

Pinky15

Hi there - others have started new diaries for this year and I too thought it would be a good idea to start afresh too.:j

So here it is - I am a mummy of 3 little monkeys, DH is finally on board with MSaving (oooh at long last) he works away an awful lot.
I work part time in a very demanding job, have overcome a bad bout of PND, completed first year of my degree and lived to tell the tale lol.

Our LBM happened last year when we were turned down for a loan as we were at the end of our credit limit. When we added everything up we were in for a shock.
Finally we have our finances in order and shop about and use loopholes for the best deals.
Now for the first time ever we are living within a proper budget.

Well we sat down and worked out that if we can pay our credit card off and stick to the budget - I can afford to give up work till last little one goes to school at which time I can find a less demanding job (hopefully!)

So in the meantime we are living on £100 per week to include food and diesal and personal spending. All overtime and money left over will come off credit card. I will update this total as I go along.

I have a pile of ebay items for which the money I make will go towards paying off my Next bill.

So any help, advice and support would be fab in helping me achieve my goal and keep me motivated. x

beanielou

Why dont you try a PAD(payment a day) to your target debt?
Its really great seeing your debt coming down
Also if i was you I would update your siggy as its not very positive.

katieclampet

Good luck pinky, I'll follow your journey with interest , and wish you well

katiex

Pinky15

beanielou wrote: »

Why dont you try a PAD(payment a day) to your target debt?
Its really great seeing your debt coming down
Also if i was you I would update your siggy as its not very positive.

Done - good suggestion thanks!

beanielou

There is a PAD thread somewhere if you want inspiration.

Pinky15

Yes have seen is somewhere - thanks beanielou - I will have a look

Pinky15

Well so far so good - a NSD! Yey! Have spent some of my cash this week as follows - £7 on fresh fruit (should last the week) £20 diesal, £10 on Next clothes (a friend got them from her VIP slot). Am feeling positive on the debt front and look forward to making a payment at the end of the month and watching the sig come down!
Have got a few things on ebay and they have watched but no bids as yet!
Looking forward to tea at mums tonight and chicken stew tomorrow so just have to defrost the chicken breasts tonight. Meal planning going well!

katieclampet

I hope your mum is a good cook! I notice you have a lot of meals with your family. I'm sure this is a good thing, for everyones budget, for your kids, and for the socialising element.

katiex

lauhen

Hi pinky15, just popping in to say a big hello, I am having 5 mins me time on the stairs (its the only place the kids will leave me alone) with a lovely hot chocolate.
Good luck with clearing the debt, we will do it, I know that I don't want the stress anymore.
I am looking forward to fridays pay as I can pay off some more, if the shifts keep coming in then I can do this most weeks, I am sure there will be hiccups though, life isn't that easy.

I might see if I can dig out stuff for ebay, I hate doing eBay though, had a sort through of kids toys before Xmas and made £300 but the hassle from it was horrible, I always seem to get the odd buyer that stalks me, they keep sending messages from the minute the auction ends. I felt like I was ebays helpline.

Anyway, I will be subscribing to see how you are getting on, good luck.

Pinky15

I know what you mean I always look forward to payday. Will be pleased when I can get the debt down a bit then at least I am seeing some progress!
Well done on the ebaying you have made some good money - I hate it too and can't stand all the wrapping and posting but hey ho will get the debt down x

Pinky15

Well havent managed a NSD today but however only bought veg and milk. I am still sticking to my meal planning and its chicken casserole in the slow cooker. Just as well really as we are snowed in and wont be going far and not have much time since kiddies are at home!
I hopefully wont lose any money though from my pay as I anticipated the snow and bought some work home and will do that tonight when little ones are in bed.
Me and DH getting on really well at the moment and I am soooo pleased he is helping with the DFWness of life it makes things easier and I feel we are working much much better as a team. ^This xmas has been our poorest ever as we didnt use the cards for it but it has prob been one of the nicest!
Hopefully next xmas we will be in a better financial position again. I have already started saving for next year and have £10 on my card already I will update this total as I go as I have big plans for it next xmas so need to save hard and my diary will help me keep track! x