Good idea?

louise30_2

Do people find writing their debt free diaries helpful.

Is it best to just write one yourself or is it best to post it? What do you all think.

I have fallen off the money-saving wagon massively this last couple of weeks.

I looked at my bank account on line today and was horrified to see how many switch transaction I had made in places like Tesco - it quickly added up to more than £100 --eeek!

I need to do something to get back under control and fast.

I have spent this week's £10 budget already, so can't have any more money until Sunday - apart from food shopping on Friday (£10).

I am going to sort out a couple of expenses claims I am owed over the next couple of days and get that all banked as soon as possible.

So I was just wondering what tips you have for getting back on the wagon - and if the diaries really help?

Floss

I keep my current account balance updated with a spreadhseet - one day I did a similar thing with Paypal & nearly died! Have now stopped buying on Ebay unless I have money in my Paypal account.

I wouldn't have worked the scary figure out if I didn't keep the spreadsheet- which is like a spending diary as I hardly ever use cash.

PeachPickle

Hi louise

I've got a spending diary, a dfw diary, a spreadsheet with monthly incomings/outgoings and a spreadsheet with all details of my debts that is updated monthly. It might be overdoing it a bit to have 4 separate things, but it helps me! On the spending front, if I buy something stupid I have to write it down in three places so it helps shame me into not wasting money! The debt spreadsheet is a good motivator, I can see exactly how much I owe, look at it reducing, look ahead etc

I'd recommend you start with a spending diary. Just get a cheap little notebook and write down every penny that you spend. It'll help you see where you're losing your money

good luck

louise30_2

Oh I have done that loads of times!!!!

It lasts for a few weeks and then I forget about it.
But I only allow myself £10 spending money and for the last three months I have stuck to it no problem - it's just the last 10 days or so.

I think it is because I have been out of my normal routine.
My gran was ill so I have been travelling 2 and and half hours each way to see her a few times.
I took a week off work and ended up seeing more of my mam (and thus spending money)
And I had and interview for a job I didn't get so spent to calm my nerves before the interview and while I was waiting to hear and then to cheer myself up for not getting it!!!1

lazy&indebt

A spreadsheet is definately a good idea!! On mine, I have a month by month (until the end of the year) SOA so I can see when things like my car tax/insurance is due or which months I may have to pay out for birthday presents. I have a section where I've done all these fancy pants sums to work out how much tax and NI I would pay if I were on £xxxk per year (incase i get a pay rise!!) and how many miles I can get out of x amount of petrol at current prices. I also have a section that details my debts, how much I owe, how much I pay every month how much I will owe at the end of each month until my DFD, how much money I will have spare (an SOA) when I owe nothing (great motivator!) how much money I have spent on food and petrol since the beginning of the month, a transaction list of how much has gone into my ISA and on which dates and finally, a line graph that shows debt vs savings over the next 4 years.

I am obsessed!

elantan

anyone got amy idea where i cam get a spread sheet from ..don't know how to work one yet as i've never had to before ..thanks

In_Search_Of_Me

Hi there! I couldnt do without my spending diary & in it goes everything that comes in & goes out then I have a separate one that I fill in monthly to show wheat money has gone where, how much debt I've paid & how much is left. Really helps (a) Curb sending (b) See where money is going & where I need to cut down (c) Encourages me as I see debt go down, savings/card repayments go up! Try for a month & see how you go! Microsoft have a good spreasdheet but I chose ye olde pen & paper as saved on printing ink!