What are you doing to get debt free .... join in!

DeniseNZ

Joined MSE;
Read Martins book;
Put all insurances with one company - good saving there;
Sold car - didn't need two vehicles;
Menu plan using weekly specials;
Have got some things sorted to auction online;
Increase my working hours when able to.

I know there are still other things I could be doing - getting there slowly :T

newleaf

Further to my previous post, I have been experimenting with laundry powder quantities and mixtures for a few weeks now. My findings are that I can get a perfectly clean and fresh smelling wash with 50mls of powder - which is less than one third of what the manufacturers recommend. I live in a soft water area, so it may not be the same for those of you who live elsewhere, but I think it's worth a little experimentation. I am using the 3 powder laundry mix - currently equal parts Bold 2-in-1, Bettabuy Biological powder (Morrisons cheapo range) and Soda Crystals, all mixed together in a huge plastic bin. I have forsaken fabric softener more or less altogether - apart from occasional hand rinsing of underslips (to stop them walking up round my waist ). I'm also pleased to report that my washing machine drawer is as clean as a whistle since I stopped using fabric softener (no more black slime). This must be saving me a fortune. Prior to lightbulb moment I used the recommended amount of premium brand powder, plus fabric softener, routinely in at least 6 washloads per week.

CAFCGirl

Just to add have written up letters to all store cards/credit cards who I've got PPI with to cancel it.........

Lining rabbits cage with newspaper so dont use as much sawdust, and doesnt smell so much so doesnt need changing all that regularly.

Am also debating going veggie.........

severussnape

wow

what a great thread and fantastic read


since I last logged on we have sold our car ( mondeo st with finance ) got a scenic with lower insurance and tax.

joined the library

cut down on spending on stupid stuff

cut down shopping bill

both of us have payg mobiles but very rarely use them

told the kids no when we are out shopping ( most of the time try to shop without them)

in general stopped being bloody stupid with money

but that still hasn't stopped us having to go bankrupt after trying a dmp ( with only one of our creditors freezing the interest)

good luck to everyone trying to cut back

:rotfl: :rotfl:

Jaymz

Since my lightbulb moment I have done the following:

- Switched my loan to a cheaper rate (from Barclays to Nationwide)
- Cancelled my other credit card and cut it up (Barclaycard)
- Gone from contract to PAYG and back to a cheaper contract again (will save me money in the long run)
- Taken lunches to work
- Started using MS Money
- Set myself budgets and spending goals

MCBIRNIE25

I have done all the usual stuff also am really good at amazon. Bought a book on being a full time amazon trader the other day and sold a 25 quid book 2 days later which covered the cost.
I love quidco, not used pigsback yet so i must start on that one.
I also have joined several mystery shopping companies.
Good thread this.

newleaf

I have joined Quidco today, but as I'm trying not to spend anything I don't know how much use it will be. Still, better 'in' than 'out', surely?
I have also registered with a mystery shopping website, which is quite exciting and I can't wait to be called up!
I'm really getting into this moneysaving lark!

lightatendoftunnel?

Since coming on this site and my lightbulb moment, I am now back in control of my finances.
I have: Started re-claiming my bank charges
Joined several mystery shopping sites (had four jobs so far)
Joined pigsback saving points for boots voucher
Joined several survey sites (have just tried and tested hair conditioner)
Stopped impulse buying.
Reduced shopping budget vastly
Preparing to do car boot sale
Check bank regularly (never use to, just tried to blank it out)
Joined some nursing agencies
Walking more to save on petrol and help lose weight.

This is just basicly what i am doing, it feels good and i much more chilled out.
This site has been fantastic helping me get through some rough days. Good thread.

looneyleo

Well done to you all...MSE is brilliant...

few things I've done in the last six months or so:

changed current account to A & L - £50.00 cashback for me and £50.00 for dad
check bank accounts EVERY DAY and keep strict money diary
"stole" £200.00 (legally) from Barclays by opening accounts and closing them.
£20.00 voucher and 1 month free dvd trial from screenselect.
won £81.00 from a free bet from MSE chatforum :T
changed utility provider for gas/elec saved £25.00 pm
loads of freebies...
reduced monthly food shop by £100.00 - still some way to go
halved use of dishwasher tabs and wash powder
switched to Amex platinum card and now pay everything on this for 2% cashback
use every trick in the MSE book to save money on all insurances
Properly save monthly for Christmas, birthdays, holidays, car expenses and insurances. This really hurt at first but we are getting there. I have savings accounts everywhere!
Opened ICICI Hi-Save accounts to get the most interest
Installed 2 water buts to save money on water meter. dont use hose pipe at all. Also energy as efficient as possible
constantly on the look out for reduced presents/gifts all year
Buy clothes from charity shops
Biggest thing - husband given up smoking - day 13. Saving £5.00 per day in "Cash not Ash" jar. Have a weeks holiday in October. If he keeps going we will have enough to go abroad:j

BUT STILL TO DO!

Get stuff sold on ebay!!! Lots and lots of baby/maternity/odds and ends to sell
Review mortgage - No CC debt or overdraft but this is very hefty and need to get best deal possible.
try to claim mis-sold endlowment policy
Apply for Egg card when can't use Amex
Get to grips with Quidco
use ISA allowance
And...probably unusually for the DFW board - treat myself every now and again...we are in a good financial position comparied to many - we both work very hard and stay in control of money - AND I CAN AFFORD A £20.00 DRESS FOR A WEDDING FROM EBAY!!!!!

Good luck to you all and keep going!!!! Looneyleo:beer:

john_kent

I actually got a job that paid £75 per month less.

BUT , thye pay my fares to work and I am also getting a company van on Monday , as it i smore economical for them.

So , I dotn even have to pay fuel to the train station anymore. I am going to sell the car and downgrade to somethign with a smaller engine..

So reckon i will be around £200 a month bette roff when its all done