2010 and changes for the better all round....

Karen_30

Hey there,

A bit of a late started to 2010 and a new diary but hey ho, i'm here now! So, not sure what 2010 has in store for me but all I know is it's got to be positive, positive, positive from now on and everything that happens I will have total control of and will be my decision. Main focus obviously as per normal will be MONEY but life in general itself will also be added in along the way - I don't want to start 2011 having to start a new diary - this will be it and it'll be focused and positive (as much as poss) all the way and come 2011 i'll be well on my way to debt freedom and a happier life!!

So, now the Xmas and NY period is well and truely out of the way and normality has set in I feel more settled to focus on the important issue of getting out of debt and realise that this (for me) takes more than just focusing on the figures, for me it means taking a look at myself too - i'm a bit of a money waster for instant popped to tescos today for some 'bits' and £42 later I wonder what the hell went wrong :mad::mad::mad: So, its probably going to be a case of re-training my brain on this side of things. Main thing is I know if I work hard and focus the rewards will be so much more.

So, pretty much like everyone else need to think of some kind of plan of action. I've decided to take small steps and look at it month by month basis rather than saying I am going to clear this that and the other by such and such a date - each month I will look at my wages, what I have available and what I am able to do. Obviously work overtime and so on and cut back. Lots to think about and I will pop back with some debt totals and mini plan of action asap later today...

For any of my old friends on here, look forward to catching up again and for anyone new -look forward to hearing from you and as always appreiciate anyones advice - it all helps!

K xx

Karen_30

Ok, back to update total debt figures -

November 2008 = £63,864.18

January 2010 = £45,289.40

Paid off in 2yrs and 2 months - £18,574.78:j

I'm very pleased and although not the way I wanted to do it i.e DMP for a year or so and now managing each creditor and negotiating reduced payments/no interesnt or reduced interest myself it's working and hopefully 2010 i'll pay off a nice lump sum again!

Now on to the plan of action......

Karen_30

So far this month i've managed to get things on an even keel, despite the bliming snow which had me housebound for a pretty much a week :mad: Work is cool and overtime has now started again pretty much from this week onwards :j.

This weekend OH was away and Karen played - the entire flat has been blitzed and i've updated the rooms via a trip to Ikea, Matalan and Next - now lovely and sorted and revamped I can concentrate a little more (as work from home) and get on with maintaing a happy home together with working those extra hours.

I've worked out that if I am able to work 50 hours overtime per month (12.5hours per week) then I could earn the same amount of money (perhaps a little less after tax and ni) to equal that that I pay towards my debt each month and therefore enabling me to pay off a lot more of my debt as well as have a life! Now if that's not an incentive then I don't know what is. Will start a overtime tally in my sig to keep me focused.

Anyhow, enough yapping for me. Sorry if boring anyone but just need to get it all down and this is my thread to keep myself on track more than anything!

claire0788

Karen ! Its nice to see you back again. Your totals are amazing ! Keep it up

Karen_30

claire0788 wrote: »

Karen ! Its nice to see you back again. Your totals are amazing ! Keep it up

Thanks Claire - sometimes I forget to see how well i've done over the past two years and need to remember that!

Swinstie73

Hey Karen, that's a brilliant amount to have cleared in 2 and a half years! It's hard paying debt and trying to have a life, but you seem to be managing. How's the rock climbing? I've still not tried it!

claire0788

I know what you mean Swinstie, I find it difficult because I start to feel guilty if I spend money on something other than debt.

Karen_30

Swinstie73 wrote: »

Hey Karen, that's a brilliant amount to have cleared in 2 and a half years! It's hard paying debt and trying to have a life, but you seem to be managing. How's the rock climbing? I've still not tried it!

Hey there!

Rock climbing is fab - you really MUST do it and once you get the intial costs over and done with it's a cheap and enjoyable hobby. I go at least once a week if not more when possible. I did my first 5+ climb last week and felt amazing! Started with 3 and 4 grades. Aim is to carry on climbing indoor and outdoor here in UK for most of this year and then hopefully OH and I will get to go over to Costa Blanca later perhaps Sept and do some outdoor climbing there - it's suppssed to be really good. Obviously all pending money etc.

Just had some good news, overtime is likely to be available every weekend (systems pending) until April - bring it on!!! Woo hoo!!! :j

Now must get on with some work! x

Karen_30

1. 2 loads of washing
2. Pack away laundry that is drying/dried on airers
3. Go climbing this evening
4. Eat healthy all day
5. Quick spruce of flat
6. Clear work tray by end of day

Simple tasks, must get started....

jtr2803

Hi Karen - I hope you remember me, it's been a long time since I popped on and wanted to pop back and see how you were doing

The climbing sounds very adventurous and just the thought of it is getting me into a sweat, mind you, it's so blinking cold in my office I think I will soon cool down :rotfl:

It good to hear you are still motivated and have the opportunity for OT, sending you cyber jaffa cakes for your determination :beer:

Primula

Hiya Karen
Just noticed you have a new diary when I was sorting out my subscriptions and your old one was in there. Nice to see you back again all positive. I think what you said about taking one month at a time is the way to go.
I see you speaking about OH again - I take it you are back together again? Hope everything working out for you.
P