Keeping motivated

thrifty_fifty

Hi guys,

I'm a newbie, and have been reading a lot of the good advice on here. I finally discovered the reason for my problems both eating and spending is boredom, not being happy etc.

I've decided that I will stick to my new years resolution and sort myself out, slimming down both my finances and my weight, and finishing another course closer to my masters degree. It's a tall order, but I'm sure I can do it..If I stick to it I'll be 75% debt free by the end of the year and debt free by next april. However pending finding a better paying job, I could be debt free by the end of the year.

I'm finding little things to keep me motivated through the tough time ahead, I'm just looking forward to a celebratory drink at the end and a new frock that I will have saved and paid cash for.

It can seem bleak when you are directing all your money towards paying off debts, so I've decided that there can be treats along the way, but I'm trying to make them free ones.

This week is the week of the freebie toiletries. I have made it my mission to have a little bit of luxury, whilst not breaking the bank. I did pretty well today. I have free samples of face serum, moisturiser, toner and night cream, and shall be treating myself tomorrow night to a little pampering session. And all for free. I will be leaving my purse at home this week, so if I do get tempted to buy snacks, I have no means of doing it.Next weekend, I shall visit a museum in the centre of town, which is free entry. My new past time (call me sad) is watching my loan account go down on payday, after four long years I have 17 months left- I intend to pay it back early. Time to make the credit crunch bite the banks and credit card companies in the backside. They've had a cushy existence over the past few years, fleecing me for interest, and finally the honeymoon is reaching an end. I intend to have that money earning me interest, not lining their pockets.

Wishing you all a wonderful week ahead:j

DarkConvict

Inspirational post thrifty fifty, you have set yourself some well defined and hopefully achievable targets. The freebie days out sound good too, nothing i have ever considered, keeping costs down is one thing, cutting them out altogether is another

BTW, your masters course, do you have finance set up for this already, i hope to be doing one from September after i graduate in June/July. They cost about £3000-4000 a year.

thrifty_fifty

Hi,

Thanks for the post. I'm determined to get a grip of myself. I have to go hardline and leave the card at home, I have no will power.

I'm doing the masters with the Open University. I did my degree with them too, all whilst working full time- a bit stressful, but no pain, no gain hey? Good thing about the ou is that you pay as you go along. Courses are about £1050 each and you need 6 so around £6300 altogether.

I've become a big fan of the charity shop too, for when I need a little pick me up. Got four lovely vintage sherry glasses for £1.40, which should look good on the Christmas table next year.

2011 and 2012 are dedicated to saving a deposit for a house-owned one a couple of years ago, but couldn't afford to stay there after my split, currently renting a lovely cottage, but would like one of my own again soon. Should show all those doubters who think you're a lost case too.

DarkConvict

My mom has become fond of the charity shops too lately, mostly picking up little gifts for the kids. No really saving but she is in a comfortable position from previously been careful with money.

That seems alot for a MSc/MRes degree. The masters comes in 3 parts not 6, or at least for computing they do, Post graduate certificate, Post graduate diploma and then post graduate masters. I'm sure you have looked this all up already though. I pay as i go though too, but if you pay all in one you get a 5% discount.

thrifty_fifty

Hi, The courses are 30 credits each and you need 180 for the masters, so this is where the 6 parts comes from.Still clearly weak, as I took my card in today to buy paracetomol for the lovely cold that I finally caught from the office. Did a naughty thing and wandered round the shops. Spent £6-£5.50 can be used as a present though for later in the year, but still feeling ashamed. Will definitely leave it at home for the rest of the month. Payday seems miles away though