What Help Would You Give To New Posters

Molanole

Sorry Jess, I should have known not to post in this thread as Molanole's thread killing ways seem to have struck once again. And it's a really really useful thread as well.

Bumping it back up to make up for being so tedious I killed the thread.

Sorry Jess.

Toto

free4440273 wrote:

"think before you shop"

I see todays must have purchase as next years food for the landfill site, it all ends up being thrown away in the end. That stops me buying things I don't really need.

mountainofdebt

Never say that a luxury is a necessity

Don't try and justify a luxury by saying that I don't go out/smoke/drink .......constantly.

Cantdance_2

Molanole wrote:

Set yourself a weekly spend limit, withdraw the set amount at the start of the week and then......

LEAVE YOUR CARDS AT HOME

Invaluable I find that one.... :rolleyes:

I totally agree - we withdraw all the shopping money for the whole month on Pay Day then divide it into 4 and stick it in sealed envelopes and wrote the date for opening on the front of each one.

This is literally the only way we can stop ourselves overspending!

No wonder we're in debt....

James

jessicamb

Another from me:

Have a look around the house - what can you raise from a carboot sales/e-bay/Amazon selling things you dont need that sit at the back of the cupboard.

laurajayne

Erm..most of mine have already been mentioned, but I'd say

- Set lots of small goals, or concentrate on one debt, so when you hit them/clear it it gives you a massive boost.

- Look at the freebies board, I've just had my Superdrug holiday kit delivered, I think of it as a treat - and no money spent!

- Join all the survey/mystery shopper/ cash back sites you can...eventually pay day will arrive

- My favourite one....tell EVERYONE! I hid my money problems away, although everyone knew lol....I've now become so much more upfront about it all, what my goals are, etc...the boost I get from my OH saying how proud he is of me keeps me trucking.

In_Search_Of_Me

Great thread! My advice would be (1) Be honest with yourself (2) Start a spending diary (3) accept that its going to take time (4) Use the support on here. (5) Ask if you want/need (6) Accept that it will take time but if you plod on you'll get there in the end & what a fantabulously wonderful day that will be!!

MCBIRNIE25

Good thread this.
My tips are :-
#step 1.Work out where you are.
*Take a sheet of paperand write down every last penny you owe.Loans, overdrafts, credit cards, storecards, HP, any other creditors.
*Don't include your mortgage, this is a form of investment.
*Add up your debts, this is your personal deficit.

#step 2 Release easy cash instantly
*Ask yourself these 3 questions about every recent purchase you have made.
*Does it add practical value to my life?
*Is the item truly beautiful?
*Do i really need it?

If you can't answer a big fat yes to al these questions sell it sell it sell it.
Use the extra money to throw at your debts.
#Step 3-Stem the flow of outgoing cash.
*Right this instant take every credit and store card you own and destroy them after switching balances to 0% if possible.
*Get out of the buyimg crap trap. Quit buying expensive treats to make you feel better.These quick emotional fixes only add to your financial burden.
*Buy only what you truly need and afford. Dwongrade if needed.

#Step 4- Pay cash. Always.
If you need to buy a household item, paying cash is the cheapest way possible. If you can't afford what you need save until you can.

This was how i did it before i found this great website.
Now I have MSEas my homepage too.

Also, buy everyone you know a copy of Martin's book for xmas, do them a favour now.

Finally smile, there's always someone in a worse off position than you, even if you don't realise it at the time.

jessicamb

Fantastic advice Mcbirnie25.

MCBIRNIE25

Thanks Jess,
trying to make up for being on leave for a week ;-)