Hi Im new...and need advice

Rainbow83_2

Hi All

I am new and I am a debt free wannabe.

I really need some advice though as I cant stop spending I buy things I dont really need even if I cant afford them, I just put them on my credit card etc. I cant help it, its like im addicted! Also its doesnt help I have access to the internet as I am always online adding things to my Next account etc...so easily done but I want to stop and get debt free.

I have 10 months left on my BIG loan and in that time I also want to pay of my other debts (Credit cards/catalogs/store cards etc.) I dont know where to start or how to stop the urge to spend and buy things I dont need. Any advice would be great? Thanks everyone x x

mummy2mygirls

Hi i would maybe say to start a spending diary - write down everything you spend and maybe that will help you to realise you cant afford it and stop you spending??
Good luck and hope you get the spending under control. You could also maybe do a soa and see if that helps you realise that you really need to stop the spending. Try and set a budget that allows you to spend what you can afford and when its gone its gone???

Numpty_Monkey

:hello:Hi Rainbow

Helping you stopping spending is not easy,
it is upto you, we can try to help:A
Have a look at Martins
The Demotivator tool
helps you see how long you have to work to buy that thing you fancy:eek:
This might sound blunt
Credit Cards cut them up- you can't use them in shops anymore
O|nline shopping accounts - request new password, prod random keys accept and forget
(might have to phone them if it is how you make payments)
What will help us is if you do an SOA, http://www.makesenseofcards.com/soacalc.html

:A

karenlyth25

Hi Rainbow

I too couldnt stop spending but have managed to reign it in and am now more satisfied when I have paid something off my debts and knowing that February 2010 is when I will finally have the money I use every month to pay off debts, to myself.

I created a spreadsheet and listed all my outgoings (every single one) for every month for a year. I also factored in things like birthdays, christmas and other events...... everytime I spend I write it down on the spreadsheet. I know how much is left and whats coming so there arent too many surprises :eek:!! Its working fantastic for me as it motivates me into not spending when I can see in black and white what I DON'T have!!

Good luck on your quest, you are in the right place for support :T

K x

Rainbow83_2

Thanks so much for your good ideas :T

Ive just done a SOA and Ive printed it out, Thanks for the link. I have found this very useful.

Ive made a spreadsheet as well. Im am really going to try so hard to get this debt sorted. I am so happy ive found this site :j

Thanks for all of your ideas

savingmummy

Hi.

My advise would be to cut up your card. My friends are all splashing out on things they dont need and most have now taken my advise and its worked!!

Post your SOA on here we may beable to help you further.

Well done for realising you have a problem and keep that spreadsheet etc.
You need to be strict with yourself, it will be hard but you`ll soon notice the benefit from the non spending x

Horace

Definitely post that SOA here so that we can advise on where you can cut down and where you can cut out - it will help you become debt free a bit quicker.

Tixy

What sort of things do you tend to splurge on? it is clothes?

If so you could set yourself a budget for the rest of the year for all clothes and then make sure you stick to it. If you decide to only allocate say £200 for the whole year it might make you think twice before making a purchase (there is a very crazy lady (Lula) on here who has a £100 clothes challenge, which is £100 for the whole year - I couldn't do it personally but set your own limit).

Or you could set yourself a challenge to sell some of the clothes you don't wear and only use that money to treat yourself to new ones.

Depending on what it is you get carried away with different things will work at demotivating you.

Another thing I try is to look at the price tag of an item and then add on 2years of interest at the highest APR I am currently paying - thats realistically what it will cost me if I buy the item instead of putting the money to my debts, and whilst I may think some shoes are a bargain at £40, they don't always seem such a good deal at £57.

Good luck

Rainbow83_2

I spend on clothes mostly, I have things in my wardrobe that still have the label on :-( it's really bad. This weekend I am going to sort out my room and sell things I don't need and don't wear on eBay. I'm gonna have a massive sort out :-)

I will post my SOA on here tomorrow, I'm abit scared about what people might think :-( i'm silly arnt I? Thanks for all your support x x x

zarazara

Hi and Welcome to the board. Please post yuor SOA then we can see whats going where and make helpful suggestions. Dont be scared.
Cut up those cards!
have a look on the Old Style board on here theres recipes and cost cutting ideas. If you Google "Frugal" you should find several sites with insiration and ideas too about make do and mend. see it as a challenge and spend your energies looking how to make things stretch further.

zarazara

:jHi again, you can also take up challenges, like the "no more clothes for a year challenge" its fun.