Looby's debt diary

loobyloo1980

Hiya DFWs!!!! Not been on for ages, still busy plodding away with new baby (well, he's 4 months old now, aarrgghh). Still also doing well with the debt side of things. Just been and updated my snowball thingy and it is nicely going down Thought I would start my own blog too, as have been reading everyone elses with great interest.

Had a couple of minor set backs, but aiming to have those ironed out next month. Had to change the car as the other one was ready for scrap yard and mechanic said not worth spending any more on it. It was due road tax this month too, so instead of spending the road tax on a car that was about to conk out we traded up and got a slightly better one, still only a cheapy one, that doesn't need taxing until december and is MOTd until May. However, it has made a bit of a dent in the finances (£375) but we really need a car, can't manage without one, so it is worth it in the end and we would have had to shell out £96 on road tax anyway.

Also, the ex has been playing up with maintenance payments and has decided to take it upon himself to reduce it, so I am £50 a month worse off too :mad: Haven't adjusted my SOA though, just made the cuts off the shopping bill instead of off my debts.

Son's birthday next week and we are keeping it low key and low budget, true DFW style. No party, just some paper pirate plates at home with family, and a much reduced budget for presents to keep us floating. He is also almost out of nappies so that will save us too.

Now into the school holidays and desperate for ideas for cheap or free days out with a 6, 3 and 4 month old child. Not easy, lol.

scottishspendaholic

Hey looby,

Congratulations on the new baby? Whats his/her name?

I've been on a wee hunt for you and found this useful thread - http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=225397 - started by :money:. This will help with cheap and free things to do in the summer holidays, wherever you are in the country.

It sounds like you are doing really well with your quest to be debt free - even with having a new baby in the family and your car packing up - well done. You're definitely in the right mind frame!

Another diary to read every day - yay! Really looking forward to hearing how you and your family are getting on.

Love

scottishspendaholic x

davesgirl_2

aaaawwww your littlun is gorgeous looby:D
i know what you mean about thing to do in holidays - my 3 are 6, 3 and 2yrs. we dont drive so have to include bus fares too:eek: have spent last 2 days walking to parks/beach - at least i will be fit by the time they go back to school:rotfl:

loobyloo1980

Thanks for your lovely post. My new baby's name is Harry and he is my profile piccie thing - cutey :A

Thanks for the link, will check it out. I am lucky as I live at the seaside and the beach is free :j But everything else around here is really expensive to do as it is a tourist place. However, been to the library today and got books for the kids for free etc.

I really am in the right frame of mind for this now. I have been in debt one way or another since I was 18, but it was managable then on my income and without kids. My problems began when my relationship with my eldest child's father broke up. I am sick of being in debt now and have well and truly had my lightbulb moment in May this year really which is when I started off my snowball.

I have cut back on loads of things I used to take for granted that were not necessary, have cut back loads on the kids presents for xmas and birthdays and clothing too. I WILL BE DEBT FREE SOON!!!!!

I am going to make it my mission to come on here everyday now until I am debt free as I do better when surrounded by you guys going through the same things as me :T

loobyloo1980

davesgirl wrote:

aaaawwww your littlun is gorgeous looby:D
i know what you mean about thing to do in holidays - my 3 are 6, 3 and 2yrs. we dont drive so have to include bus fares too:eek: have spent last 2 days walking to parks/beach - at least i will be fit by the time they go back to school:rotfl:

Thanks, he is adorable :A

I don't drive either, but hubby does. I have to walk with the kids for outings too and we clock up some miles on our feet!!!!

loobyloo1980

:mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:
That is how I feel today.

Have been charged by bank for going over my overdraft limit. I know it is my own fault, as I should have been a bit more careful, but its still annoying. At the beginning of the month I couldn't access my bank online (Abbey) and couldn't get into the branch, so I had no idea what had come in/gone out for days. When I managed to get into the branch and ask if there was a problem I was told no, but that she would order me some new numbers. They arrived within a week. While in the branch I got a mini-statement and knew from the balance that something had gone wrong and that I must have gone over the limit. No letter arrived though, I only just found out when my statement landed on my doormat that I am now going to be charged £50 on Wednesday (£20 fee for going over, £30 for paying a standing order when I didn't have enough money in). What makes it worse is a direct debit came out on a different date this week than normal, and for the sake of one day I have now gone over again and am going to be charged again. Because it falls into 2 statement periods, that means £50 more in charges next month too. I am so mad right now, what a waste of £100. Thing is, I'm not sure I can argue that they are unreasonable charges coz I guess really it was my fault. Just have to be more careful in future.

Other than that, not a bad day today :rotfl:

scottishspendaholic

Hey Looby,

NO, NO, NO - these charges are UNFAIR.

Start to claim them back ASAP! I got back £884.62 last month! Visit https://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk and start the process - I'll help you!

scottishspendaholic x

loobyloo1980

scottishspendaholic wrote:

Hey Looby,

NO, NO, NO - these charges are UNFAIR.

Start to claim them back ASAP! I got back £884.62 last month! Visit https://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk and start the process - I'll help you!

scottishspendaholic x

Ok, thanks for that. I will take a look at the link :T

James240

hiya looby great to see u back and posting hun x :hello: :kisses3:

loobyloo1980

James240 wrote:

hiya looby great to see u back and posting hun x :hello: :kisses3:

Awwww thanks. It's nice to be back, I always feel more motivated when I come on here

loobyloo1980

Got my panic head on - been to cash machine and maintenance payment from ex hasn't gone in :mad: Things are really really tight this month and if his money doesn't go in we are screwed!!!! Rent is due out next week and we need the money for that - no way we can meet the rent and other bills due without it. Will give him til tomorrow and if no payment in will have to get on at him about it. He is usually very reliable but has started messing me around the last couple of months reducing the amount and changing the date etc.