Isla's "the final stretch" diary

isla_red

I started uni when I was 17 and being 17 and stupid I quickly got myself into debt: credit card, overdraft and student loans. Despite the fact I had a part-time job and worked full-time over the summer breaks I still spent most of the time living beyond my means resulting in a £2.5k overdraft and £1200 on a credit card.

I paid off the overdraft within a year of graduation and I have just recently paid off the last of my student loans. I have repaid the initial credit card debt but I keep slipping back into the bad habit of living beyond my means. I am determined that 2010 will be the year when I am finally in the black and have set a goal date of 1st September to be free of the last remaining £1800 of debt.

This diary is mainly for me to help keep me motivated in the coming months. Tips, advice and company would all be greatly appreciated

isla_red

Forgot to bring my breakfast with me to work today (doh!) but luckily found some grapes, raisins and granola in my desk drawer. I've left the purse at home but unfortunately will have to pay for some postage later. At least I remembered my lunch!

pixiechick99

Hi there:T
Welcome to diaryland...and also to the 'What small DFW things....' thread:)
Well done on paying off the student loans....I still have mine sadly, but not earning enough to pay off yet. Mind you, I am adding to them having gone back to Uni at the age of 37;)
Keep posting on your diary:p

isla_red

Thanks milly!

I have to say I'm not having a good day today. My colleagues have come in with nice hot lunches and I'm making do with my packed lunch. I know it's not forever but I'm having one of those days where it feels like I'll never have money to treat myself again. I can't even claim today as a NSD as I needed cling film for my lunches. Sorry for the whinge, I'll try to be more positive tomorrow

isla_red

Today is a better day! :j I got up 45 minutes earlier than usual, did some housework before leaving for work and made my packed lunch. As it's Friday I have a little chocolate treat of part of my leftover Easter egg :EasterBunIt's also a NSD day, my 13th this month - yay

Kayleighpea

Hi there isla_red, I know exactly what you mean as the whole Uni experience is how I got into such a mess. Must say well done on only having that amount of debt though! Mine just spiralled and I ended up with a significant amount more! Doesn't look like my student loan will be paid of any time soon either, I have about £25k to pay off and only £5 a month is taken from my wages! :rotfl:

Anyway, good luck with reigning in the spending, I will be subscribing to ensure you keep it up!

isla_red

Hiya! :wave:

I am DETERMINED to do it this time. So many times I've come so close but slipped back to my old ways so I'm hopeful that this time the support of you all I'll keep motivated.

I know what you mean about uni, it's ridiculous the amount of "free" cash they offer you at uni then hike up the interest rates as soon as you graduate. Good luck with your journey too and remember the student loan gets wiped eventually :rotfl:

isla_red

Wow Monday again?! I managed to spend LESS than my set budget all weekend which I'm really pleased with. I had made plans to meet friends and family as well as going to the theatre so I was very worried I would slip into my old ways and just spend willy nilly.

I took my budget in cash out of my account and split it into different purses for the weekend. It made me think about what I was spending. Did I really need a cup of tea? Could I wait until the water fountain for a drink? If I don't spend this now I can have a nicer meal with friends at dinner. I think it's the first time I've ever forced myself to think about what I am spending during a big day out and I noticed the difference. I came home with change at the end of the day which I put into my sealed pot

It also shows the benefit of becoming a fan of things on facebook because I had a voucher for a free programme and free ice cream from the theatre that I had been awarded earlier in the year. Those saved me £7.

Hope everyone else had great weekends

Kayleighpea

Well done on your saving and glad you had a good weekend. It is amazing how much those small differences add up!

isla_red

The small differences really do add up. I'm just trying to change my mindset to be honest that's half the battle.

isla_red

Sorry for the double post but I've just been given my first student loan repayment free payslip in 5 years! WOO HOO!