I want to be a better man

jonjamie1970

Hi Ash !
Great news, an inspiration and just what I needed to start my day, keep it going and I look forward to all your updates.

Cyril

Didn't want to read and run and wanted to say how inspirational your journey has been. Many people get loads of advice but don't have the motivation to make the changes whereas you and your OH have really treated it like a project and the benefits are showing.

Good luck.

MilneBay

Hi Ash

Congratulations on your effort so far. What a change!
I think back in one of your early posts you mentioned you have savings from your mum and dad (i.e. not to be spent). Perhaps when your fixed rate is up on your mortgage it might be worth looking at offsetting? May be more beneficial in interest than an ISA
MB

snoop2008

:beer: I have just found this thread!!! What inspiring achievements, Ashamed!!:D So glad to hear your on track and focused!!! This site is fab, just fab, the advice on here is outstanding. I know I keep saying this, but it really is.

Many years ago before I lost my Job due to disability, I use to spend like there was no tommorrow! I have one child and my income was great. Then I learned about budgeting, all those things I use to buy are things of the past. Money gone down the drain! But today I have been debt free for several years because this life of budgeting is addictive!! There are so many wonderful ways to live modestly but more happier. It's a lifestyle challenge and it's great to know your doing so well. :T Best of luck in everything you do!!!:D

donotpassgo_2

Congratulations. Not even a year has passed and you are a completely new man...you have changed your life and lifestyle...you are in charge, healthier and have purpose..well done such an inspiration. Well done for wanting to change and then to actually make the changes that is courageous.:j

Ashamed_2

Thanks All. I'm amazed really how easy it is compared to how hard it is when you are just thinking about it before doing it.

With some lifestyle changes and actually making an effort even to review what you are paying and why (even with the small things). It really adds up.

Looking back to May we were going deeper and deeper in debt as our outgoings were at least £300 higher than our joint income each month. Now with the same income we are in the green by £900 every month. Now don't get me wrong when I say in the green, I mean this is how much money we have left after everything is taken care of. Usually about £200 of that is taken up by spending over the budget in certain areas (usually childrens clothes and toys or entertainment) We still have to enjoy life right ?.
But with a good £600 - £700 a month now going towards our debts just watching that debt free date come closer and closer fills us with joy.

Thanks for the advice about using the ISA money as an offset, I'll have a word with my parents about this when the fixed rate period is close to finishing. Although the account is in my name, every penny of the money in it is thier money. I'm sure they will be fine with it. It's a great Idea. I'll look into the options and read up in the meantime so I'm tottaly clued up on the subject before I approach them with the idea

Im in a great mood today as I ran 10km at lunch time. Wouldn't of dreamt about being able to do this 12 months ago, actually only started running 1 month ago and Wouldn't have dreamt about doing it then either lol.

When my daughter tells me that somethings improssible. I'm now starting to respond. "Nothing is impossible, there is always a way to do something, you just need to try harder". I think I need a knock back to get me off my cloud 9

dreamdreamer

Wow, just read through all your thread and it's a great read - can't believe how different the tone of your posts is in just 8 months. An amazing achievement with the amount paid off so far, but more importantly a brilliant new attitude to life and money that I'm sure will see you debt free in no time at all!

toinfinityandbeyond

Wow,just found this thread,well done x
This site truly is amazing,and soooo motivational.
You should now change your name from ashamed to PROUD!
X

clare64

Ash,
Just read you amazing thread. You have worked so hard, you should be proud.
Well done you!
Clarex

secretshopper75

Great news, glad to hear things are going well and that you're getting on top of your debts as well as getting fit