bit of good old MSE inspiration..

Moneytroubles_2

What a great thread. Just what I need at the mo

Lowest Point - Being at work and receiving a phone call from other half while he was crying as he had tried to sort out finances and couldn't, this lead to me looking into finances thoroughly resulting in LBM, also meant that after a year and a half of plannig and with just over a month to go we had to cancel our wedding!

Highest Point - Paying off my first debt (and second and third!) and finally feeling 'in control'

Best Tip - Keep visiting the site, if in doubt ask, check online banking daily and also PAD! Also don't be afraid to contact creditors, I had letters hidden away and was avoiding phone calls and when I finally plucked up the courage to contact people it was like a weight had been lifted and not nearly has bad as I thought it would be. Finally no matter how bad things are cos sometimes they are so crappy try to stay positive and remember the saying... all you need is love xxx

barbiedoll

Hi there

Lowest point: Looking at our SOA and seeing in black and white just how much we owe

Highest point: Coming on here and realising that we're not alone.

Tip: Always have something to eat BEFORE you go food shopping!
(You'll save a fortune :rotfl:)

notanothergreyhair

What was your lowest point?

(Almost) not wanting to live.

What has been your highest point so far?

Lots and lots: My debt free day; meeting and moving in with the BF; becoming a healthy BMI; getting accepted for my grauate uni course.

Your one moneysaving tip

If in doubt then ask on these boards; someone will have the right answer and help.

Oh, and rubber up

drewdrop

Hi, my lowest was getting a back injury 3 years ago and being off work for 3 months, then the LBM of realising the huge debt I had accumulated from consolidation loans and cc's was increasing and that I was just servicing the cc's interest.

My debt free day last week, feels like I should be worrying about money but am now ok and debt free:j

Best tips, apart from MSE, stop smoking, packed work meals & only withdraw the money I need at any time

:A

v8monkeyboy

Low point: Realising how much money we owed out, and that in order to keep up the repayment amounts, both of us would have to work 7 days a week, whilst I was trying to complete a nursing degree as well.

High point: Cutting up 2 credit cards, after getting the overcharged fees back, and having managed to save up enough money to allow the OH to pursue his dreams, meaning a temporary drop in wages as he re-trains.

Tip: Save up for the things you think you really want - when it comes to it and you have to part with your hard earned (saved) cash, you might not think it's so important any more.

Spirit_2

Lowest point About 18 months after LBM when the novelty of money saving had worn off, we were having a very bad personal time following bereavement, I was not enjoying my job, our only child was clinically depressed and we had "nothing to look forward to" and the debt busting had slowed to a trickle and I was rarely looking at MSE.

High Telling a fellow poster in a PM about our loss, getting instant support that made me want to get back on here to benefit from the warmth and concern. That led me to look at some of the long term threads on Old Style and Diaries and they continue to be an inspiration to me.

Top tip If you fall off the MSE bike just get back on. If you think you are living on very little read the "Its tough now" thread on Old Style, wonder at the frugal living of Weezl and others, read Hypno's diary of optimism, personal challenge, sport, and increasing income to fund an ambitious 'fun and frolics' lifestyle. It is not a competition but you can learn from others.

SuzySu

More.....more....I want to read more....

tealady

Lowest point - having to sign away my house cos I needed to get away without a large debt.
Highest point - realizing by overpaying my mortgage it will be paid a few years earlier.
Best tip - coming onto this site, there are moneysaving ideas to suit every lifestyle and budget

Jinx

Lowest point - realising I just could not pay my credit cards and then adding up my debts :eek:

Highest point - marking debts in my 'debt' folder as 'settled' with a little Also finding MSE - a real lifesaver!!:D

MSE Tip - Teach your children about MSE.... My 18 year old is now fairly well educated money & MSE wise, uses this site and we talk money regularly. Hopefully she'll avoid the pitfalls. :T

sparklystar_2

low point: 1. Having to ring my OH and get him (and two kids) to come and pay for petrol on his CC because I'd gone horribly over OD two weeks after being paid. I was mortified that my card didn't work. When I got home I realised I'd overspent by £700 and had nothing particular to show for it. This was the first month into having a better paid job. 2. 12 months after (1) finally having LBM and realising debt was £25000 instead of £12000 that I thought it was

High point: Reducing my overdraft after having a limit of £1000 for over 10 years was great

Tip: meal plan including stuff for lunches - it saves an absolute fortune (i used to spend £60 a month buying breakfasts :eek:)