How has this board changed your life?

msmicawber

It's shown me that there are plenty of people in the same boat as me, and made me realise that I should be holding my head up for budgeting, tackling debt and living within my means, rather than hanging my head in shame for not having more 'stuff' that other people have.

It has also given me courage to make changes to my finances where I was nervous before, using all the useful advice and anecdotal information you good people give for free. It's also made me realise that I too have useful information to pass on.

... and often given me a good laugh - thank you southernscouser, MTM, Pandas66, Fleago and various other irreverent posters!

LookingAhead

Wow I have learned so much from this board.

I have become addicted to that pay day feeling where you can't wait to pay the next instalment off your loan/credit card because I now love the feeling when I see my debt fall on my spreadsheet.

I still use a credit card but only if I know I can pay it all off when the bill comes in and there is something in it for me (in my case, Nectar points with my Sainsburys card.....I may look into something else next year!)

I have learned how to make money through QuidCo which has *really* come in handy I can tell you!

I have learned about so many people and their situations - it is, on the one hand, so sad to know there are so many of us out there in debt, but on the other we are all here to support each other and that's great. It's something that seems to be missing from 'real life' society actually...so at least we can get it on here!

Since joining this community I have learned to question what I am buying and make sure I am getting the best deal - or at least get something back! - with every purchase.

I have also learned that the pennies certainly DO count...especially when you save them all up with your 2p & 5p coins as well and pay them into your bank account every so often and it pays for food!


I do love this site immensely.

pipkin71

I now cook from scratch and have reduced my shopping budget by loads.

I check in to money saving old style regularly for recipe ideas etc and have just bought my first bottle of stardrops!

lightatendoftunnel?

It has helped me stop beating myself up for getting in such a mess!!!

Helped me focus on what my aims are to become DFW.

Gave me the information to claim vast amount of bank charges back and still going!!!!!!!

LittleL_4

It has made me realise that by watching the pennies then the pounds stack up (well a wee bit)

It also made me realise how I got into debt but most importantly it has given me the tools on how TO GET OUT OF IT!!!!!! :T :T :T

Thankyou MSE :money:

Little L
x

overbudget

Made me determined to get debt free rather than just consolidate (again!) - and for the first time I can see it happening! Plus all the excellent tips on moneysaving/making that make all the difference.

Lemon_Tree

It's changed my life, i've tried to get DF before but given up, but this time with all the support i have received and the challenges and advice i have been given i feel that i am able to make it this time.
I have set my debt free day and i think i will be able to do it, ok it's five and a bit years hence but at least it will be gone by then!
Thank you everyone for your support
Lem

motorway_2

after doing a lot of credit card tartin we are now in trouble no more lending to us
amex 5k
egg 13k
lloyds tsb 3k
capitol one 9500k
m and s 4k
loan 1 -17k
loan 2 -25k
bank acc-10k o/d
total in monthly 2100
total out monthly 2900
have applied to get loan consol on cc-no joy so we are loaded with interest and loads of debt looks like we are going to have to sell the car which we own outright thankfully pay about 10% of debts-I had an accident at work 2 yrs ago then made redundant -no insurance and cant go back to wrk because of injury which i am waiting forever for a payout and most of debts are in hubbys name who is just about talking to me as i am a shopaholic and spent on credit cards when we could not afford it .going to phone a financial advisor now. all cc chopped up. anyone looking at this DO NOT HAVE ANY CREDIT CARDS THEY ARE SO DANGEROUS. I take full responsibility for my mistakes and i will pay the price .we will possibly remortage if the bank will ok it or i have suggested we go to national debtline but my husband does not want the embarassment or a ccj against his name as he has a good record but a lot of lending obviously!!!!!!!! hoping to do some car boot sales .sell goodies on e-bay.could do with a martin day actually (make all rates today interest nothing).the thought of being debt free is a dream

Gemmzie

I've made about £100 this month for doing not alot which will come off the credit card

And I'm determined to pay off all my car insurace ASAP and start saving for next year :T

dolly_day_dream

I just realised today the difference that this entire website has made to our family life. I have always had to be careful with money and considered myself pretty good, within a very limited budget. However when my eldest son went to uni all I could offer him were good wishes and a collection of (car booted) catering equipment. He would run into debt that he couldn't handle and I would take out loans and bail him out as best I could :eek: Yes I know but when your children are involved you do what you can. Even though he has now graduated we are both still paying for those days:o

My daughter is about to start her second year, because of all the new knowledge I have gained from everyone on this site I am in a position to pay her rent:j You have no idea how good that makes me feel. Just that support means that she is overdraft and (student loan apart) debt free. This whole site has meant that I have been able to give her such a better start. Thank you.