Today is the Day

podperson

Hi Helen,

Welcome to the site. The good news is that like you said the debts aren't huge (although I know that doesn't make them much less stressful!) and you do have enough left over to make the minimum payments
Looking at your outgoing, council tax seems quite high, is it spread out over 12 months or 10? Gas and electric seem very high, check comparison sites and try and make an effort to switch things off, turn heating down etc. Am assuming the telephone includes internet and sky at £40? Which isn't bad but could maybe cut down to basic package, which on mine is about £30 a month for the 3 (am on cable but I think sky does a similar offer). Groceries could maybe come down a little but am assuming it goes up when the kids are staying with you Obviously the big one is the smoking and if you do want to quit then would suggest trying your gp as they can offer lots of advice and even free programmes or prescriptions to help you with it.

How long do you have to run on the car loan, and is it for the one that's currently not running? If so would you be able to sell that to pay most of the loan off (if you're managing without it now then could probably continue to do so).
Also you haven't mentioned your partner income as you want to deal with your own debt, while I do appreciate the sentiment behind that have you discussed it with him? If he is working full time and has extra money what is he doing with it, if he is saving it then would make a lot more sense to throw it at the debts. Don't want to sound like I'm prying but if he is wanting to start a family as well and this is being put on hold because of the debts then maybe he would rather contribute and therefore be able to get to that point in your lives faster.

Good luck with it!

helen1981

Ok, Im sorry its taken me so long to reply, but i have been having a good think about things, and have decided that tomorrow is the day I give up smoking:eek: wish me luck!
My other half does work full time but by the time hes paid the mortgage, all the insurances, petrol, child maintenance etc, nothing left at the end of the month for him really:(
I have made a start, Im ebaying everything I can, but I think the single biggest difference I can make is the giving up smoking.
My car loan has 1 yr left on it but once I can get it up and running again (will cost about £250 - which I havent got at the moment) I will sell it and that should be enough to pay off that loan.
Thank you all for the advice so far, please keep it coming, I find it really motivates me!

bigt1888

hi helen

if it is any consolation i have posted for the first time tonight and have been overwhelmed with the support i have received i wish you well and will keep a track on how you do as motivation

good luck!!!!!

helen1981

Thank you very much, its amazing how much the support motivates you isnt it?
Good luck to yourself too, and keep me updated on things that work for you and I will try to do the same!

Nargleblast

Hello Helen and BigT, welcome on board!

Often a spending diary helps - write down every single thing you spend, then you can see where the spare cash goes. Check out the Old style board for ideas of frugal living. For extra motivation to control your spending, join the No Spend Days challenge - currently Gentle Jump into June thread, be warned thought, you might find your laundry bills increase as you will wet yourselves laughing at some of the characters on that thread.......

tealady

Hi
As an ex smoker (a few times over) I know how hard it can be. I would suggest that you go to a pharmacy to ask about stopping smoking as I gave up as part of a groun (the leader was an ex smoker so it helped). Cost 1 weeks prescription for 8 weeks nicotine replacement thereapy.