Polesalot's Climb to Debt Freedom

vasseur

Just been reading a few of the diaries on here and it's struck me that it will probably help me stay motivated to clear my debt if I do one of my own Not quite as high as some peoples debt but high enough for me and for the past 2 years I have been chipping away at it and not really getting anywhere. I really want to clear it as it's holding me back. There's lots that I want to do (more of that later) and the blasted Virgin card is standing in my way and I just want rid of it.

Here goes... a bit about me - late 30s, single mum to DD who is 6 (going on 15), work full-time, enjoy running and yes I do poledancing hence the login name FOR FITNESS ONLY (no audiences :rotfl:not at my age hehe).

So what have I done today to bring down the debt?

I've done my PAD - a huge 2 quid but everything helps and at least I don't notice this. I've also registered with Virgin online so I can see the payments going in.

I've been for a run. I work in a really picturesque village so at least 3 times a week I go for a run. It's about 2 miles (but it's quite hilly) and takes about 20 mins so I just have time for a quick shower and my lunch afterwards. At least I'm not wasting money on gym membership (and I WOULD waste it). It always makes me smile when I see people on treadmills when they could be pounding the streets - so much more interesting. Still at least they aren't wasting their membership I suppose....

I had my pole class tonight. This doesn't help my debt in any way but it does keep me sane (if a little bruised). Besides being a single mum I hardly ever go out so this is my one hour of socialising a week.

Big shop day tomorrow so I've just been through the freezer and worked out what we've got in. With a little bit of imagination we have enough for meals for the week so it's mainly just fruit, veg, loo rolls and milk. For the last couple of months I've been going to Aldi and I love it. They don't have everything I need so for the missing bits I've been going to Morrisons and I reckon I've knocked about £25 off the weekly bill. I just love Aldi -for the time I spend queuing alone in Morrisons I can be in and out of Aldi. Saves me time and money!

Think that's it for now...what a lot of waffle! Off to bed to read my library book (of course!) I hope I can keep peoples interest with my daily ramblings

boredofbeingathome

Welcome to Diary land Polesalot- Good luck with your journey Bob x

pixiechick99

Hey, happy new diary:beer:
Thanks for popping in to mine, I shall subscribe to yours and keep [STRIKE]checking up[/STRIKE] popping in to see how you're doing;)

Good news on the grocery spends....it's easy to spend loads on food shopping, but now I've got a separate account for that I'm better at not buying too much:) I put £220 in each month and that's got to last. I probably could cut it down - there's only 3 of us, but for now that's my spends. Does include cleaning stuff and some toiletries.

Anyway, mustn't waffle - enjoy your diary:D:D

Different_Corner

Hi Polesalot
Grocery shopping is my BIG downfall. I try and justify the rubbish buy by saying I have growing boys, but really that doesn't hold true when I'm the one munching on a chocolate digestive.

Good luck with it.

vasseur

Different_Corner wrote: »

Hi Polesalot
Grocery shopping is my BIG downfall. I try and justify the rubbish buy by saying I have growing boys, but really that doesn't hold true when I'm the one munching on a chocolate digestive.

Good luck with it.

Hi Different Corner. Grocery shopping always used to be my big downfall too. I just really enjoy it (really must get out more...) That's one of the good things about Aldi is there just isn't as much choice as in the Big 4 supermarkets although I have to force myself to bypass the lovely continental biscuits that they do. Anyway I've done my list for today and hopefully it won't cost too much, there is only 2 of us after all. My personal best is £18.50 so hoping to smash that tonight.:T

I've decided not to go for a run today as I've got a bit of a headache. Also my trainers are literally on their last legs. The cushioned bit on the right one has deflated! I've been running lopsided. Mind you I bought them in the US in 1998! Hehe how mad is that? That's the last millennium! I think they cost about $70 so they've more than paid for themselves - very MSE. I think I've done about 300 miles in them in the last 2 years alone. Need to look out for another pair but they will have to wait until next month.

I've done my PAD for today - £1.06 and tax credits went in aswell (although I don't get very much) so I'm OK so far. So long as my maintenance goes in for the next 3 Wednesdays and no appliances go wrong in the house (they shouldn't because I think I had to replace nearly everything last year - mainly why I'm in debt ) then we'll be OK. If I can start next month in the black things will be much better.

Think that's all for now. Thanks for reading guys

vasseur

Need to get my butt in gear so inspired by Memory Girl I am going to put in more effort with maintaining the house and getting all my long put off jobs done.

To Do List for weekend

Finish grouting in bathroom
Replace blown light bulbs (why do they all go at once?)
Wipe over woodwork
Clean kitchen cupboard fronts
Change beds
Hoover upstairs
Sort through donated school uniform, see if it fits, repair if necc and label.
Clear pile of rubbish that is accumulating on breakfast bar.
Go through the tutt under DDs bed and make up charity bag.
Generally keep place tidy!!!

There. That should keep me out of trouble for now although we all know that the school uniform labelling is going to be put off until the last day of the holidays :rotfl:

MrsMoo2U

Hi Polesalot.
Good luck with your debtbusting. I too am inspired by Memory Girl and also Fay of stripey socks fame. I have a bigger debt than you but it happened all at once and for a very good reason. I started a diary myself to try to motivate myself to clear it. I too seem to spend my money on groceries more than anything else and I have very little social life so I love your idea to get out and socialise. I will subscribe and "pop over the fence" from time to time

vasseur

Welcome cherisong. I must admit reading the diaries on here makes me feel like I'm socialising anyway (without the expense of drinks hehe). I'll pop over and find your diary when I get a minute.

Must get back to work or I'll lose my job and be in even more trouble than I already am!

Laters.....

Different_Corner

Socialising in diary land is the new clubbing..honest

pixiechick99

Different_Corner wrote: »

Socialising in diary land is the new clubbing..honest

Well what party animals we all must be eh?!:rotfl::rotfl:

vasseur

Just ordered The Secret.....lots of positive thoughts....I can hear the money rolling towards me even as I type......