Starting my journey

choogirl

Hi I am new to this site have read loads of threads over the past month and just want to say thanks, it is all very inspiring and a big eye opener. I am wanting to start my own diary as a means of keeping my head clear so that I can focus on the debt busting and studying for my accountancy exams. My story is not very exciting but seems typical of alot of people that are posting on here so here goes.

I have credit card debts of £11000 :eek: built up by a number of things the main ones been not keeping a close eye on whats going on, fancy holidays, clothes, accountancy course costs etc. I had my lightbulb moment in September but kept the balances a secret from my OH until a few weeks ago when I just broke down and told him what was going on. I was not alone in building up this level on the credit cards it was a joint effort. He was so understanding and has arranged for all the balances to be transferred onto a 0% card which we are very fortunate to be able to do.

I have made a few changes so far which are

1) Make a realistic budget and are sticking to to it
2) Keeping a spending diary - now at the point where I don't like spending anything just so I don't have to see it written down
3) Asking myself do I want this or do i need it.
4) Only going supermarket shopping once a week - my goodness what a difference that makes I could easily spend £400 per month on groceries pre LBM and now only spend £240 :j and we haven't noticed any difference to our standard of living and I still get my bottles of wine.
5) I HAVE CUT UP MY CREDIT CARDS AND ONLY PAY CASH OR DEBIT CARD - I LOVE IT!!!

I have also realised personally that I can't do the whole deny myself completely thing to pay off debts so have built a small entertainment budget in each month which is more than what we had pre LBM.

We are hoping to be debt free by the end of next year which can be achieved if we stay focused.

Thanks for reading, happy debt busting :T

choogirl

Well had a good week so far, only spent what I've budgeted for. However slightly annoyed with myself today as I have overspent at the supermarket by £4 but this is better than I was doing 3 months ago, must organise myself better next week and make sure that everything is on my list that I need.
Tonight I am going to work out my budget for December and try a few more PPI claims nothing has materialised yet but there must be something due to us from somewhere.
Trying to stay positive and concentrate on exams and work.

beanielou

You are doing so well.
Keep posting!

choogirl

Well a windy night and cold bed kept me awake half the night so feel abit like a zombie this morning.

Checked through my OH CC statement last night and found that some lowlife has made a fraudulent transaction on it so now have to get that sorted.:(

Had a good night checking the online banking and nothing unexpected there, my OH has finally got the message that we need to stop spending money. It felt good looking at a healthy black bank balance:j
Started my December budget, I feel so in control and a whole lot happier.

When I look back on my silly spending which included having to buy a new outfit everytime I had a night out, buying new clothes for the children every week I could cry. However thats all in the past now, onwards and upwards. I don't feel deprived now that I'm not doing that and can't even justify it to myself why I used to do it,maybe one day I will be able to answer that.

Well its a day of studying for my forthcoming tax exam which is now a few weeks away:eek:

:EasterBunSorry saw this on a different thread and loved it so had to use it. I love chocolate! :rotfl::rotfl:

choogirl

Had a much better nights sleep, unfortunately didn't win on the lottery. I had mentally spent the million, never mind theres always next week.:):EasterBun

choogirl

Had a good day cleaning the house, what a way to spend the weekend!
Disappointed as I haven't had a NSD day since Monday, need to get myself back on track.

brizzledfw

Hi choogirl. I find it very hard to have NSDs but LSDs are easier..maybe try not to spend more than x a day? Don't beat yourself up. You're dealing with the situation and that's the main thing..

choogirl

Hi Brizzledfw
Thanks for your encouragement, it is hard having NSD especially with 2 kids who always need something for school, cubs etc. All the spending days have been LSD apart from Thursday which was grocery shopping day. Next week should be easier I am aiming for 4

choogirl

Well no NSD today, the iron packed up whilst tackling the mountain so had to buy a new one.:mad:

Suppose I should be thankful that my old one lasted 5 years. Anyway all the ironing is done now and I am enjoying a big glass of wine :beer:

choogirl

Well a mixed week so far, had abit of a mini meltdown yesterday felt undervalued by my boss but feel much better today. Must develop more self confidence in myself and my abilities. I keep worrying about losing my job which are all unfounded but that's me a born worrier.
I worry when I have nothing to worry about:rotfl:

I redid my budget to take into account the worst case senario and can console myself that we would be ok if that happened.

Haven't had a NSD since last Monday :mad: but most have been LSD.

The tooth fairy will be visiting tonight so another pound will flutter from my purse, oh well at least there will be a happy child in the morning which is all that matters.

More tax revision tonight:eek:

choogirl

Well a very non eventful week. I am looking forward to pay day next week so I can pay more money off the balances, just feels like I'm wishing time away at the moment.
After Christmas the balances will be getting alot more thrown at them due to not having to pay council tax for 2 months that will be a nice extra £400 and 2 months of water rates that will be spare as well a nice £140 extra. All balances are now on 0% so just have to pay any tiny outstanding balances on the old cards, cut them up and cancel them with the companies. It will be sooo nice only having to deal with 2 creditors instead of 6.
Now I have to go and motivate myself to go and clean the house, I really need to organise my time better so that I'm not leaving it all until the weekend. Once my exams are out of the way that will free up an extra day.