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Trying to get Debt Free for first time in my adult life

I have always had debts since I turned 18 and the banks gave me credit!! I use to borrow off my mum all the time....but then the banks offered me a credit card and stupidly I spent it!! I married a a bloke who spent money like there was no tomorrow. Our marriage eventually broke up and we are now stuck with a house we are renting out because we couldnt sell (stupidly buying in 2007 at the height of the market !!) Anyhow I am out of that relationship and am now with a guy who is very good with money and has no debt. He doesnt know the extent of mine (knows I have some...oops).....our finances are separate for now....but we are planning to get married....just the two of us in Italy in July so I want to get debt free before then.

At present I have the following which I want to clear by June 2011.

Halifax Card - £2739 (0%) - Limit £3100
Virgin - £1183 (0%) - Limit £3000
Black horse - £130 (0%) (for a bed which will be paid in May 11)
Total - £ 4052. :eek:

I know that its not a great deal comparred to some people but it is holding me back.

Have always shifted debt to 0% cards and I had my lightbulb moment in December last year when my debt was at its highest of £6000. I managed to get down to £3500 this October but I overspent at xmas and now I am really kicking myself. I have an excel spreadsheet which tallys up everything and its a forecasting one too so I know exactly what I am spending and when. Its been grand in getting me sorted as I always know where I am. The problem is I know what I have so have been known on occasion to "steal" from the forecast for a shopping spree!!!

Today was my official lightbulb moment as I had to have my washing machine repaired to the tune of £150 and what with the overspend at xmas my account currently stands at £0.08p for the rest of the month and I have only been able to pay £30 off each card :cool:.

Completely my fault but I realise I now need motivation so starting a diary I hope will help me on my goal.

I need to get on to ebay and sell loads of stuff sitting in my spare room and start doing the surveys again.......

I also need to stop wasting my money on pointless stuff......:cool:

Thanks for reading :)

Comments

  • karenlyth25
    karenlyth25 Posts: 60 Forumite
    edited 31 December 2010 at 8:24AM
    Oh and I really need to buy a food flask to take soup to work...spend nearly £20 a week on lunches. I hate sandwiches and salads which is a nightmare......

    I cant seem to find a good cheap one...anyone have any recommendations?

    Thanks K x
  • Seems I need to lose a few pounds too!! Got on the scales last night and they told me to get off!!

    So I also want to lose 14 ibs by May which is fairly realistic.

    Happy New Year everyone!
  • clippy_girl
    clippy_girl Posts: 2,283
    First Anniversary Combo Breaker First Post Debt-free and Proud!
    Forumite
    hello! i would try asda for a soup flask. it was a few years ago since i bought mine but it was only a few £ and its really cool and spotty! tbh i dont really take mine anymore. i just take soup in a tupperware pot and heat in microwave, i even carry it over to canteen to eat with friends like that! :)

    happy new year :D
    :j:j:j:j:j:j:j:j:j:j:j:j:j:j:j:j:j:j:j:j
  • Thanks Clipy Girl...I will take a look.

    We dont have a microwave at work which is annoying. We have a canteen which costs a fortune even though the company subsidise it......:o so need something that will keep my food hot.

    Happy New Year!
    Karen
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