Newbie and in need of advice please

dollybeads

Gingerjar wrote: »

Hi Doll (if I may be so informal!)

The OS forum holds all the old style threads which are full of things like how to meal plan, how to make your own yummy takeaways, recipes, preserving etc. It's a make do and mend heaven but not dreary or worthy. It will make you save money in ways that you will have never even thought of. You also don't have to be a domestic goddess to do the stuff either.

Though I did have to refuse the suggestion of washable loo roll made out of old rags :eek:

Keep on trucking and do ring the bank to find out what hey are charging you for - don't forget you're the customer and you're allowed to enquire about your own money. Ok rant over

See you soon
Gx

Well hello Ginge (if I may be so bold)

will defo look this up, I am lucky as my partner is thrifty beyond belief with everything and this helps a great deal and makes me realise just how materialistic my life has become, he also doesn't eat much and complains about the amount of good quality food we throw out each week. Thanks for the suggestion and here's to a good weekend for everyone x :beer:

dollybeads

gem68 wrote: »

hi dollybeads,
just wanted to say how lovely it is ti hear someone so enthusiastic and positive at their LBM.
you seem to be making a cracking start-well done and good luck
i love the old style board,and also the health and beauty board!bid savings to be made there too.
will watch your progress with interest

Thank you I am gaining a lot from all the positive comments on here, I guess the hard work is really not just doing all the big stuff but also tackling long standing bad bad habits and addressing my apparent need to buy new stuff all the time and expensive new stuff at that, ie Iphone, Macbooks, etc etc, only the best will do. Well yes but it comes at a price and its this bit I seem to have had no concept of so far!

Will also take a look at the health and beauty board, as have spent near the national debt up to now on cosmetics, perfume, very expensive haircuts. As I am typing this it is really dawning on me what a financial prat I have been. enough of the negatives, will start focusing on the positives and what I can put right.
As always thanks everyone for all the support and suggestions, it has real effects. :T

tallyhoh

dollybeads wrote: »

Well hello Ginge (if I may be so bold)

will defo look this up, I am lucky as my partner is thrifty beyond belief with everything and this helps a great deal and makes me realise just how materialistic my life has become, he also doesn't eat much and complains about the amount of good quality food we throw out each week. Thanks for the suggestion and here's to a good weekend for everyone x :beer:

Throwing good quality food away:eek::eek::eek: Quickly to the money saving old style board:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

dollybeads

tallyhoh wrote: »

Throwing good quality food away:eek::eek::eek: Quickly to the money saving old style board:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

I'm off there for the weekend!! Much better than the usual afternoon in the pub!! :beer:

Gingerjar

:T Hey Doll

Well you seem to be rocking and rolling along with the positive attitude.

And yes, it's never bad enough for washable loo roll - just don't let your thrifty partner know or he might start cutting up old teatowels :rotfl::eek:. Don't worry I'm now going to stop talking about this and will never mention it again!

But as the other posters have said, the OS board is great for stopping the throwing away of good food. Re your iphone and technology yearnings, I know what you mean but it's amazing how I came to realise that buying "stuff" and getting into debt was taking away real choice in my life and adding to the lack of control I felt.

Anyway, smug moment over - hope you have a great afternoon and weekend x

dollybeads

Gingerjar wrote: »

:T Hey Doll

Well you seem to be rocking and rolling along with the positive attitude.

And yes, it's never bad enough for washable loo roll - just don't let your thrifty partner know or he might start cutting up old teatowels :rotfl::eek:. Don't worry I'm now going to stop talking about this and will never mention it again!

But as the other posters have said, the OS board is great for stopping the throwing away of good food. Re your iphone and technology yearnings, I know what you mean but it's amazing how I came to realise that buying "stuff" and getting into debt was taking away real choice in my life and adding to the lack of control I felt.

Anyway, smug moment over - hope you have a great afternoon and weekend x

Hey Gingerjar thanks for that, and especially not mentioning the recyclables!!
I am a real sucker for anything technie...........but as you say it really isn't worth it. Have put into practice some good habits today. No parking charges today when in town, parked further away and walked, instead of up to £11 in parking (if you can believe that). Bought a sealed money tin and some notebooks (from the pound shop) to save and record all my spending, plus for the first time ever to do a shopping list for groceries and a plan for the weekly menu. have a had a look at the OS board and lots of great advice. We are eating out of the freezer and storecupboard all week so no more spending on food. Normally it would be a takeway or meal out and some copious amounts of drinking Friday, Sat and Sun! today instead picked up some slim line tonic and using up the gin in the cupboard. I have never ever before thought like this. Through reading up in DFW it really reinforces your LBM. Off now to do some ebaying, am going to set a challenge of making £1000.00 in 2011. long may it continue.
Thanks for your support.
Have a good weekend

Ps forgot to add, took two pieces of new clothing back to the shop and got a refund, bought before Christmas and really don't need. £55 back in the bank, plus just mended a pair of jeans instead of buying a new pair. My halo is positive glowing today. x

May2013

Hi Dollybeads

Like you I'm new to this forum but not so new to tackling my debt. The advice and support that you're getting here is just brilliant and I have picked up loads of tips as I've read through this thread.

You look to be off to an amazing start and with your positive attitude there's no doubt that you will be a winner. I have learnt to view my debt as a challenge not a burden...what doesn't break us makes us stronger....I think Gingerjar makes a great point, tackling debt is about regaining control!!

I look forward to hearing about your progress.
Keep that halo glowing

xx

katsu

Hi Dolly,

Tip on the beauty front: look for a college of FE near you that teaches health and beauty. It will run a salon where you can get supervised treatments for a fraction of the high street cost. Try one near your home or work and see what you think of the haircuts and beauty treatments for lower prices. In my experience it is a slower treatment than an experienced beautician/hairdresser would do, but that is why you save money, and you can at least relax for the extra time

If that isn't for you, then look for a hairdresser in a cheaper area. I travel to my hairdresser but try to combine it with seeing friends.

Also - make sure you are using nectar, top cashback and quidco for your online shopping (where you need to get things). For example I spent £4 postage free on ebay for the same product I'd pay around £7 for in the hairdressers, and I got about 30p in cashback via TCB!

Look at challenges like no buying toilettries until you've used the current ones up or the £100 a year clothing challenge.

Have a good wardrobe sort out and ensure you have clothes you really enjoy, then live in them and replace them when they are worn out, don't just keep adding to your stash.

Really pleased how fast your lightbulb has been working on you.

All the best.

dollybeads

May2013 wrote: »

Hi Dollybeads

Like you I'm new to this forum but not so new to tackling my debt. The advice and support that you're getting here is just brilliant and I have picked up loads of tips as I've read through this thread.

You look to be off to an amazing start and with your positive attitude there's no doubt that you will be a winner. I have learnt to view my debt as a challenge not a burden...what doesn't break us makes us stronger....I think Gingerjar makes a great point, tackling debt is about regaining control!!

I look forward to hearing about your progress.
Keep that halo glowing

xx

Bless you, (I am not the religious type but like the sentiment of this saying). Before I saw your post on here had been reading your thread too! Well done you Have just now put on 20 items onto ebay and will be putting lots more on tomorrow. I can't tell you what a wake up call this has all been for me. My whole life I have been quite fortunate and never had to worry about money (I have always had a good job and a reasonable supply of money). However, despite telling myself this, the reality is everything I have ever bought has been on credit, I currently shell out £1800.00 on debt and mortgage per month. £1000.00 of this per month is unsecured debt, this is absolutely mental. Especially when i think what i could do with £1000.00 per month if i were saving that. I have nothing much to show for it either apart from tons of unworn and unwanted clothes, shoes, techie gadgets, you name it I have got it. (mind you good for getting on ebay now). I have finally realised you can only fill your life up with so many material things. Sadly no amount of "things" makes me feel any better about myself.

I am really so appreciative of this sight, I have never discussed any of my worries with anyone, so thank you for reading my threading and giving me a little of your time. I am a sponge at the moment soaking up all these good vibes and sound advice.

Keep in coming and good luck to you too. I will keep up with you on your thread
Dolly x :T

dollybeads

katsu wrote: »

Hi Dolly,

Tip on the beauty front: look for a college of FE near you that teaches health and beauty. It will run a salon where you can get supervised treatments for a fraction of the high street cost. Try one near your home or work and see what you think of the haircuts and beauty treatments for lower prices. In my experience it is a slower treatment than an experienced beautician/hairdresser would do, but that is why you save money, and you can at least relax for the extra time

If that isn't for you, then look for a hairdresser in a cheaper area. I travel to my hairdresser but try to combine it with seeing friends.

Also - make sure you are using nectar, top cashback and quidco for your online shopping (where you need to get things). For example I spent £4 postage free on ebay for the same product I'd pay around £7 for in the hairdressers, and I got about 30p in cashback via TCB!

Look at challenges like no buying toilettries until you've used the current ones up or the £100 a year clothing challenge.

Have a good wardrobe sort out and ensure you have clothes you really enjoy, then live in them and replace them when they are worn out, don't just keep adding to your stash.

Really pleased how fast your lightbulb has been working on you.

All the best.

Thank you thats a really good suggestion, had forgotten about the colleges, and yes there are a number near home and work, they also have a fantastic restaurant, so will give that a go for a night out instead of the usual expensive set up.

The no buying toiletries is a great one, I have tons of the stuff as I suppose most women do, many bottles half used, its rather pathetic that when I buy something new I can't wait to use it and the half empty bottle goes in the cupboard, (whats that all about)!

Have discussed half my debts with my other half today, who is both very thrifty and supportive, bless him too :kisses3: he has never had a debt in his life. Will fess up to the rest when I feel able.

Will defo have a look at Quidco and the cash back sites, never used anything like that, but as those tesco types say, "every little helps".

Many thanks for your helpful advice.

Best wishes for a great weekend, lots on ebay today and more tomorrow...............

dolly x