Dollys' Discombobulated Debt

dollybeads

Hey Ginge

When I first heard about the freezing of credit cards in a bowl of water it made me laugh out loud :rotfl: my OH is looking after mine for me as I would not have the courage to ask him for it to spend on, as it would be too embarrassing (after having got him on board with all the thrifty ways and saving saving saving).

But it is a constant challenge and the urge to spend is still quite strong. Pre MSE i used to reward myself whenever i was feeling a bit down with a treat of some sort, usually a new piece of clothing or similar, and usually quite expensive. I am now having to find ways to "reward" myself with no spend things, like a lovely hot bath and a bit of home style pampering. I also in a perverse sort of way, quite like the constant challenge of not spending, it does feel good when I can resist (long may it last).

Heres to another spendthrift week, hope you are having a good one. Dolly x

dollybeads

Just want to record on here, that have just had a close shave with the CC spending, just about to order a case of wine for my lovely OH to be delivered on Valentines day, got all the way through QUIDCO with my voucher code and cashback, then suddenly my MSE head kicked in and stopped.

I have been feeling a little flat lately as no exciting big money saving things are happening, so thought I would treat him (buying for others has always been a problem for me). The cost even with cashback and discount voucher would have been about £50.00, which I can't afford to not be putting that towards my debts.

Have decided instead, will buy one nice bottle of wine for him and if a nice evening on Monday, will take a blanket, wrap up warm and go and watch the sunset over the cliffs nearby on the beach with the wine. Saving about £45.00 in the process.

It was a close one so the spending elves are still out there looking for me.

Dolly x

backinbusiness

Hi Dolly

Well, well done on going for the MSE option. You embarked on the MSE route with such passion and enthusiasm that once you'd sorted the big things out, progress was bound to slow down a bit. I remember feeling exactly the same way. Cutting your bills by several hundred pounds gives you a great buzz - saving 20p here and there on a day-to-day basis doesn't give you the same rush I think, BUT you are still going in the right direction - so don't lose heart.

The fact that you abandoned your purchase shows that you really have changed mind set!

On another (more selfish) note, I have been asked to do some extra hours at work to cover maternity leave. The old me would have rubbed my hands together in glee and gone splurging in anticipation.

MSE-me plans to save the extra income in an ISA, retrospectively.

How things change!!

Keep the faith Dolly - you're doing great.

BiB x

dollybeads

Hey BIB

Well done you on the saving in a ISA, I know exactly what you mean, I still have that feeling of yippee extra cash to spend, whenever I do a bit of overtime or additional private work, and have to reign in my thinking that this is still great, but will go towards debt payoff, doesn't contain quite the same thrill but when I make an overpayment it does give me that buzz, and one day soon, it will go into savings just for me and my family, just like you Yay.

Your story is an inspiration so thanks for posting, just what I needed to tonight. As you say, its a bit harder saving on the little things all the time, but its moving in the right direction that matters.

Best wishes to you, Dolly x

choogirl

Hi Dolly

I've just read a similar post on another diary about feeling disheartened with it all. It does get hard at times but its important to remember that all the small money saving ideas do add up. The bigger picture will be achieved in time, just keep reminding yourself what you have managed to do so far.

Whenever I have the urge to spend money I just remember the awful feeling at my LBM and the money stays in my purse.

I love your idea about going to the cliff with a bottle of wine to watch the sunset. How romantic, its a much nicer gesture than just buying a present!
I am going to cook my lovely hubby a nice dinner!

Enjoy your Valentines Day xx

dollybeads

Bless you thanks Choogirl, thats what i really love about this site, just when you feel like you are flagging a bit, some kind soul comes along and gives you a little pat on the back, it makes such a difference.

You are of course absolutely right, its the long term small daily things that make the big difference, it has reignited my determination not to use my cc, i have seen others who have cut theirs up. The thought is a bit scary, but maybe thats what I need to do also!

Anyway, enough of that, its Friday, its the weekend soon so have a good one y'all, and a MSE one of course!

Best wishes Dolly x

dollybeads

Just wanting to bump my goals from a couple of weeks ago so that I can remain focused:

Earn an extra £300.00 per month to put towards debt (ebay sales now at £330.00 so far since mid Jan, plus some overtime this month so hope to achieve this by end of Feb)

Bite the bullet and get my house on the market (long story of dysfunctional relationship with my ex husband who is still living there) (Trip to Estate agents this weekend)

Speak to Ex H to discuss terms of divorce, and get it sorted!! we have been apart nearly two years and have not so far had the courage! (courage still lacking but working on it)

Save £185.00 per month towards annual expenses, Christmas, car etc etc (done for Jan and Feb, but had to use it as unexpected bill this month bbboooooo)

Look for cheaper deals for Gas, Electric, Water, insurance etc (going to do this today) (Didn't do this that day, but earmarked for the weekend, i know how to live)

Send off letters for potential PPI reclaims (oh yeah) (Done now just awaiting their response eek)

Speak to other banks about possibility of shifting loan to cheaper APR (no consolidation) (mulling this over still, not long since switched CC to 0% interest mmmmm)

No overpayment on my loan this month, unless ebay earnings go through the roof! But sticking to budgets, meal planning, spending diary, completing surveys both at home and at work, so doing quite a bit I think to resolve my debts. (trying to remain positive also).

Dolly x :wave:

choogirl

Hi Dolly

I love your goals I'm going to copy your idea (if I may) at the beginning of March.

Cut your credit cards up, I did and I don't regret it for a single moment, if you don't feel confident enough just yet to not have one just leave your "emergency" one. We only have one now and that is for DH work expenses which he reclaims back every month. I don't miss mine at all and I will never go back to having another.

Have a great weekend xx

dollybeads

Copy away Choogirl, I "borrowed" this idea from Herewego, and though it would help me. I work better at things If I have a list that I can then cross off my achievements (its a bit sad, but works for me).

Once all of these are gone, will be on to another set, mmmmmm just wondering what those might be.

Best wishes Dolly x

Herewego

Loving the goals need to re-focus myself but had these horrible germs that are going round and struggling to put my mind to it. Did you know its free listing weekend on ebay if you still have stuff to shift.
Have a good weekend