My Confessional

NouveauRiche

Well done!

Keep hold of the power you feel by not giving into the little "spending demon" on your shoulder.

Be warned though - you will find that the feeling of being in control is very addictive.:O)

[Deleted User]

Thanks all- I'm trying to change my addiction from shopping to posting on this site and saving money.
Amelia - you have done so well not using cc's for two months- you're my inspiration- hope I can say the same in two months.
Have you been able to pay extra off the debts as a result?
I sat down last night and honestly worte down all my debts and added them up- its frightening- the first time I have ever done this and I feel it needed to be done to post on here so I can hide away and give up when the going gets tough.

My first goal is to pay off £300 NEXT because that's the highest APR- hope to do that with all I save from not spending this month. Thanks again to everyone cause I wouldn't have thought of paying off highest APR first, would have tacckled the biggest cc.

Managed to get a 0% card when researching on Sunday, couldn't get full amount, only £4500 but that's a good start and its for 17mths, just waiting for the forms to come through for me to sign.

So, have started, feel better already, but patience has never been my strong point, something else to change!!!!

Thank you for reading and supporting- sorry to waffle x

Amelia39

It has been a tricky couple of months, and i have been tempted loads of times, but i have been able to pay the balances down. I created my signature, so every-time i log on i can see how much debt i have, but i am going to update it at the end of March, as i know it will have gone down, as i have been paying every spare penny i get off it.

Lilykins - it sounds like you've got a great plan in place to start paying it off - you'll feel like i did - fantastic to finally take control of everything

[Deleted User]

Hi Amelia,
Thanks for your message. I'm now three days in, yesterday was good, today bit more tricky. Had managed to 'convince' myself we needed a deep fat fryer for homemade chips (justifying it by telling myself it would save on take-aways). Walked into shop, priced them up and the cheapest was £25- had to be really strict with myself and walk out- have survived all my married life without one- thats £25 towards paying off debts. Initally felt gutted I hadnt bought anything, not even a newspaper of chocolate bar, but now feel great I didnt give in. have never manged to stick to anything before so I really hope I can manage this.

My plan now is to search though cupboards and freezer to make a menu plan for the next week- got £100 to last for two weeks til payday and that includes food, fuel, school dinners and after-school clubs etc. Plus we have friends coming to stay for the weekend so have to cater for them too!! This is going to be interesting!! Any suggestions gratefully recieved xxx

CH27

Lily, you are doing really well.

Could you cook a large chilli or spag bol that you can bulk out with veg?
A decent size chicken will also stretch a long way.

[Deleted User]

Thank you CH27- think chilli will be a good meal as you said can bulk it out with loads of cheap rice and garlic bread.
Got to do the shopping after work- major challenge not to overspend on nice bits.
Fingers crossed.........

Angel84

I feel as though I've just found people just like me (hiding bags in the car; clothes shopping in asda etc)!!!! I had my LBM late last year and have now become addicted to both this site and my debt spreadsheet! Meal plans??? Oh I do one before payday every month and then work out what I can buy and store and what needs bought fresh...it does become totally addictive!
I have hit a few low moments where I think, is this actually making much impact? And like you both said, the first time you have to go out without the CC's is hard and scary! I always said mine was there 'for emergencies' (Topshop was an emergency!!!) :rotfl:
I honestly don't feel like I'm making a huge dent in my debts at the moment. But I'm not making them bigger...which has to be a positive, right?? I've shut two accounts down since December. And it feels amazing!!!
Keep going! We can all support each other!! I want to be one of these debt free people! :cool:

CH27

Angel84 wrote: »

I feel as though I've just found people just like me (hiding bags in the car; clothes shopping in asda etc)!!!! I had my LBM late last year and have now become addicted to both this site and my debt spreadsheet! Meal plans??? Oh I do one before payday every month and then work out what I can buy and store and what needs bought fresh...it does become totally addictive!
I have hit a few low moments where I think, is this actually making much impact? And like you both said, the first time you have to go out without the CC's is hard and scary! I always said mine was there 'for emergencies' (Topshop was an emergency!!!) :rotfl:
I honestly don't feel like I'm making a huge dent in my debts at the moment. But I'm not making them bigger...which has to be a positive, right?? I've shut two accounts down since December. And it feels amazing!!!
Keep going! We can all support each other!! I want to be one of these debt free people! :cool:

Definately:)

[Deleted User]

Hi everyone, still plodding on- how are you all doing?
I'm managing to spend very little but thinking about spending all the time- hope this gets easier.
I am worried i will lose my motivation and start spending again.
Angel, I need to plan meals more. Cant do a 'proper' shop til after 15th when I get paid so going to use all food in freezer and just buy essentials til then- no credit card to fall back on now. I know exactly what you mean about slow progress- thats when I'm at risk of giving up- need to be more patient and be happy with slow progress.
I really appreciate all the support x

Amelia39

Hi Lilykins - hows it going? you still on track? I am still getting on OK, but i have to resist the temptation not to get bored by not shopping! but i have recently discovered selling on ebay. I keep 'finding' all the clothes i have shoved at the back of cupboards with the labels still in and selling them, then paying off my credit card! very satisfaying!

how did your weekend of entertaining go?