Just an update on my LBM...

Byatt

which was a little over 2 weeks ago, when I posted here and got so much support. :T

It's baby steps, but I feel I am making some progress.

I check my bank account EVERY day now (used to be terrified to look and could go weeks not looking or opening post from bank:eek:)

I am doing a spending diary, which is brilliant, as it totally focuses my mind seeing it in black and white. (and usually I am hopeless at keeping records, but have been very good and keep it updated)

I am working out what I have avavilable for bills, and more importantly, what is not available...using lots of the tips people have given, and although I haven't yet stopped using my debit card completely, hope to do so by the middle of March. :A

I am still overdrawn, (allowed £350), but I can see that coming down in March as I have food shopped to cover minimum 4 weeks. But if I'd continued with my spending I would not have enough for rent this month.

I stopped myself buying something in Tesco's sale (even though it was *only* £5, I didn't have the money, other than stretching the overdraft).

I had an unexpected expense with the car (not too bad, £13.88, notice I now know the exact amount!!) but I have had to juggle a bit, and was glad I hadn't spent the £5 I didn't really have!!).

Anyway, just the beginning...but a small step for man, a giant leap for me...:)

climbgirl

A good start - well done!

Soph86_2

It's the starting that's the most difficult.... well done!

Soph x

Rock_Cakes

Well done you :T

You are doing really well. I have to say that the spending diary is great. Going to do our accounts for Feb tonight, fingers crossed!

x

skyvicky123

Hi Byatt, just found your other thread so I could say well done on making so much progress. I think my LBM was begin of Feb so not that far ahead of you. It's amazing how many changes can be made and how satisfying it is to make them. Little steps ad up to a giant leap in the right direction!

I now have a purse stuffed with envelopes for "petrol money" "food" "entertainment" "OH's spendies"...don't get me started on that one (sore subject!) Now I know what I have to play with week by week and can juggle things about if need be.

Any way WELL DONE YOU!!

Little_bit_dizzy

Hi

I've followed you over from the other thread and now subscribed. Well done Byatt, you sound so much more positive in your post - you have taken enormous steps since you LBM...

Long may it continue

ceejaydee23

WELL done, I STILL havent done a proper spend diary, and i really should! I've put aside and paid all bills that come out at the beginning of the month and put aside next weeks rent and council tax money (in the hope that next week the account will be back off hold after receiving Statement from CAB). We've got a few birthdays and anniversaries this month, so budgeting for those 2,

bottleofred

Hi Byatt,

Well done on starting the spending diary and being disciplined. Good luck for the days ahead and stay on the forum to get advice and support when needed.

Red