I am so close I can smell freedom

The_New_Caz

This is not a brag but a letting out of tension - how else can you do it when wine is off the shopping list! You might think that being so near to freedom from debt would be easy but the constant will power and unbelievably tight finances is exhausting. My goal is to be debt free by the end of this year. Over the last few years there has been OH unemployment, differences of opinion to be resolved, and a serious tightening of purse strings. IVF is on the cards and I just don't want the added stress of debt any more. (It has been many years). The end of the tunnel is in sight but the pressure seems to be building. It has meant planning holidays for the future, not having days and nights out, and cut backs on food etc. Having said that it is amazing what stops being a 'necessity'. Some friends have drifted away when the option of a night in doesn't appeal anymore - whereas others have strengthened when you can actual hear the conversation rather than shouting at each other across a bar. I have (maybe meanly) persuaded one friend that a city break for her birthday is out of my reach when instead I can take a day off work and go in and out by train, do lunch and have a few drinks instead, and luckily she has agreed.
The mot is due next month -my fingers and toes are crossed. We have learnt to shop around and often follow other couples and families around, 241, vouchers, deals - you only have to log onto this website for inspiration. Somethings have worked in our favour, budgeting and menu planning has meant we eat together more, cook from scratch and eat more healthily.
At other times with OH at home it would have been fab to have money to spend on DIY but we have managed to make some changes and the rest are planned.
All we need to do is keep positive and stay focussed. For all others travelling this route - keep going - it will be worth it in the end.

OverRated

So excited for you You deserve to brag

Plan a little treat for you both on your DFD

bugslet

Well done new caz - just think next year you will be able to put aside some money for savings and some enjoy yourself money.

Best of luck for debt freedom at the end of the year.

frugalzzz

Hang in there Caz! You are soooo close. It's such an amazing feeling to have finances under control. You have all the good practices in place and you will never go back to debt again.

beanielou

Keep plodding!

vgstar44

Not long to go so hang in there!!!

I can completley sympathise with you as we are September this year when our debts will finally be paid off after 1 year and 6 months of scrimping and scraping i know how mentally draining it is being so skint all the time. So many times I have just wanted to not have to scrutinise whats needed more when something crops up unexpected thats wasnt expected in our monthly budget!! Its hard living month to month knowing the following month will have the same struggles.

£500 per month is being paid to our debts so im looking forward to the very first month without having to make a payment! Thats whats keeping me sane right now. The end is now in sight :T

Good luck with the rest of your journey and keep your chin up...you have done so well to get this far