DFW...Starting in 2007....

Kipunke

Hi all,

My 'Lightbulb moment' came about 3 months, and probably every so often before that. Now that we're coming into a new year I want to really get on with it. Instead of dreaming up ways of doing it!

There always seems to be something that halts my plans, like my car breaking down, which being my only method of transport (I work 2 jobs with a 18mile difference), means that if i don't pay to get it fixed, I end up in trouble. If i don't earn, I can't pay my way!

Anyway...

My debts currently amount to roughly £15k (inc student loan)

I'm just waiting on a credit report from Experian, so that i can request writeofffs & interest freezes etc.

After that, I think my debs will stand at £12k. (i'll update my signiture, when I know for sure)

I must say, I am really really impressed with this website, especially this Forum. At the momemnt I'm trying my hardest to stay away from the save money, shopping sections because that's partly the reason I got into such a mess! You see my ethos was 'if you're making a saving, buy more!' When I didn't need one in the bloomin first place! completely missing the point.

Im quite liking the challenge ideas too, definately taking part in one or 2.

I think I'll go for the 'Turn a pound into a grand' one first. Although the hardest part of that one will be trying to stop myself, buying a "much needed" laptop, pair of shoes, holiday, coat or sewing machine

See what mean

dlb

Hiya kipunke!! And welcome.

I had my lightbulb moment just under a year ago now, and it is hard work but i can now see a light at the end of the tunnel.

My main rule now is if i dont NEED it than i dont have it.
But if i do Need it look around for the chepest.
I now use cash only, which took some getting used to!! This year 07 i intend to work even harder at cutting my debts, i am on a debt managment plan and hope to throw more money their way to clear the bills even quicker.

The challenges are a great way of keep focused, and are fun, if you like cooking or spend alot of money on food/shoping ect. the guys on the old style board are great for moneysaving tips, they have helped me save £200 a month on my shopping and i eat better now.

Good luck and hope you lets us all know how you are getting on, this board is what keeps me going!!
Donna

Kipunke

Thanks Donna,

I think I need shopaholic therapy too!!

You know the debt management plan you have? Is it free of do you have to pay a percentage to the management company?

K

Prudent

See putting off the things you want as a time limited period. I ploughed throuh 2 years of paying of the last of my mortgage by living below benefit levels. Big luxuries were out! I kept telling myself that on the debt free date I would have lots of extra disposible income.

To survive the two years I totally adapted my lifestyle and eventually found mse in that time. I now live very well on very little and don't miss spending a higher amount. I now save the surplus and its a lovely feeling.

Kipunke

Thanks Prudent,

Those are good words to hear, but at the same time i feel torn.

I'm still at Uni, so staying away from, or adapting my lifestyle may be difficult. (I am doing a 3 month 'no drinking & smoking', stint from January though)

I'm also torn, because the amount that I earn has drastically reduced over the last year as a result of wanting to get an education. I feel forced to stay on at Uni, for want of a better career but at the same time pack it all in & get a 'So, so', job to clear my debt quicker!!

dlb

Kipunke wrote:

Thanks Donna,

I think I need shopaholic therapy too!!

You know the debt management plan you have? Is it free of do you have to pay a percentage to the management company?

K

Hi again, the debt company i am with do take a cut, but that is going to be sorted this new year as i am going to change over to payplan or cccs as these are completly free debt managment companys i have found out about of this site.
I just put it off until xmas was out the way, that is my main and first job this new year to change over companys.