Debt Free By 30-ish Diary

bobbie78

I have been lurking on here for a couple of months now as I've been going through some really funky job stuff. Now that is resolved (near enough) it is time to face up to all the debt I have accumulated from/since uni. I need start living my life for me and not just for every one else's amusement or to act as their private bank account. This is mainly due to me being stupid with ex's and money hence a big portion of my debt over the years has been financing other peoples lives in the miss-apprehension they will sort them selves out and return the favour when it is my turn and I need help. I acted stupidly in doing this by taking out debt to help fund these 'projects' but that is the stupid tax I am paying for my mistakes and am not going to pay any more.

So I can't do a proper SOA right now as I'm waiting for the final settlement from one job (paid monthly) and won't know how much I really have to spend in from the new (paid weekly) job for a month-ish. Just changing from monthly to weekly pay is going to be a pain I'm sure.

I have just signed up for a virgin CC at 0% till 2008 so once all the BT's go through and I've cut up those cards I'll stick that in my sig so I can see how the payments for that are doing. I have a graduate loan, a car loan and student loans as well to add in to the debt pot.

I've managed to get quite a bit done in the past week already towards becoming debt free, I have done a budget for what I *think* I pay every month, I am also doing a spending diary to see what I really spend, but I have had 2 conscious No Spend Days since starting this and even better have stopped smoking and going to starbucks, which my credit card balance is already happy about. :T

I've applied for aqa but didn't pass the test first time so have another attempt at that to do in the next day or so, am also sorting through stuff to try and ebay.

So to sum up this first month is going to be crazy till I can get used to invoicing and getting paid weekly, but once that is more routine I will know better what money I can chuck at my debts and pay off. If I'm lucky I might be able to pay off the graduate loan this month with the settlement money, but I'll have to wait until that finally arrives before I start spending it. I'm starting the debt diary now just because a lot will happen in the next 6 weeks financially and I'd just like to keep track of it all so I can look back in a months time and see if and where I messed up so I can try and stay on the straight and narrow in future.

So welcome please wipe your feet on the mat, there are biscuits, tea and coffee in the lounge.

bobbie78

OK I'm just copying my goals over from the Achievements of 2006, goals for 2007 thread so it is all in one place.

Achievements in 2006
:- got out of a negative relationship
:- got made redundant but negotiated a good settlement (though terrifying at the time)
:- have a job that pays more and is a million times better
:- had lightbulb moment and finally acknowledge debt rather than keeping head in the sand
:- got an isa and savings account from martins recommendations
:- got credit cards sorted at 0% and planning to freeze the new card when it arrives next week
:- signed up on quidco / pigsback etc
:- started saving coffee / ciggy money as well as 2 pounds in piggy bank


Goals for 2007

:- Pay off graduate loan early
:- Pay off the to be frozen credit card and never use another credit card unless paid in full every month and get cash back. (this will be tough)
:- use full isa cash entitlement
:- put a little bit of cash into god daughters trust fund
:- start own business in april if work carries on going well
:- join the money for nothing challenge in the new year
:- quit smoking and coffee habit (or buy a coffee maker through quidco rather than go to starbucks everyday)
:- make own lunches unless I can claim on expenses

taxi73

Hi welcome:hello: and well done for coming on here...when you're sorted...post your SOA and we will probably find areas for you to cut back...there will plenty of others about soon to welcome you and thanks for the tea and biscuits:j :j

bobbie78

Thanks Taxi, I'll try and keep some chocolate biscuits hidden in the back for you if you ever drop by. :coffee:

taxi73

oooooo yummy ...my favourite...everyone must be out partying tonight as it's quiet around here:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: lucky them:rolleyes: :rolleyes:

Batfink

I'm another person whose aim is to be debt free by 30 so I just wanted to wish you good luck!

Batfink x

Reformed

Good luck - This will be your year then! Just think if you keep up your moneysaving you could be completely debt free sooner than you think.:beer:

Look forward to reading your posts.

Mrs_Sparkle

Welcome! And it sounds like you're doing a lot already so you're headed in the right direction. Good luck with aqa- I didn't finish my application as I found it really hard!

I_was_a_fool

Batfink wrote:

I'm another person whose aim is to be debt free by 30 so I just wanted to wish you good luck!

Batfink x

I want to be debt free by 30 too, sadly Im 45!!:rotfl:

Oh well, debt free before my kids are 30!

gallygirl

Mmmm, virtual choccy biccies, no calories!!! Are they from one of those expensive tins????

Well done on 2006, you should be well chuffed with your progress!!

And good luck on 2007 goals. 1 comment - don't BUY a coffee maker! Get onto www.freecycle.org and get one for nothing!!!!

Will be keeping a eye on your progress [STRIKE](and also monitoring biccie situation)[/STRIKE]

oakdale_minx

Hello bobbie! Flitted over from my diary as promised!

Well done on the achievements of 2006, you sound really focused on where you are going and using the events of this year to push you positively into 2007.

I'll be popping in to see how you get on!

mmmmmm....biccies.......I can contribute the Asda smartprice Bourbons if anyone fancies them!