here goes for 2007

in_debt_again_but_dealing_with_it

well I've lurked for a while, I've posted occassionally, generally epics. on the negative side I've amassed a further £9,000 (at least) worth of debt since March 2006 :mad: . My auntie is once again in critical care with a 50/50 chance of survival and life is pretty awful.
On the positive side I was called into the bank before Christmas and offerred a consolidation loan which I refused on the basis of that is how I got where I am now ... consolidate and spend on the credit card (I always seem to see my credit limit as my money and the challenge is how to spend it!!truly the last 8,500 has gone on very little but day to day living and I'm genuinely ashamed). Anyway back to the positive, my resolve for 2007 is to get a part time job (as a mature (42 ... eek) student, mother of 4, wife, chair of governors, dcc member part time is all I can manage) and earn atleast £250 a month which will be thrown at the credit card. I intend to stop smoking (my uncle, the husband of my critically ill aunt has been stopped smoking 7 weeks now despite the horrors of his wife's illness and his own breakdown and is a real inspiration to me!). If I can stay on track and get a job I could be out of debt by the time I graduate in 2010. Although I will have amassed student loan debt I regard that as "education tax" as its taken at source from my (hopefully) much higher salary. So fingers crossed as I plunge into 2007 I will be visiting often and look forward to any advice you wonderful people may have for me.
:A HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL!! XX:A

Rikki

Happy New Year and good luck with the tough decissions you have made. As you know there are plenty of people on this site here to offer advice and many in the same position as yourself.
You have taken the vital first steps, onwards and forwards.

Luckystepho

Happy New Year!! Good luck with the goals, you sound very positive. I hope your auntie pulls through, sending hugs :grouphug:

in_debt_again_but_dealing_with_it

Aunt still critical but now on life support and comfortable - so fingers crossed again.

I'm curious does anybody else do the weekly shopping (average between £55 and £80) come home put it away and then struggle to find something to feed the family? I really think I am a useless housewife, hate cooking and generally just do the same things, spag bol (Dolmio cause any attempt at homemade have always been awful), meat and 2 veg, fish and mash or chips etc. I would really like to become a super home cook but at 42 (with little but a basic knowlege - hated home ed at school!) its a real struggle. I really feel ashamed and think I should make improved cookery a resolution too!! any advice or recommendations warmly received.

in_debt_again_but_dealing_with_it

Aunt still critical but now on life support and comfortable - so fingers crossed again.

I'm curious does anybody else do the weekly shopping (average between £55 and £80) come home put it away and then struggle to find something to feed the family? I really think I am a useless housewife, hate cooking and generally just do the same things, spag bol (Dolmio cause any attempt at homemade have always been awful), meat and 2 veg, fish and mash or chips etc. I would really like to become a super home cook but at 42 (with little but a basic knowlege - hated home ed at school!) its a real struggle. I really feel ashamed and think I should make improved cookery a resolution too!! any advice or recommendations warmly received.

jonesMUFCforever

What's wrong with normal cooking ie meat and 2 veg?
Don't be swayed by these celebrity chefs - have you seen some of their receipes? Some of the ingredients I have never heard of and never will!

wifeforlife

Hi there

I'm not the greatest cook at all, but I've found alot of help from the o/s board, you should head over there for tips. I just on new years eve bought a slow cooker (argos £8.99) and have already made a lovely veg soup, beef bourganion sp and stew haha and I couldnt make mash potatoes before!

Wishing you all the very best
Cath