Bit Of A Dilemma :o(

JH1985_2

I want to pay the debt off asap, as want to start saving for a mortgage. So I suppose trying to switch the MBNA to something else (what, will be another question) as no-one seems to be offering me anything near what I want to borrow.

Think thats why I turnt to the loan because it has been pre-approved already and its with my bank. (Just seemed like the easy option) suppose thats why im in the mess im in at the moment.

Jen

jitsuguy

Have you gone through all your statements to see where all the money is going as your outgoings seem a little on the small side! ie I would expect there to be more outgoings!

Plus does the rent include all your bills? If so what are the bills exactly and could they be reduced if you were to switch supplier.

Plus keep a spending DIARY, start it now (use a scrap bit of paper until you get a diary if you don't have one).

Jitsguy

JH1985_2

I currently dont have any bills as Im renting a room in a house. But as of the 18th Feb I will have the responsibilty of paying bills etc Going to have to look into finding cheap suppliers soon actually!

I think the problem with my money is it goes on silly stuff like popping to tescos to get some milk and end up spending a fiver here and a fiver there. (Definately going to start a spending diary)

I tell my self each month Im going to draw the money out and thats it for the week, but always end up bottling out.

Jen

jitsuguy

I use to have that problem. One way making sure you don't keep 'popping' to tescos si to do a meal plan. Not only will you just do one shop but it will generally reduce the amount you spend on food! Plus if there is a local market you can shop at, go for it as you will generally get everything cheaper.

For ideas on meal planning and reducing your outgoings go over to the Money Saving Old Style Board.

Jitsguy

JH1985_2

Think I might try that... This is all new to me. Recently moved out from living with my parents for the past 21 years so having to fend for myself.. Its all sooo daunting!

Just remembered too that my car tax is due for renewal Feb ( havent got a clue what i'm going to do there) So tempted to declare my car off the road, but i dont know what i would do without it. Especially not having my loved ones around me.

CLAPTON

as you're going to be moving and have increased expenses its really important that you start to learn how to budget properly.
in addition to the spending diary to find out all the 'normal' monthly things you also must budget for all the yearly and one off spending..you have already identified car tax but if you run a car you have to budget for MOT, servicing, RAC/AA, repairs/replacement.

maybe you can sell the car?

so have look at martin budget planner and try putting in everything you spend but somethings you may have left out are socialising, travel, haircuts, clothes, ever buy any presents/xmas costs, any weekends away, holidays, magazines/newspapers, any optical/medical/dental

try

http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/cgi-bin/viewnews.cgi?newsid1089226742,17582,