My Diary to save a little,live a little and pay off a lot!

ButterflyBee

Today is all about my 5.Step Plan to becoming debt free again as soon as possible. Although been declined at every hurdle to try get another credit card to transfer balance I just must find another solution. Will have to use the only available option which is the 6.9% life of, on balance transfers on existing Barclay card and pay as much cash on the larger amount as possible to limit interest charges.
Step1. (Credit card)
Today transferred Aqua and NatWest. Aqua is now closed so one less to worry about and will pay as much cash as possible to the £3000.00 in as short a time as possible.
3117.62 (0%Sept12) - New balance £2999.62 (Pmt 118.00/)
397.25 (0%Feb13)
302.69 (6.9% life of)
248.84 (6.9% life of)
4066.40 Total

Step2. (Utilities)
EDF: Totally shocked. All billing is estimated and not actual readings. Logged a complaint and compensated $58.00 which is credited to future billing. Billing is now corrected resulting in a refund of £118.00 and paid direct to credit card. I have also signed up to the existing Blue Price promise to Apr13 as seen on MSE.
TALKTALK: Got to bargain for loyalty discount

Step3. (Bank accounts)
I tried the piggy banking technique and this does not work for me. So decided to switch all banking back to Halifax. I always banked better with Halifax and will close Santander when completed. No good having numerous bank accounts with Overdrafts.

Step4. (Family loan)
I must find $600.00 to give back for a loan for Family holiday in October. This will be a tall order at least interest free but also a main priority.
Step5. (Budgeting)
No more shopping and spending without a budget and a list. Planned meals for the week and made shopping lists for 4weeks. Spend average £40 a week and not the usual £65.

Now waiting to see if anything positive comes from the PPI/Interest charges letters sent, perhaps I may get a little money back.

Emthemist

Hi Butterfly,

I'm mostly a lurker on the DFD threads. You were doing so well when you were posting last year. You seemed so positive and were making in-roads. What happened?!

Not that it matters. What matters is you're focussed again and this time, perhaps if you keep posting and we all keep supporting, you'll kick it once and for all!

Good luck.

Em

ButterflyBee

Emthemist wrote: »

Hi Butterfly,

I'm mostly a lurker on the DFD threads. You were doing so well when you were posting last year. You seemed so positive and were making in-roads. What happened?!

Not that it matters. What matters is you're focussed again and this time, perhaps if you keep posting and we all keep supporting, you'll kick it once and for all!

Good luck.

Em

Agreed!...I was nearly there......This has been very bad year and I totally lost control. Call it emotional spending. There have been up's and downs and my way to cope was I had my house re-decorated (£2000.00). and splashed out on my children... .My youngest daughter is off to USA as an exchange student (£900.00) My oldest daughter turned 18 and I splashed out on her birthday party and driving lessons (£700.00). I am off on a holiday (£550.00)but the first in my entire life. That is all thanks to having the power of plastic. However I have paid off my car finance and have a beautiful house! lol!

DFW and MSE can keep me company and help with my debt free olympics training again. :money:

I will be good :A and after the final bill is cleared will be :j for joy again.

ButterflyBee

Some times we need to remind ourselves how quickly things can get out of control.

ButterflyBee

I have logged in to my bank accounts more than 4 times in the last 24hours. As if by some magic something will change. Perhaps i'm just making sure that nothing gets worse! Afterall not being more vigilant caused the current sad state of affairs in the first place!

Well at least another £150.00 on the credit card today.

ButterflyBee

[QUOTE=Well_at_least_another_£150.00_on_the_credit_card_today.[/QUOTE]

New balance of debts:
3117.62 (0%Sept12) - New balance £2849.62 (Pmt 118.00/150.00/)
397.25 (0%Feb13)
302.69 (6.9% life of)
248.84 (6.9% life of)
4066.40 Total

ButterflyBee

Went out on Saturday evening and spent £50 I really should not have. Did a silly groceries shop on Sunday and another £75.00 so overspent there.

I really must remain focussed.

ButterflyBee

Well now that oldest daughter is no longer in fulltime education(19yrs) got to adjust the budget to cope with drop in Tax Credits and Maintenance. Still got the same bills but at least £400.00 a month less in income. NICE! :mad:

ButterflyBee

Oh just Great!

Just been called to a meeting by management that we are facing either a takeover or at worse redundancies!

It never rains it pours!!!:mad:

ButterflyBee

Toilet seat broken. Instead of buying a new one which would cost up to £20.00 bought hindges on Amazon and spent £6.00.

No spending yesterday at Mr Tesco-ie yesterday.
Tomorrow to call Mr Argos-sie and get then to credit rediculous £12 late paymet fee for paying 1day late and also Call Mr Vodafon-ie to credit for double £5.00 charge on account in error.

That will be another saving of £17 on next months bills.