Swimming BEFORE we start to sink.

Aiming_High

Oh update on TV License. I phoned them this evening when OH was home as I'm sick of hitting a brick wall, he verified our phone number and asked for it to be put back in my name. :T

The chap on the phone this time was lovely. He said they've had a lot of trouble with payment plans not being received and how would I like to spread the late payment out. Seemed quite pleased when I said only till the 15th Oct as I'm happy to pay double. :A We could have paid it today, but I'd rather pay it on payday as I'm trying to make it last another 2 weeks.

Aiming_High

Bank isn't looking good. Looks like tonights eBay sales will be propping it up...

Aiming_High

Not good on the CC today. One Direction concert tickets for DD2 and friend, plus over 18 to go with them. Got to add £97.75 to my debt.

One plus is though both DD's birthdays that are before christmas are nearly done, and I do get half the concert ticket price back as her friend is paying for herself and half the over 18's ticket as that was required for them to go. Hopefully with scraping by it can go back on the CC instead of propping us up til I get paid. If not I'll over pay later.

savingholmes

Hi Aiming High - well done on all the jobs you got done.

When I first joined MSE - I did a money makeover on virtually everything we paid out regularly for to try and cut down costs... Have you done that exercise?

I was lucky enough that by majorly trimming back my spending - I was able to pay large amount off my debts - and then extra money from selling stuff etc could be used guilt free for birthdays, xmas, hobbies etc.... You need to allow some money in your budget for treats or you will spend your life feeling guilty! If you only have a small amount of debt - yes you can make short term sacrifice for long term gain - but if you are in it for the long haul - you need to create a more balanced budget.

I am sure things will get easier over time. Having said that I am currently reviewing my budgets - I'm allowing some money for home improvement as we've done very little for the 5 or 6 years we've been in this house and we need to now really....

Aiming_High

Thanks for the encouragement. We have done cut backs so far, virgin and gas/elec being the main ones. We are fine month to month really just started at a bad time pay wise, as low wages from hubby being off with his back (no overtime) and basic wages from me (no bonus/overtime), it's just frustrating at times.

We're in a better place - the tickets would have been a huge no no if i'd not already paid some of the CC off as we wouldn't have been able to pay for them, so I know we're getting somewhere. I really am an impatient so and so though and was enjoying it going down. I need to keep reminding myself of the bigger picture. We've nearly completed 2 birthdays and I've started on Christmas.

Maybe I shouldn't have set myself the goal of having the CC cleared by christmas and christmas paid for. :rotfl:

Right off to work....

happy_but_skint

Hi Aiming High

Just popping in to have a nose!

I used to hate having to do overtime but it really helpped me when needed, it sucks when none is available.

Happy x

Beencounting

Hi Aiming High

Just found your diary, so will subscribe to keep up with your goings-on...good luck!

Been

debtfreewannabe321

Hi Aiming high thought i'd pop by and see how you're doing! well done on finishing the garden. I started mine and gave up -too much hard work and was far too hot lol...I agree make sure you have money in your budget for entertainment. I was doing my budget with CCCS and they made me put a sum of money into that area every month as i was intent on not having 'fun money' but paying off debts quicker. But the man said i would probably fall down at the first hurdle if i'm not treating me, hubby & kids every now and then ...I have depending on wage 60-100 each month so between 15-25 each week. This will go on a day out (i.e swimming followed by mcdonals) or a take away, and i'm so glad the man on the end of the phone made me put it in now lol

Saving holmes, what is a money makeover? I think i may have already done this...but just incase i've missed something ....

dfw x

savingholmes

Hi Aiming High - big goals are good - even if you miss them - you still achieve more than you would with a smaller goal. Go for it!

Hi DFW321 = a moneymakeover is when you read the articles on each type of cost you have on site or in Martin's book and then challenge yourself to get a cheaper deal if at all possible. Also use things like the demotivator so you can understand how much some of your individual treat spends are costing you over the year. You then try and get some of that back in proportion. We challenged every single cost even ones that seemed impossible like childcare, charity giving etc and did things differently to save money

Good luck

Aiming_High

happy_but_skint wrote: »

Hi Aiming High

Just popping in to have a nose!

I used to hate having to do overtime but it really helpped me when needed, it sucks when none is available.

Happy x

Thanks for popping in, more than welcome. Yes we've really noticed the difference, especially without hubbies overtime.

Beencounting wrote: »

Hi Aiming High

Just found your diary, so will subscribe to keep up with your goings-on...good luck!

Been

Hi, nice to see you. :beer:

debtfreewannabe321 wrote: »

Hi Aiming high thought i'd pop by and see how you're doing! well done on finishing the garden. I started mine and gave up -too much hard work and was far too hot lol...I agree make sure you have money in your budget for entertainment. I was doing my budget with CCCS and they made me put a sum of money into that area every month as i was intent on not having 'fun money' but paying off debts quicker. But the man said i would probably fall down at the first hurdle if i'm not treating me, hubby & kids every now and then ...I have depending on wage 60-100 each month so between 15-25 each week. This will go on a day out (i.e swimming followed by mcdonals) or a take away, and i'm so glad the man on the end of the phone made me put it in now lol

dfw x

I think that's our next step - getting stricter with our budget. Also allowing treats. The kids get pocket money, so should we.