I have fallen off the debt-free wannabe wagon!!!!

lightatendoftunnel?

I started posted back in last year when things all went wrong. I got my act together from support and advice from CAB and on here. I claimed back my bank charges which helped a great deal. Then mid november i stopped coming on here, just browsing now and then. Thought i was ticking along nicely. Then got slopply, lazy, daft or some stupid excuse and stopped following my budget exact. Started spending little more on shopping than i should. You know the usual excuse 'christmas is coming' buy some nice food, treats and far too much alcohol!!

Now come January I have buried my head in the sand like i use to for last two weeks, Used bill money for food shopping. I have come on here to confess to make myself sit up and take notice. I will have to spend tomorrow writing letters to two creditors asking for one months grace. Also look for some more agency work, to work harder at getting these debts paid off.

What this has taught me how easy you can snowball back to old mess if you take your foot of the peddle for even a short time. I hope to be back on track by the end of the month fingers crossed and some serious budgeting.

System

How do you pay for stuff? Debit cards or cash? It may be better to use cash thereby removing the temptation to spend more. My wages go into the account that only has a cash card facility. I have a debit card facility but I only £50 in that each month so any temptation cannot be satisfied.

Lenny

Reformed

If you take your eye off the game for one day that's all it takes to get a bit flippant. I got my bag nicked this week, so I had to buy new hairbrush/makeup etc... and I replaced what I needed to and added a few 'extras' as well because I felt I deserved it after my rotten luck. Then of course I replaced the book that got nicked but I had to spend over £15 to get free delivery to make it worth it so of course I spent £22. I chucked whatever I fancied into the trolley at Tesco's today because it was 'food' shopping (i.e essential) and I spent DOUBLE what I spent last week (which was low) and although I was very good about not spending too much at Christmas I still felt obliged to spend at least £100 on OH. I feel your pain. Let's not allow it to happen again and really really think about only buying things when we have the money for them in our budget. I feel a bit ashamed of myself to be honest. It's just so easy....

lightatendoftunnel?

i went back to debit card, which i had previously placed in a draw and only used when really needed to. I use to draw out the money for shopping and keep it in the house to keep a check. I need to go back to that system to prevent any temptation. What really upsets me, as i over spent i had a returned payment and have now been charged. This bothers me as i had kept my account clean for over 8 months and was very proud of this. So i could kick myself very hard!!

System

lightatendoftunnel? wrote:

i went back to debit card, which i had previously placed in a draw and only used when really needed to. I use to draw out the money for shopping and keep it in the house to keep a check. I need to go back to that system to prevent any temptation. What really upsets me, as i over spent i had a returned payment and have now been charged. This bothers me as i had kept my account clean for over 8 months and was very proud of this. So i could kick myself very hard!!

A returned payment would really wind me up too.

LookingAhead

I've fallen off the wagon a couple of time since I joined too - I think most of us have done and I am sure you won't be the last.

However sometimes (as I found out) you come back stronger and more determined to kick the debts a$$.

If you can recognise signs of 'bad spending' then you can do something about it.

I am sure you can clamber back on this ol' wagon and try even harder this time and can make better in roads into your debt.

Remember there is nowhere better than this place for support & understanding, tips & advice so keep coming back.

Could you update your signature (it mentions Xmas so presume it is a bit out of date! ) so if it is up to date it could help re focus.

I found last year that I realised "old ways weren't working" for me so I underwent radical change! And it's really worked for me. Could you investigate all financial areas of your life and see what you can overhaul?

Anyway good luck with your fresh attempt!

EllieB_2

Try not to feel to bad about falling off the wagon. I am in counselling for alcohol recovery and what I have come to understand from that is that recovery doesn't come in a straight line but more like an ever widening circle - and seems to me the same would apply to spending and debt - falling off the wagon is a natural process but each time you do so and get back on you get a little bit closer to your goal. Don't beat yourself up about it, you are dealing with it and you will get there. It takes time and perseverence thats all.
E
xxx

lightatendoftunnel?

Thanks for the support and advice. I do feel more focused and determined to get back on track as soon as possible.

FrugalJo

Same story here ! But looking on the positive side you are not in denial anymore. Like Ellieb says you fell off but getting back on is a good step.
No Spend weekend for me I've decided, baby steps, small challenges, one day at a time etc (love a good cliche me

lightatendoftunnel?

Me to no spend weekend. Will have to get back on track the sleepless nights are back. Weekend off i usually sleep well till mid morning. I have been laid watching news since 545am. If i see about tax on airlines once more i will scream. As Jet2 are going to take the extra out my bank next week, i am gutted!!! But as you say a good clich cant beat it 'little steps and will climb the mountain'!!! Can tell i need sleep.

FrugalJo

light,
the news channels do get a bit repetitive don't they ?
sleepless nights, been there and they are horrendous, panics and sweats I've had in the past, no solution for me but to get up when they start. It all seemed so much worse at 2 in the morning.

Into this positive thinking at the moment, read noel edmonds and a few cosmic ordering, etc, think it helps my attitude on rather than beating myself up.

hope you get some nice sleep