wot-a-mess debt crisis

wot-a-mess

Credit card payment made today so debt down a bit. Another credit card payment due early next week.

I used to do matched betting but packed it in cos it was getting harder to find easyish offers. Decided to do any "no-risk", simple offers that hit the inbox. Did one last night & made £18.51

Looks like long, hard winter of debt-busting ahead. Can see Oct. & Nov. being pretty good for getting debt down but looking ahead could really do without xmas this year to be honest.

wot-a-mess

Finally did SOA & there's no surprises. Approx £100 per month left for daily expenses, fun, etc., which is not a lot so the extra income thing needs to be a real focus.

Also did this "snowball" thingy which pleasantly surprised me as it shows a "debt free date" of 48 months which is much sooner than I imagined. It also shows that 2 debts should be clear next year which is a real goal.

My thoughts:

Can this debt-free date be pulled in sooner :question:
Can I clear 3 debts next year :question:
Can I really earn over £100 per month in spare cash :question:

To achieve these aims the following must be adhered to:

1. Do not use credit cards
2. Make & stick to budgets
3. Find more ways of earning extra cash

wannapayoff

Hello what-a-mess!

I'm a newbie too.. This site is soooo inspiring I agree! I've made some HUGE changes since I found this place, they all seem to have a knock on effect... here's a few things, just incase any of it helps:
*stopped smoking - saving £150 a month :O
*Sold my car! Paid off loan for car (£395pm)
*you can close most cards so you can't use them and just keep repayment facility only.
*bought a bicycle - saves me - monthly loan payment, tax, MOT, service plan, fuel
*now a one car family both having to bike to work whenever we need to (depends on who has child)
*use the meal planning, grabbit and shopping forums on here
*Using the bike leaves us feeling fitter/healthier
*finally got round to listing things on eBay
*make things to sell on eBay - aiming to make £70-100pw
*buying whoops products to freeze
*planning meals ahead so less wastage
*paying off any extra £ I have left each month

Writing a diary is also very helpful as you probably feel already- it's given me a positive vibe since I started mine! Knowing there is a way out and taking the bull by the horns! Im counting down the days to pay day to get the next "buzz" from paying a lump sum and watching my DFD drop!...

Goodluck on your journey :-D

Kepp

Hi wot-a-mess, thought I'd pop by after you stopped by my diary.

The generating extra cash thing has been one of the best things I've done to help clear my debt so it's definitely something worth looking into.

Come and join us on the £10 a day thread here .

Everyone is very friendly and it's great for ideas

Have subscribed to keep up with your diary

wot-a-mess

I'm still so very overawed by all the niceness on this forum. It's quite incredulous really & just re-inforces that there are just so many nice people in Britain today. Makes me feel so proud to be British. The news is always full of negative stuff but there's so much more good going on but it never gets a mention.

Good shall ALWAYS overcome evil

IAM SO PROUD TO BE BRITISH

Rant over

Cant believe Ive only been on here for less than a week cos it seems so much longer but I do now feel in control of my financial situation altho it is still in a pretty bad state.

Reducing debt is now my main focus altho Keeping fit & going out running & doing a bit of gymwork are still very high on the agenda.

Igamogam

Hello :wave:and welcome

Yep debts pretty much the same as you and similar dilemas - just how does a person generate extra cash other than taking a second job ?!( out of the question for me)

You have already realised that youa re amongst friends here and the support you will get is fantastic. One of the things I have enjoyed is some of the more 'fun' debt busting stuff - Like NSD ( no spend days) and £2 savers club - take a look at the threads if you havent already - like I sdaid just a bit of fun but it keeps you focussed. I will subscribe and keep dropping in if thats OK

wot-a-mess

Hi to wannapayoff, beccie & igamogam

Thanks for all u're lovely posts. I just hate banks so much. Credit card dd due on 10th but taken out current a/c today :mad:. The money is there to pay it but it should be taken out on mon. not today :mad:. Another £130 off the debt

Did a very accurate budget & have only £50 left for rest of month for stuff like milk & bread & weekend refreshments. Can we survive on this :question:. Well Im certainly gonna try & dont have much option really. Would be even better if I could not spend it all & make an overpayment to something.

Debt reduced by £323 but thats only cos of timing of direct debits. Should reduce debt by approx £600 per month for the forseeable future but hopefully more in time.

Horace

wot-a-mess have you thought about stashing say a pound a week into a credit union? It keeps money away from the banks so that it is used in the community and you can at least save. I have found out about one in my local area and I will be joining it on Monday because I am trying desperately to save but can't but could possibly manage a pound a week.

ani*fan

Hi there wot-a-mess

I also got stung by my bank today for a DD due out on monday. How do they get away with it? :mad: I went to the shop for electricity and my card got refused. Not a good moment.

Have a lovely sunday evening.

BEAT_THE_DEBT

Hi WAM you are doing well be kind to yourself. baby steps xx