Just wanted to say hello

mrstodd3172004

HI, I have been lurking for a while, and you all have some fabulous stories to tell. I feel quite sick thinking about my situation, and can't quite bring myself to post a SOA just yet (Yes, I know you are all screaming at me to do it!) To cut a long story short, I am a SAHM who has made a bit of a mess of things, and now has three CC and a loan in my own name, along with a house loan (I HATE carol Vorderman) with my husband. I have lurked long enough to know how to go about getting things in order, but am just so ashamed of myself. Anyway, this is the first step, introducing myself, and I just wanted to say thanks for everything you've all inspired me to do so far.

msmicawber

Hello Mrs Todd and welcome - we all hate Carol Vorderman on here!

Try not to waste your energy feeling ashamed of yourself - we've all been there and it just saps your energy. You've made the first step by posting your hello, why not grab a cup of tea and your paper work and work out your SOA to post on here for some advice and support?

beverleyhills

Hello Mrs Todd. Welcome to MSE. It's time to look forward now. When you feel ready post your details. In the meantime surf the old style board and Martin's articles.

Good Luck

Sassers

Hello Welcome to the board :wave: yes I too want to kick Carol Vorderman's perfectly capped teeth in every time I see her!
Join the club....Anyhooo, don't worry about posting a s.o.a just yet if that's what you feel comfortable with. Some people find it helpful, some don't.
I haven't yet and I've been on here since last October. I do have a spending diary and watch my finances like a hawk! If you have a look at other threads or have done already you'll be able to see what you can do to batter down your debt - like possibly switching services, quidco-ing, the money-for-nothing challenge etc.....
The best most motivational thing you can do is keep posting and like others have said check out the Old-style board. Believe me, if you only have half a carrot and a tin of pickled beetroot in the cupboard's then they'll find a way of making a three course meal out of it!!!
Love Sas x
Ps: Now don't you go feeling ashamed of yourself (wags fingers at screen) we've all been there. Try and turn that feeling into optimism, just think of all the fun things you can do to save pennies. It'll make you feel happier and excited about doing something positive (or that just me ????) Anyhooo, check out the `things you never thought you could sell on Ebay' thread and the `mortgage pig' one.It's very entertaining.
Perhaps also include the kids in them if they're young enough? A house hunt (down the sofa for example) for pennies etc, stuff to sell on Ebay?
(sorry for such a long post)

sophiesmum_2

Hi and welcome,
No need to feel ashamed, the fact that you have posted shows that you want to get things sorted. When you feel ready there will be lots of people who will give you advice on your soa, but in the meantime as sassers said a spending diary is a great way to start.
Keep reading, keep posting,and definately check out oldstyle,those guys are incredible at feeding a family on next to nothing,and the food is generally healthier too.

Good luck with sorting your debts.

sophiesmum

mrstodd3172004

Thanks, you are all so friendly you make me want to cry.

whatatwit

Hi MrsTodd, as the others have said, don't worry about an SOa, the fact that you are aware of your debts and reading about making changes is a huge step.

I haven't posted an SOA, but I do keep a spending diary and I am starting to meal plan for the week ahead.

Keep on posting and most of all reading these boards, the information out there is tremendous.

For a first step, why don't you join in on Moozie's thread, 'How much will you spend this week' It's up to you to set your own target and you can choose if you want to include groceries or not.
My challenge includes petrol and my slimming club and any other bits and bats during the week. I don't include my main shop, just extra bread and milk.
The challenge runs from Sunday to Friday....Moozie lets us have a day off on Saturday.

Skint_Catt

Hi Mrs Todd, just remember - every little counts! It's true!

We're all here to help whether you want to post an SOA or not!

Keep smiling regardless!

S_C

sharronloves2spend

hi there mrs todd, i too are newish to the boards more of a lurker like yourself
not posted my soa, don't know why??????????? although we have debt its manageble but my one bug bear is that i want to be a sahm but cant afford too!arhhhh:eek: so watch this space my soa coming sooooooooooooooon!!!
lol, maybe yours??

Hallam_Macca

No need to be embarassed about posting anything. We've all seen enough things on here to it just to become the norm.

If you don't want to do an SOA try keep your own record of what you spend each day, look at it and decide whether you need what you bought and if it is what you need is it good value for money or can you get the same even cheaper? That's what I've tried to do and I feel it's helped me a lot.