A Thread for After Debt?

rising_from_the_ashes

QueenB. wrote: »

He sometimes says he thinks I am more worried about money now than I was as a DFW. Maybe I am:o its that whole fear thing.

I definately worry about it more now .....

QueenB. wrote: »

I don't want to get rid of the OD completely because it is still a safety net (Im all for safety nets) especially as this will be our first DF year and there is a lot to get in order/used to. But whilst I want a safety net I don't want a large one which either could be too tempting, or too big to pay back if we did need to use it ending us back in a difficult situation. I hope this makes sense.

Totally! I still have mine on my account ... as you say, it's the safety net thing - maybe once I've "got ahead" on all the bills and got the emergency fund to a reasonable level I'll feel differently.

Hope you're feeling better soon QueenB (((hugs)))

MunniMuncha

Thanks Rising for your advice re pots with Barclays - will call in and see them this week, if I get the opportunity. I have had a mega day at home with de-cluttering and cleaning. All kitchen cupboards have been emptied, de-cluttered and cleaned - haven't stopped all day and am really energised now. For me now that I am focusing on my finances alot more closely, it has also given me the incentive to do all those jobs in the house that I have been putting off for absolutely ages. Am trying to do one extra job a day (in the week when in work) and then a room at a time each weekend. This way I am not tempted to go to the shops and spend money on things I neither really want or need.

So have a good week everyone and thanks for the welcome and advice so far.:T

rising_from_the_ashes

Munni don't be fobbed off when you go in - someone asked in a branch the other week and was told they don't do anything like that!

MunniMuncha

rising_from_the_ashes wrote: »

Munni don't be fobbed off when you go in - someone asked in a branch the other week and was told they don't do anything like that!

Don't worry I won't. I used to work for Barclays (for my sins) many moons ago, but am still friendly with the staff at my local branch (tbh it's only coz of them that I have continued to bank with them) so will see how I go about it. Can't wait as now I have the bit between my teeth am raring to go

samtoby

I have been teaching hundreds tens and units to mt DS tonight so not much time, hope everyone has had a good day. Night xx

JulieGeorgiana

Morning.

It's really hard keeping up on a mobile phone!

Eliza didn't go down until midnight, but slept through until 5.30am... so I'm a happy mummy

Sam she makes me broody and she's next to me! We are all smitten with her.

I managed a 45 minute walk yesterday (and after not being able to get out of the house without support its such an achievement...) and the midwives are smitten, said she's doing well and I'm a natural. Eliza's Oma visited (my mum) and got given at least 20 pink outfits (7th gradchild, 1st girl...)!

Anyway, I have spent 5 minutes a day check bank accounts and keeping up to date, lucky once your set up your spreadsheet will run with a minimum of fuss for weeks

Aly, I am the same ref. Holidays. We are going to Norway to visit friends... I have a budget, when I realised I could save £150 on flights I didn't put that money in the 'spending' pot for the holiday... nope it went in the ISA because its my money and I'm not about to throw it away

Mort I would say 3 months takehome pay is how much to aim for in savings. Once you have that 6 months is better...

Rising I hope your foot is better

Dizzy I hope you washing machine is working (agree it might be the filter... mine does that)

QueenB hope DS arm is better

Sorry if i missed anything... but mobile phones are not easy to type, read and respond on x

girlatplay

Oh my, JG, your baby is beautiful! xxx

QueenB.

rising_from_the_ashes wrote: »

I definately worry about it more now .....
Totally! I still have mine on my account ... as you say, it's the safety net thing - maybe once I've "got ahead" on all the bills and got the emergency fund to a reasonable level I'll feel differently.

Hope you're feeling better soon QueenB (((hugs)))

I'm feeling a bit better just a bit weak after the weekend ills but so happy to have enough energy to actually move off the sofa and get a bit organised.

I think we worry more because we put so much effort into getting DF and our whole mindset has changed, the news doesn't help. It seems that every day we hear about another government cut that effects us and with us heading into another recession, cost of living going up, wages barely moving and a dark future awaiting us in our later years. How can we not worry? At least this site helps me feel some control over all the above events but I must always remember to keep that balance between worry and enjoyment.

JulieG. I think little Eliza is going to be a very lucky and much loved little girl, especially as the first girl grandchild. How Is your son coping with his new little sister?

I have only a small list of things to do today, already baked some bread and some shortbread. Have to go food shopping later and popping into B&Q as they have reduced the pet stuff. 2kg bags of cat biccies (go cats) reduced to £2 and a huge 12kg bag down from £25 to £12. There is one of those tall garden equipment shed things reduced from £80 to £40. It will fit all my garden tools, lawn mower and I think the garden chairs in it. Will still need a shed though.

Have a great Monday everyone..........watch the ice.

JulieGeorgiana

QueenB he is just smitten! Came in my room at 11.30pm last night grinning as he proudly told me Eliza's crying had woken him up!! He's thanking us for his wonderful sister... and fussing over her too

Little_bit_dizzy

Hi everyone!

QueenB, sorry to hear the nasty bug hit you - there's been loads of people with it round our way, so I'm thanking my lucky starts that I've managed to steer clear!

JG, so pleased that Eliza has settled into family life well. DS is clearly going to be very protective over her - god help any potential suitors in years to come Great news that you can get out and about again, I bet you enjoyed your walk after all this time! The FD account would qualify for the recommendation bonus if you can get it still, I can always DM you my details if you can qualify to take advantage of their generosity! Don't worry if we've missed the boat though, I'm not sure if you're supposed to do it before someone applies for an account or not.

Mort, interesting question regarding the 'emergency fund' and the level of it's contents. I've started all my little 'pots' for various things: Vet bills, applicance breakdown, motoring, etc but what I've found since I've been filling them up is that a) I don't like emptying them and b) I think there should be more in each one!

This morning I've posted out 3 of my completed Ebay auctions. They all finished yesteday and everyone kindly paid up quickly, so that's done. I've relisted the one that didn't sell and I've put another few items on there too. We have way too much 'stuff' so I'm having a bit of a sort out. The funds will go towards our spending money for our holiday which is coming up in April.

I was sorting out some paperwork yesterday and I think (I need to check before I get too excited) that DH is massively in credit with his tax. He was always a little bit random with his payments and rather than do his acccounts and pay the correct amount he would just send a cheque for a couple of grand. It all came to a bit of a head last spring when Mr HMRC visited :eek: with a Determination of Tax for £15k. Basically it gave us (read 'me') two weeks to rescue the whole shambolic mess that was his accounting system and get 5 years accounts done to prove that the £15k wasn't actually due. I did get it done (whilst working full time :mad:), but I properly could have killed him and since I have told him that under NO CIRCUSTANCES is he ever to even think of attempting to do any kind of book keeping ever again.


Anyway, here's the thing. Mr Diz can spend. When it comes to things like new shirt / shoes etc, he'll spend ages looking then decide he doesn't need it, he'd rather hang onto the forty quid or whatever it is. But when it comes to big things (mainly cars / motorbikes) he won't think twice. Parting with a grand or two (or even more) for anything mechanical wouldn't bother him at all, I'm sure it burns a hole in his pocket.


So do I tell him? Or keep quiet and stash it? It fairness it is his money, which he works hard to earn, but part of me is saying I should get a say in what happens with it as we've only got it because of the work I put in with the accounts.


The previous debt was all mine from before we met, and I cleared it all myself too, so I'm more fixated with savings and squirreling money away than he is but, I know just we'll end up with another bl00dy vehicle, which we absolutely do not need. Ideas anyone?