We are about to pull the purse strings soooo tight!

Alice_in_Poorland

Still no sign of our new cards but at least it's stopping us spending.:)

All the kids presents are now wrapped and ready. They have had one main present (off us) and then one present of each brother.

This is the first year for a long time that presents have been purchased with 'cash' and not on the credit cards. We have really curbed our spending this year but are still determind to have a great time with family and friends.

xx

Itsadogslife_2

Hi Alice,

Well done on the presents this year. I have to agree, this year I started buying presents in October so they were spread over three months. It has made the world of difference

Alice_in_Poorland

Yes, will certainly be starting the Christmas shopping earlier next year Itsadogslife.:)

Looking to get some bits like wrapping paper and cards in the sales.

xx

Alice_in_Poorland

Just wanted to wish everybody a Merry Christmas.

I'm going to try and chill out and enjoy then next few days with family and friends and put to the back of my mind our problem finances, but I am looking forward to 2012 and our journey to being debt free.

Everybody enjoy.

xx

Alice_in_Poorland

Well what a great couple of days with family and friends. We've had company staying so I haven't been able to get on here until this morning. (and I have to say I've missed it )

Although I have thoroughly enjoyed myself over the last few days I still have this nagging thought about our debt. Did I throw the towel in too soon? Could i have sorted it out myself? On a plus note everything for Christmas ie presents, food etc has all been paid for so nothing to add to the enormous CC bills.

We will be going through our budget this morning so hopefully I can add facts and figures to our signature later on.

Looking forward to 2012 and.....

1. Lots of NSDs.
2. Carry on losing weight (have not been on the scales for a week).
3. Keep on saving £2 coins.
4. Try my best to keep on top of house work, ironing etc but will try not to be too hard on myself if I fall behind on this one.

I'm sure there will be other things to add to this list but I am going to start with little easy do-able steps.

xx

Alice_in_Poorland

Have done signature, hope it works. xx

BEAT_THE_DEBT

Hi glad you had a nice time. Its not throwing in the towel its taking action you have done the right thing.xx

Alice_in_Poorland

No going out today or visitors allowed as we've got the lurgy. OH full of cold (man flu) and the kids have got a tummy bug. I assume its this 24hr bug that has been going round.

This means that we're on our 4th NSD in a row, although I do need to get a few presents for birthdays that are coming up and I was hoping to get stuff in the sales. Will see if I can sneek out tomorrow.

Have loads of washing on the line so not using tumble dryer and haven't put heating on today as yet, so saving a few pennies.

Still haven't got on the scales!! LOL.xx

Itsadogslife_2

I have stood on the scales :eek: 11st 7 so at least half a stone over my WW goal weight and a full stone over where I would like to be. I have to say though, I have eaten that much rubbish I am looking forward to getting back to normality and a nice healthy diet - feeling very lethargic and bloated today

Alice_in_Poorland

I know what you mean Itsadogslife about getting back to some sort of normality. I'm glad I didn't buy lots of chocolate and treat things as we have had loads of goodies as gifts.

The lurgy has finally left the building so everybody is getting back on their feet. Not a very nice 48hrs.

Had an update from CCCS today which sent my OH into a bit of a strop. Think he's having second thoughts about going through them but had he supported and help me before with our finances then I'm sure we wouldn't of got into the mess we are in. I'm sure he'll be fine just getting to grips with the realisation that our credit rating is now shot to pieces.

Going to try and venture out this afternoon, still got birthday presents to buy but will be sticking to our very strict budget.

I plucked up the courage to speak to one of the CC companies that have been calling (over 80 times in 18 days but they did have Christmas and Boxing day off!!) and advised them of our DMP and they said that was fine and they would stop calling.

xx

P.S. Still have got on the scales yet!!!!!