Finally seeing the right track getting closer

MuffinTops

Bank account checked - all good.

I've just sold 2 books on Amazon! Hopefully those sales will start picking up again now the tough months are over. Those payments will go onto the CC. Whoop!

miggy

Well done on the sales!

It's a shame the time away is going to cost more than you originally expected, but you've proved it's affordable and it will be a well-earned break.

DH and I were discussing how we can 'talk ourselves down', which is similar, I think, to you seeing yourself as not having enough money. I think we sometimes give people a wrong impression by saying 'I'm not very good at so-and-so' or 'You know me, I'd forget my head if it weren't screwed on.' Actually although those things might be true from time to time, they're not the whole picture and yet some people will latch onto those as representing how we are. So I'm trying not to put across an unnecessarily negative image - but I can see how easy it is to do!

There's probably an opposite behaviour though - all those people who flash ccs but couldn't pay cash.

So here I am, nodding enthusiastically to all you say and thinking how nice it will be for you to have your holiday (all paid for) complete with spa treats!

MuffinTops

miggy wrote: »

Well done on the sales!

It's a shame the time away is going to cost more than you originally expected, but you've proved it's affordable and it will be a well-earned break.

DH and I were discussing how we can 'talk ourselves down', which is similar, I think, to you seeing yourself as not having enough money. I think we sometimes give people a wrong impression by saying 'I'm not very good at so-and-so' or 'You know me, I'd forget my head if it weren't screwed on.' Actually although those things might be true from time to time, they're not the whole picture and yet some people will latch onto those as representing how we are. So I'm trying not to put across an unnecessarily negative image - but I can see how easy it is to do!

There's probably an opposite behaviour though - all those people who flash ccs but couldn't pay cash.

So here I am, nodding enthusiastically to all you say and thinking how nice it will be for you to have your holiday (all paid for) complete with spa treats!

You're so right with the "talking yourself down" as I'm sure I'm pretty guilty of that at times. I do use the words "I don't want to spend my money on that" rather than "I can't afford" but it's all about perception, isn't it? It's funny because those that treat me the poorest are aware of the exact job I have which isn't bad and pays well. Although I never discuss my salary/income or finances really so maybe that's part of the problem.

I've brought my birthday budget in today to put back into my account to pay for the accommodation. It's already booked and paid for on my friend's credit card, so I just need to put it in my bank and transfer that across to her as soon as I can today.

I hope you're having a warmer day today. I'll catch up on diaries at some point today.

miggy

I don't discuss my finances either (except here!), largely because nearly everyone I know outside work seems to be on more money than I am! Sometimes someone will say something like 'I'd never do such and such a job, they only pay X' and it could well be more than I earn. When I think of it, though, they wouldn't say that if they knew what I get, so it's about their perception of what X will buy rather than how they think of me.

Based on that I'd say the people who treat you 'poorest' probably have no clue as to what you really earn and if you won the jackpot they would probably not be a lot different(and if they were, you'd be wise to keep them at arm's length!)

Having said that, I admit I occasionally try to drop things into conversation that are supposed to indicate I'm 'keeping up with the Joneses'! Oh dear, I feel bad admitting that! :o LOL, I will either have to change my ways or learn to live with it!

Still cold here... but rainy. Not sure if that's good (not snow) or not (cold & wet).

Your holiday is getting closer and closer isn't it! It must be very satisfying that it's so nearly paid off.

LondonGirl252

Hey

Shame about having to spend more but you deserve it and you should go and enjoy!!

I never used to talk about my finances with anyone until recently it got to the point where it was getting difficult not to as I've changed my lifestyle so much since being MSE. I used to. I need to talk myself down more as I agree to so much stuff until I look at the budget. sorry that was a bit of a hijack there!!

freebyfifty

MuffinTops wrote: »

One day at a time is the best advice, and getting there together was a lovely statement. Thank you. :cheesy:

In my head (which is a scary place to be) there is a little gang of us, You, Me, Missus Knitty, Miggy, LT and Missus Dragon who pops in from time to time.
You have been the most supportive and inspiring virtual friends and together we will kick so debt busting a$$ :rotfl:

toots82

hey hon,

its a pity its money u hadn't expected to spend.....but its not like you're missing a debt payment to go, you've got to live too and enjoy yourself. Plus when u come back all refreshed having had a great time u can think right, I've had my treat time to knuckle down again! I've got a hen weekend coming up first weekend in March, I'm planning to enjoy it but not be silly like I used to be....I went on a bridesmaid dress shopping day n spent £20 bringing my kids back pressies....WHY????????????????? LOL xxxxxxxxx

Shelski_2

debtfree2015 wrote: »

I do shop and scan too - its brilliant! Got most of dd's presents with argos vouchers, and myself a pair of jeans from dorothy perkins with a £10 voucher, in the sales paid £2!!

If you scan reciepts it builds up even quicker x

Hi

Where can I find a link etc to do this please?

debtfree2015_2

You deserve a treat Muffin, you have worked hard, so make sure you enjoy it then itl be money well spent!

2 more payments to go on your CC is fantastic! - That will be a huge difference to your default debt or mortgage whatever it goes on! Well done :T

MuffinTops

miggy wrote: »

I don't discuss my finances either (except here!), largely because nearly everyone I know outside work seems to be on more money than I am! Sometimes someone will say something like 'I'd never do such and such a job, they only pay X' and it could well be more than I earn. When I think of it, though, they wouldn't say that if they knew what I get, so it's about their perception of what X will buy rather than how they think of me.

Based on that I'd say the people who treat you 'poorest' probably have no clue as to what you really earn and if you won the jackpot they would probably not be a lot different(and if they were, you'd be wise to keep them at arm's length!)

Having said that, I admit I occasionally try to drop things into conversation that are supposed to indicate I'm 'keeping up with the Joneses'! Oh dear, I feel bad admitting that! :o LOL, I will either have to change my ways or learn to live with it!

Still cold here... but rainy. Not sure if that's good (not snow) or not (cold & wet).

Your holiday is getting closer and closer isn't it! It must be very satisfying that it's so nearly paid off.

Oh those non-deliberate but still insensitive remarks that people can make just make you shrivel a bit inside, don't they? I think you're right that most people don't really realise how much money they spend or where it goes so don't really know how far you can stretch a small amount of money.

I think it's in all of us to want to appear to be keeping up with others and I'm pretty sure I do the same.

I'm away for the weekend in 2 weeks time. So just one more full weekend to get through now! Yippee to that.

It's still pretty cold here, I still have the remains of some of last week's snow in my garden, but a lot of that has melted off today. Even though it still feels freezing cold.