Project Phoenix- rising from the flames

STILL_BRASSIC

I'm surprised no-one has answered your plea for help. I'm afraid I'm no expert so can offer you no advice. I just wanted you to know that the whole world isn't ignoring you! Try another request now, with the school children on holiday more people may be at home.

BlueCrayon

I've a few ideas, I'm getting brutal with my budget now. Its strangely enjoyable!

OK, from looking at your personal SOA only, you say that your Bank Account fee gives you good value for money but I think it seems very high.

Do you travel abroad a lot? How much are you using the lounge access, do you really need it, what would an individual travel insurance cost you? Buying breakdown cover with cashback can cost as little as £20 for the year! Have you ever claimed on mobile insurance? I'd break this cost down and look into what it would cost you to buy what you need individually and see if you can get it for less than £300. The only lifestyle management you need is help to get your costs down!

Mobile again is really high, what are you paying for this and can it be cut down.

Other travel: how is this broken down, what is it for?

If your not really using your eBay shop I'd suggest suspending it and saving the money each month until your ready to start selling again.

Have you looked into selling any personal belongings you don't use to free up extra cash to throw against your debts.

From your joint SOA: I know your debts at separate but maybe you could challenge each other and both try and cut down and clear your debts together.

Groceries can be reduced.

£10 petrol? Really? Is there a reason it is so low? If that's all your using then get rid of the car. If you do need the car you need an allowance for maintenance/MOT etc.

You have lots of insurances, whats the other insurance for? Also sky insurance? Is this for your sky box? If so you're paying nearly as much insuring it as you are for using it. When our box clapped out I just said I'd leave and they sent me a new one for free.

Property maintenance: what is this for? Its high too! If your saving for something great but is it a need or a want? How long will you be saving this figure for?

My 2 pennies worth.

BlueCrayon