Debt free by 40?

Shelski_2

Hello all,

Have been a long time lurker and a very recent poster. Have decided it's time to really get these debts paid off as much as possible by the time I'm 40 (18 months away).:eek:

Actions taken:
All utilities on best options
Extra dds that are not needed are cancelled
Very account settled
Know what is going out on DDs, SO etc & other extras like DC's clubs
Know what is coming in
Using other supermarkets and dropping some brands
OH is on board
Only visiting the cashpoint once per week.

Phew! When you look at that I have been a busy girl. I know that when I have a bigger handle on my money, I'll be able to pay more off and stop getting stupid overdraft charges:mad:

So - next month will be the first in a long time without any charges:j
First target - to pay for my fridge freezer (Buy now Pay June, old one gave up the ghost 3 days before Christmas) in June without touching the credit card.

I had squirrelled some money away towards it including this month's payment holiday from the CT when DH announced his car needed a service for it to stay under warrantee. Dealer's prices just over £200!!! (although this was less than the £300 + he was originally quoted)
So had to raid the pot. Looking on the plus side, at least I had it. I didn't need to use the CC. That is huge progress in its own way.

Oh well, onwards and upwards. If anyone would like to join me along the way, feel free - the more, the merrier x

HappyNow

Hi Shelski

Wow, you've made a great start with that list, congratulations. I hope this diary helps you to stay focussed on the job in hand - mine definitely does.

I think it's good to have a firm target in mind (ie 18 months to clear all your debt) but it also gives you a lift if you can manage smaller victories inbetween, so paying of the fridge-freezer by June sounds like a good one to start with . Do you pay interest on the fridge-freezer if you can't pay it off by June? I really begrudge every penny interest I pay nowadays, it seems like such a waste of my money!

I've subscribed to your diary and will keep popping in to check how you're doing x

beanielou

Happy shiney new diary

PinotGrigio41

Hi Shelski,

Well done in starting your brand new diary and also for having lists and targets already. It is amazing how the really small things can make such a difference and in turn motivate you. I am looking forward to your progress on paying off the fridge freezer. Interest is the enemy nowadays ! We had huge overdrafts and I can remember burying my head in the sand, ignoring the charges and interest until I had my LBM and thought what the hell are we doing ?!! So, good luck with tackling the OD also !

Isnt it a lovely feeling to pay for something cash and not rely on the credit card as well ?

I have subscribed and will keep on popping in to see your progress along the way ! Good Luck !!:)

Pinot x

Shelski_2

Thank you Beanie, Happy & Mrs PG

Today is another day. Think I am going to try to get some work done today. DH is off away for a couple of days.

Yes the fridge freezer does have interest if we don't pay it in June. Something I am determined is not going to happen. Hopefully next month I can put the CT money away plus a bit more.
This month I managed to pay cash for a caravan in the easter hols to see my sister and her DC who lives there. It's hard being so far away. I can't remember the last time I paid cash for anything over £50 so it was a new, good feeling. Collected the sun vouchers but nothing on that site:mad: Mum and dad found a cheap private caravan so we are splitting the cost.

That reminds me, must ring her. Have told her about my new systems for grocery shopping and the cashpoint. She was going to have a look at her income/ outgoings last night and she wanted me to ring her today so it would make her do it, lol.
Don't need anything today and going to mum's for tea so a NSD for me today. Even have cooked leftovers for lunch and snacks so no cooking :j
Have a good MSE day everyone.

PinotGrigio41

Oh dear, why the sad face Shelski at the top of your last post ? Hope you are ok x

HappyNow

PinotGrigio41 wrote: »

Oh dear, why the sad face Shelski at the top of your last post ? Hope you are ok x

Aww, I hadn't even noticed the sad face. C'mon Shelski, ' Turn that frown, upside down'. Like this --> . Nicer colour too!

Shelski_2

Not done intentionally, still getting used to the system!!

Car tax reminders came for BOTH cars today. Wonder if I can do a 12 months and a 6 months so that they don't meet again. Hmmm! Will have to find some more pennies first.

PinotGrigio41

We have done similar. I paid 12 months on Mr Pinots at the end of Dec and will pay 6 months on my car due at the end of Feb.

Glad to see your sad face was a mistake !!:D

Herewego

Hi :wave:

Just dropping by to say im following I only have 16 months until the big 40 and would like to be debt free when i get there too. Lots of hard work and cutting back but i agree the feeling of paying with cash is a good feeling, plastic is so yesterday :rotfl:

HWG x

PinotGrigio41

Herewego wrote: »

Hi :wave:

Just dropping by to say im following I only have 16 months until the big 40 and would like to be debt free when i get there too. Lots of hard work and cutting back but i agree the feeling of paying with cash is a good feeling, plastic is so yesterday :rotfl:

HWG x

I'm aiming for DFD of 50 , although the snowball calculator blew up when I tried to get a date, so I am making up my own!

Paying for things with cash is so much more satisfying , and I agree ....plastic is a thing of the past! So 80's darling ! :rotfl: