So fed up with myself!

vasseur

Have you tried the 'Payment a Day' (PADding) challenge on here?

Basically you pay an amount off your card every day. I do it in addition to my monthly DD payment and I usually just round down to the nearest pound and pay it from my online banking. It really does make a difference and as the amounts are tiny you don't really notice them leaving your account.

I've paid loads more off this way. Plus it keeps you focussed on the bigger picture just seing the balance going down.

TakingControl

SJ_Jones wrote: »

Groceries is my first aim - I am a bit of a foodie, so love getting the nice stuff... but going to try! I find it works out cheaper (per person) when there's two of you. Singledom is expensive! QUOTE]

I am single and love food but instead of buying pre-cooked stuff and sauces I batch cook everything from scratch. Not only does it save on the ingredients but after 2 weeks of cooking,I have a full freezer full of nice fresh cooked food and I save some time there. Have a look at the old style board for some ideas

SJ_Jones

TakingControl wrote: »

I am single and love food but instead of buying pre-cooked stuff and sauces I batch cook everything from scratch. Not only does it save on the ingredients but after 2 weeks of cooking,I have a full freezer full of nice fresh cooked food and I save some time there. Have a look at the old style board for some ideas

I do cook from scratch - but I'm terrible for remembering to take stuff out of the freezer before going to work!

I also make my own lunches, so no saving to be had there.

I've been following guidance from the gym instructor, to have a bigger breakfast and lunch, with the aim of not having carbs after 6pm... it's resulted in me barely eating in the evenings during the week now! So hopefully bills should start going down there, and I can have more of a treat at the weekend.

blacksta

polesalot wrote: »

Have you tried the 'Payment a Day' (PADding) challenge on here?

Basically you pay an amount off your card every day. I do it in addition to my monthly DD payment and I usually just round down to the nearest pound and pay it from my online banking. It really does make a difference and as the amounts are tiny you don't really notice them leaving your account.

I've paid loads more off this way. Plus it keeps you focussed on the bigger picture just seing the balance going down.

wonderfull idea - never thought of that

SJ_Jones

blacksta wrote: »

wonderfull idea - never thought of that

I agree. Just done my first one!

And did a reduced online shop!

yasmin2

polesalot wrote: »

Have you tried the 'Payment a Day' (PADding) challenge on here?

Basically you pay an amount off your card every day. I do it in addition to my monthly DD payment and I usually just round down to the nearest pound and pay it from my online banking. It really does make a difference and as the amounts are tiny you don't really notice them leaving your account.

I've paid loads more off this way. Plus it keeps you focussed on the bigger picture just seing the balance going down.

Do the banks not mind you doing this??

yasmin2

I also like nice food and find that a good way of dealing with this cheaply is by going to the supermarkets late in the evening on a Sat when lots of items have been reduced.. I normally go to Asda/Morrisons and get my nice food from there.. However, if it's not in the reduced section, I don't buy it..

I can pick up really nice meals for about 35p each!!

yas

theoretica

Re Motivation:
Do you think you will be able to rent your own place as soon as your loan is paid off? You will at least be able to start saving seriously for a deposit. With your monthly payment, for every £7 (roughly) you save to pay it off early you will be loan free a day earlier. Is that takeaway really worth another day or two with the loan (and shared accommodation) hanging over you?

GreenSaints

Hi

I totally agree about the takeaways. My favourite pizza place used to know it was me just from me saying hello! We used to have pizza it least once a week, once we had it four times! :eek:

We used to always be in our overdraft and over it so we cut out the takeaways and made meal plans. In a few months, we cleared £1000 OD! So we now overpay our mortgage instead of pizza. When you put it down like that, makes you focus. Plus, I make pretty good homemade pizzas

Good luck with your journey

SJ_Jones

GreenSaints wrote: »

Hi

I totally agree about the takeaways. My favourite pizza place used to know it was me just from me saying hello! We used to have pizza it least once a week, once we had it four times! :eek:

We used to always be in our overdraft and over it so we cut out the takeaways and made meal plans. In a few months, we cleared £1000 OD! So we now overpay our mortgage instead of pizza. When you put it down like that, makes you focus. Plus, I make pretty good homemade pizzas

Good luck with your journey

I only tend to do it once or twice a month but point taken! Plus when I order a take away it tends to last me a few days. Take-away pizza and chinese freezes very well!