What's the single best tip you can give for all those in debt ?

richardvc · 9 March 2007 at 3:34PM

I hope that I am a true DFW but want to glean some valuable tips that I might have missed and perhaps we could all learn something -

For me, doing my SOA was frightening and yet life changing in my battle against debt.

So my tip is to sit down and work out your SOA it may not be good but it is the real facts.

Now over to you experts..........

dubgirl · 9 March 2007 at 3:37PM

for me it was talking to someone and unburdening myself - for a long time no one knew about my debt. My OH was the first person I told and it was such a relief getting it out in the open. It sounds a bit cheesy but it was a liberating moment for me.

Mozette · 9 March 2007 at 3:45PM

Be honest... with yourself and others.

teecee152 · 9 March 2007 at 3:50PM

A spending diary!!
I couldn't believe how much money i wasted on "stuff"

Storm · 9 March 2007 at 3:52PM

Only pay in cash - it's a lot harder to hand over those £20 notes than it is to use the debit or credit card for £20!

atypicalblonde · 9 March 2007 at 3:53PM

teecee152 wrote: »

A spending diary!!
I couldn't believe how much money i wasted on "stuff"

Second that!! Also, I found at first that I was trying so hard to give it my all that I got really down-hearted and started to feel guilty if I indulged at all. Now I have a set few 'treats' that I havent given up on despite being a debt (namely nice coffee and loo roll!) and I appreciate these so much more. xx

atypicalblonde · 9 March 2007 at 3:54PM

And also, MEAL PLANNING. It has saved me a fortune. xx

richardvc · 9 March 2007 at 3:55PM

The posts so far are brilliant - we should write a book.....oh no Martin's done that already !!

bobble_hat · 9 March 2007 at 3:58PM

I agree with everyone mentioned above.

Personally for me is having seperate Bank accounts for specific budget categories:

e.g.

Household Bills
Christmas
Treats
Weekly pocket allowance
Holiday

fay66 · 9 March 2007 at 3:58PM

All of it, and to know your not the only one to make a mess of your life !

GirlRacer_2 · 9 March 2007 at 4:17PM

It's got to be the motivation I get off you guys. I'm a closet debtor, nobody knows except you guys and whenever I'm feeling down or about to fall off the wagon all I've got to do is log-on. There's always someone there to offer me sympathy or a good kick up the a***.