Determined this is my last debt diary

clearmydebts

I really need to be keeping track of my mini achievements to keep me motivated. Food and shopping are my biggest weaknesses. I can't remember the last time we got a takeaway but will say 5th Jan just to have a date. The last time I entered a shopping centre and purchased an item of children's clothing was the 9th Jan, so 13 days ago.

Need to keep these dates in mind. I said at least 3 months before I enter a shopping centre again, so that's 9th April. Need to wait at least 6 months before I buy an item of kiddies clothing again unless it is an essential like footwear or swimwear, so no clothes until the Next summer sale which is usually around the 17th July!

Take aways - well I can't do without everything so will limit ourselves to one take away/lunch out per month as a family.

starnac

clearmydebts wrote: »

Take aways - well I can't do without everything so will limit ourselves to one take away/lunch out per month as a family.

I don't think you should do without takeaways. It's not really fair or realistic. If you say "no more takeaways" you'll possibly feel a bit deprived and then if you do give in and have one you'll feel like a failure. That's what usually happens to me anyway. Cutting down on the number/frequency is a much better/more achievable goal in my opinion

clearmydebts

starnac wrote: »

I don't think you should do without takeaways. It's not really fair or realistic. If you say "no more takeaways" you'll possibly feel a bit deprived and then if you do give in and have one you'll feel like a failure. That's what usually happens to me anyway. Cutting down on the number/frequency is a much better/more achievable goal in my opinion

It definitely wouldn't be achievable for us as a family. We do need a treat every now and again to keep us ticking! I think the clothes and shopping centre ban are definitely achievable if I put my head down and avoid temptation. I need to get rid of this habit/addiction anyway.

Birdie85

I think it's a good idea to allow yourselves a treat every so often. It makes life bearable! We're not so bothered about buying 'stuff' but we do like to have lunch or dinner out if we fancy it and hate not being 'allowed' so end up rebelling and eating out much more than normal!

You'll probably find that once you hit your target date to be allowed back to the shops that you won't even be that bothered about buying anything. Once you kick the habit of buying stuff just because it takes your fancy there and then, you stop and think about it. More often than not I'll carry something around a shop then put it back and leave empty handed! Just think about moving house too, the less stuff you have to pack and sort through, the easier the move will be!

It might be a good idea to give yourself a limit/shopping list for the Next sale too. It's so easy to get carried away, but it's not a bargain if you don't need it! The ladies in my FB baby group are terrible for overbuying in the sale and I am always astounded at the amount they buy (£££s worth!). No child needs that many clothes. My friends are like this with toys and I swing between feeling guilty that Zach doesn't have as much as his friends and feeling glad that he's not inundated with rubbish when all he wants is a ball in each hand!

starnac

Birdie85 wrote: »

My friends are like this with toys and I swing between feeling guilty that Zach doesn't have as much as his friends and feeling glad that he's not inundated with rubbish when all he wants is a ball in each hand!

And a cardboard box to sit in!!! :rotfl:

clearmydebts

You're both right though Birdie and Star. Kids don't need much. Both of mine love little toy figures and animals and spend hours playing with them!

Good idea about setting a budget Birdie. I was quite good in the last sale in that I planned what I wanted to get first so got both of them a good winter coat for next year and then basically kitted out DS's room for when we do move. So a bit more disciplined! My biggest hurdle will be to ignore the mid season sale in March. May need some serious pep talks on here to see me through!

clearmydebts

Payday for OH today! Have put money towards the house deposit but decided not to pay anything off the credit card just yet. I'm due to be paid next Thursday but this my first month on the payroll and just in case there are any hiccups. So I'll be sensible and wait even though I don't want to!

starnac

Very sensible to keep some money back until you know that your pay will go through without any issues

clearmydebts

starnac wrote: »

Very sensible to keep some money back until you know that your pay will go through without any issues

Very unlike me Star. That lightbulb finally must have started working properly!!

starnac

clearmydebts wrote: »

Very unlike me Star. That lightbulb finally must have started working properly!!

I think mine was an energy saving lightbulb! You know how when you turn them on they are quite dim and then after a while they get brighter and brighter?? :rotfl::rotfl::rotfl: