How many lightbulb moments?

Becks_in_Debt

In Feb 06 i had my car repossed which lead to me finding out that my OH was a gambler and not paying any bills, loans etc etc
I had my first LBM in March 2006 when both me and OH went to CAB to sort things out, I took full control of the finances so he didnt have any access to money, but since April 06 every company has received there min payment every month.
We looked into me going back to work full time to help pay towards everything as my OH is on a good wage but after paying out for everything we were left with hardly any money and it is that expensive to get childcare.
I finally started back at work in Nov 06 part time (all my wages paid toward xmas, did go slightly mad) I then started back full time in Jan 07, i said when i started back i would pay an extra £250 p/m off the debts, this has not happened yet, the first thing we did was book a weeks holiday abroad, we felt we needed one, we had had 3 very rough years and our relationship was suffering, which was showing on our daughter, we go away in less than 6 weeks time for 1 week, slightly worried that we cant really afford spending money and clothes and general bits and bobs.
My second LBM was when my sister told me about reclaiming back bank charges, i sent off the first letter 01/03/06 (which is when i joined MSE). This site is fantastic and thank you to everybody i really am going to stick to it now, i am still learning, but getting there, there is so much to take in. If and when i win the reclaiming back bank charges i want the money to go towards paying off the debts, my OH however wants to buy a new car or decorate the hall, stairs and landing (dont mind the decorating it adds value to the property). Now when we get back i am starting to pay off the extra £250 p/m on the debts, this is definatly my final LBM i am in the right state of mind and i have all you guys giving me inspiration.

:grouphug: :kisses3: :grouphug: :kisses3: :grouphug: :kisses3: :grouphug: :kisses3: :grouphug: :kisses3:
THANK YOU AGAIN EVERYBODY,
READING ALL YOU'R STORIES GIVE'S ME
INSPIRATION AND WILL POWER THAT I CAN BE DF,
HOPEFULLY BY SOME TIME 08

tigzem

I'm still on my 1st LBM and have to say it's changed me, I still spend money that I shouldn't but now it's on Creme Eggs (OneIdaywill's fault!!!!) but now I have a plan and am looking for a job so I can clear this debt so I can have a future with my gorgeous daughter and bf x

Crown

This thread is great. Its good to hear peoples stories and hopefully by sharing them some over lurkers may fianlly see the light

Sea78

Crown - it's reassuring for me too I am a perfect bargain shopper after LBM last year, but that's not really the point is it?!!:rotfl:

frugalpam

Sea78 wrote: »

Crown - it's reassuring for me too I am a perfect bargain shopper after LBM last year, but that's not really the point is it?!!:rotfl:

The wonderful thing about threads such as this is to see that we're not alone. Before I found this forum I had no-one to discuss money problems and debts with (couldn't face telling friends or family), and it's like a massive weight lifted, being able to share all this AND get tons of practical advice and help. Thanks Sea78 for starting this thread !!

Pam

Crown

Hi Pam, I totally agree with you.

Why talking about Money is sucha Taboo in Britain I have no idea. its an important part of life and if we were taught some of the things I have learnt since PROPERLY using this instead of using it to get good shopping deals on rubbish I never really needed I may have never even been in the mess I am now sorting.

Did that make any sense.. Im not sure what I typed is English lol :rotfl:

lovetobeloaded

It is so reassuring to know that other people don't become hardcore DFW even when they know they should and have read all of the tips.

I posted an SOA a few months ago and have implemented some small changes i.e. switching utilities and insurance. Plus I always question myself when buying anything (although even then, I do sometimes give in to temptation when I know I shouldn't).

Whilst this hasn't brought my debt down yet it has probably stopped me getting into more trouble and thinking I'll just bang it on the plastic and get a consolidation loan when that's full.

What I really want is one of those lovely plans where I know what I can overpay each month and set that glorious DF date. At the same time as living within my income and sticking to a proper budget.

My recent windfall from reclaiming charges is going a long way to kick starting the repayment process and I very proud of myself for not just walking into a travel agent and booking a fabulous holiday.

This is a great thread and has prompted me to promise myself that this will be the weekend when I do work out the magic date.

Trouble is, I spend time on here when I am at work and get all worked up and full of enthusiasm, then I get home and I can't be bothered or my weekend is taken up with something else!

Very well done to Sassers - I wish I had your discipline.

:beer:

MUSTBEFUNNY_2

It is embarassing to talk about money isn't it? Before I found that web site I used to feel like Sonic the Hedgehog. He's a gaming character and everytime he's hit golden coins fly off him.....I didn't know what was hitting me as I wasn't in control. Thanks to this web site my debt free date is coming closer....what a day that'll be.;)

Littlered_3

I've had two proper light bulb moments (not moments where I thought "I know, I'll take out a consolidation loan!)

I had my first one last Christmas, when I realised I was using my credit cards to pay my catalogue bills, and I only had catalogue bills because I didn't have any money to buy clothes or household items! So I started a DMP, but with Spectrum (any one who's seen my other threads will know how unhappy I've been with them!)

My 2nd light bulb moment was only a few weeks ago, when I looked in to what I now owe just over a year later, to discover it was only £380 less than I owed a year ago! Felt like crying, but came on here, got some adviced, and am in the middle of switching to Payplan.

I am a terrible spender though, and I have to try and work on that next!

frugalpam

Crown wrote: »

Hi Pam, I totally agree with you.

Why talking about Money is sucha Taboo in Britain I have no idea. its an important part of life and if we were taught some of the things I have learnt since PROPERLY using this instead of using it to get good shopping deals on rubbish I never really needed I may have never even been in the mess I am now sorting.

Did that make any sense.. Im not sure what I typed is English lol :rotfl:

It made perfect sense to me !! I remember once seeing a computer in the sales at a totally bargain price - hundreds of £ knocked off. Oh I'd searched everywhere to get the best price for this computer - how could I not buy it? This from a woman who was up to the limit on most accounts, but could just about manage to pay for it on one of her bits of plastic !! At least I spose one dim bulb must've gone off, because I didn't buy it. Pity I hadn't been researching better money saving deals on utilities, insurances etc, and starting using that to pay off some of my debts :embarasse
Ah well... onwards and upwards. I've seen the light !! :idea:

Pam