Fixing the dripping tap - aiming for a debt free life

Catriona_P

The bad news this week is that my job description is going to change (and I have a very bad feeling it could eventually result in redundancy within a year or so). So this has got me down. Husband's first response to my concerns were to suggest if I do get made redundant that I become a stay at home mum (which we can't afford and I wouldn't do even if we could, I need work to keep me sane).

I'm so desperate to sell this house and get out by the end of the year but there's still so much that needs doing before we can. All of which costs money of course. Following the heavy winter rains we have a leaky roof on top of everything else that needs doing. It's a long and boring topic but frustrating me.

I'm doing the 40 bags in 40 days challenge again this year so getting through stuff, which is going ok. After my last post I ebayed some of my shoes (with more to go when I can) but was bitterly disappointed by how little I got for them. One expensive, rare and only worn once pair went for £5. I could have cried.

Catriona_P

Slowly slowly. Been selling a few more things on eBay - was delighted to get £20 for a once-expensive dress I havn't worn in about 8 years.

DD gets her free 15 hours of childcare a week from the 22nd, which is going to make a huge difference with her nursery bills. I can't wait.

This debt is crippling my mind to the extent that I'm struggling to focus on other things (including my exam result due back in a few weeks).

I found my spreadsheet with my historic debt on it the other day - depressing to see I've been in debt since 2009. That's a long time to be worrying about money.

maddiemay

Hi Catriona
I am pleased that you have had a better experience with e-bay, and great news about the free childcare.

You have had so many things to deal with at the same time, it is no wonder that you cannot see your way forward at times. Do you have a plan for dealing with the debt when you will have more funds available?

Keep plodding, you will get there:D

Catriona_P

Hi Maddie how are you?

I think the 'extra' cash from lower childcare bills is going to have to go towards the house I'm afraid. Desperate to get it on the market by the end of the year and there's still quite a bit to do (which doesn't help on the debt front). I'm just hoping it gives a bit more breathing space.

NCT baby sale tomorrow and I have bags of stuff going. Really hoping a lot of it sells as I need the space and the money.

maddiemay

Hi,
There are always so many calls on money aren't there, and I understand the need for you to get the house sorted and on the market. Obviously I don't know your situation, (and I am not asking), but could you manage to allocate a small percentage of the childcare savings 5% or a little more to the debt over and above what you are paying now? Even a small amount would add up and mean less interest, you know the thing about eating an elephant in small bites. It seems from reading the diaries of people who have cracked the debt (sometimes after many years), that the small amounts, over time, have made a significant difference.


I hope that the sale went well for you. (sorry no smilies on IE)
Keep plodding, you really will get there, and fingers crossed for your exam results.
MM


P.S. thanks for asking I am OK, Spring is here and I am enjoying my garden, it looks really pretty when all the Daffs are out, a lot of plants have survived the wet winter and hopefully more will show themselves over the next couple of weeks. I am determined to spend less on it this year (famous last words LOL)

Catriona_P

maddiemay wrote: »

Hi,
There are always so many calls on money aren't there, and I understand the need for you to get the house sorted and on the market. Obviously I don't know your situation, (and I am not asking), but could you manage to allocate a small percentage of the childcare savings 5% or a little more to the debt over and above what you are paying now? Even a small amount would add up and mean less interest, you know the thing about eating an elephant in small bites. It seems from reading the diaries of people who have cracked the debt (sometimes after many years), that the small amounts, over time, have made a significant difference.

I like that idea! Working it out 10% of what I'm saving is about £6 which isn't much but every little helps right.

Baby sale did not go as well as planned (lack of buyers apparently as its the easter hols). I sold 49 items of the 120 and bought 24 (for DD in her current size and a few bits for next year) and made about £15 once fees are off. Not fantastic but could have been worse.

I do love Spring, I've been out in the garden tidying up too Ours is a young garden (like everything else in this house it was badly maintained) so virtually everything has been put in by me in the 5 years we've lived here. I'm also determined not to spend too much on it this year! But I'm hoping to keep on top of weeding as much as possible. Little one loves to help but she has a tendency to stand on my plants.

I'm 30 later this week and despite people asking really don't know what I want so I may ask for gardening vouchers (how old am I getting!).

maddiemay

Hi Catriona
I hope that you have/had a lovely birthday.


sorry that the sale was not better, but at least you have kitted little one out for quite a while.


We moved to this place almost 3 years ago, It has quite a large garden and was in fairly good condition, but some shrubs let go too big and far too many conifer trees - yuk. All my presents from OH and Mum have been requested as cash/vouchers for plants and I have loved having them but, of course I am in the right age bracket for them LOL. I have a 50ft and a 60ft border and some smaller ones and I want proper herbaceous borders, like at the big country houses (smaller scale though).


It must be hard knowing that there is so much to do and so much expenditure needed without the possibility of being able to enjoy the end product, but it is a means to an end and I hope that it will all pan out in your favour - your time will come, even if it takes longer than you wish.

Catriona_P

Made a step forward on the house - bedroom is being replastered and we finally have an installation date for the kitchen. House is now a tip as there's furniture everywhere which is stressing me out but should only be for a week.

Sadly I also found out I failed my January exam so I'm very very gutted about that. This course feels never ending (every time I fail it puts the end date back 6 months).

On the plus side, DD's 15 free nursery hours has now kicked in.

beanielou

Sorry about exam.
Good news on nursery hours though.
Where are you debt wise now?

maddiemay

Great news about the nursery hours and the work being done on the house, but very sorry about the exam, you have had so much to deal with and study too, but have faith, you will get there. xx