Fixing the dripping tap - aiming for a debt free life

Catriona_P

It's been a long, hard summer so far but things are taking a jump forward. Since my last post the new kitchen is in (yay) and the next step of house renovation is currently being priced up. Hoping to put the house on the market by the end of the year.

I retook my exam a few weeks ago and I'm feeling more positive about this one. Fingers tightly crossed. I'm also working on the dissertation so that's keeping me busy when I'm not working.

My original debt has just (as of today) been paid off! A big milestone for me :j

Next I'm focusing on my 'other' debt, the one I ran up last year. I've transferred it to the credit card I've just paid off with a 0% offer until January 2016, which has made it more managable.

Now that the mortgage payments are less and the 15 free hours are taking a chunk out of childcare payments, I've finding it easier to keep my head above water. It's a struggle, and I still have no savings, but I'm getting there.

Things are not happy at home but I'm keeping going as much as I can. Work is more stressful than ever as my retiring boss isn't going to be replaced (nor will they promote me) but struggling on is all I can do.

maddiemay

You have come a long way since your last post, well done. Is your studying an ongoing thing?

New kitchen sounds great, I hope that the rest of the work is less expensive than you expect.

MM.

beanielou

Good news on original debt being gone

Catriona_P

Thanks both!

Yes the studying is still ongoing maddie - hopefully I'll be done by next April, possibly July if I fail another exam. I can't wait for it to all be done so I can have my weekends back!

Catriona_P

It's been a hard few months with harder still yet to come. I was slowly making headway into my debt when I had a series of expensive bills that hit me in the same month - car MOT and getting it fixed, exam registration and vet bills. So the progress I was making was slashed considerably.

To make it worse, marriage has finally broken down. Not unexpected. I won't be able to do anything until the new year and looking at rentals is worrying me as I'm not sure I'll be able to pay the bills as where I live is expensive. I'm not entitled to any benefits as I have a relatively decent wage (29k) and no friends or family in the vicinity who could help.

Here's to a better 2015.

maddiemay

Hi Catriona, I have been hoping that you were OK. A lot for you to sort out, but sort it you will, of that I am sure:A

Take care of yourself and your dear little one and have the best Christmas that you are able to.

Masses of good vibes winging your way for 2015.
MM
xx

AutumnLeaf

Hi Catriona,

Have just read through your diary. We are almost the same age!

I am sorry to read about your relationship but it sounds like it may be a bit of a relief?

You sound like a strong, capable woman. You already know how to juggle and prioritise and I have no doubt you can build a great life for you and your daughter.

As for colleagues, parents and spouses, they can only gang up on you if you let them. Get busy finding a new place and focussing on what you want then you just won't have time for their nonsense.

Good luck. ALx

Catriona_P

Thanks Maddie! So good to see you're still with me when I've been AWOL on most of the threads I've frequented this year. Merry christmas to you and yours!

Thank you also to you AL for reading it all! You're right it is a relief, I just know the hardest parts are yet to come. Looking forward to finding my own place and collapsing (figuratively speaking). Life can be very lonely but I have the little one to concentrate on. Merry xmas

Catriona_P

This will probably be my last post. Lots has changed in the last few months, not much of it good.

House is almost sold. My debts will be paid off from the split of the assets from the house sale. I should be able to afford a cheap rental somewhere and be able to live on my wages (I'm not entitled to any benefits) plus the minimum child maintenance.

I hope in the future I can keep my head above water. I'm certainly more financially savvy than I was, and without a giant manchild draining my wallet and my soul I may be just a little bit happier too.

Here's to the future.