Got to stop faffing around

FrugalJo

Hi all
I need a big kick up the proverbial.
Been on and off this forum for the last year. In that time I've

Cleared my £3000 overdraft.
Stopped smoking for 4 months, started again 7 months ago.
Defaulted on one loan and then paid it off.
Cleared Debenhams and Allders cards to the tune of £500 in total
Reduced my car insurance by £200
Took on a P/T job, just resigned. (I'm self employed business was dire last year now it's on the up again can't commit to both.)
Put a little bit of Xmas on the CC and now.......started sliding again.

See it's all ups and downs.

Have a horrendous Marbles CC balance of £9,500ish at an astronomical APR of 21% I think and the dreaded Cahoot flexible loan that never seems to go down, but the interest rate goes up.

Credit history got shot to pieces on my default last year and a couple of late payments on Marbles when business was dead.
It's not help with SOA or anything, it's my frame of mind. The wonderful Debt Diaries, and successful challenges on here always motivate me and I think right I can do this, minimum spend, meal plan, no whimsical purchases, but I just seem to fall over at some point.

First target is the smoking...I really cannot justify it. I know I can do it.

So any slaps with wet fishes, or boots please aim this way !

angchris

consider yourself well and truly kicked pat yourself on the back for the progress you have made, cut that credit card up into smitherines and get back on the case sometimes its a bumpy journey but even if you just make 2 steps forward and 1 back you will still get there in the end!! keep your chin up...angchris

tigzem

Well done on your achievement so far, you've done really well. Cut the card up!!

And yay another south coaster!!

FrugalJo

Thankyou Ang and Tig.
I am going to do this, cutting that card up could be the sign/symbol I needa nd my lightbulb switch to go on for good, feel I've just been flickering over the past 12 months.

The moment that overdraft was paid off I felt so good, if I could just get back into that mindset.



Got a milestone birthday next year, tempted to set myself a challenge.

South Coast = Dorset for me Tiz

oakdale_minx

You've realised you've started sliding and decided to stop - and that is excellent. Think of what you have already achieved and that you've stopped yourself from undoing and start making little steps again to get yourself going.

Might be worth phoning Marbles to see if they will reduce the APR - some will, some won't. I had my Capital One and Barclaycard APR both halved when I phoned last year.

oakdale_minx

Dorset for me too FrugalJo - bit grey and chilly today!

liz105

do this for me right now

get up

get fags

chuck 'em down the toilet

flush

ok, (it worked in Bridget Jones right?!) :rotfl:

now, make yourself a cup of tea :coffee: and do a mealplan for next week, it might seem lousy right now, but it really helps me to feel in control of everything in a few minutes. Then perhaps do a bit of cleaning to get the endorphins going and pop out for a walk?

For kick up the whatsit moments from me that is very tame as I am known for my harsh points of 'wisdom' (yeah right, I'm 22!!) but they always come with reality and a box of tissues and packet of biccies afterwards!

FrugalJo

Oakdale, is a bit isn't it ? No beach with dog and family today, particularly given the effect the Branscombe beach affair has had on local beaches

Will try with Marbles but I'm sure they have me by the bits, they know no-one else is going to touch me at the moment don't they ? I guess if you don't ask...

FrugalJo

Liz
Need to hear that ! And appreciate you being gentle - with biccies too. Without sounding patronising I wish I'd had that attitude at 22
I am 3/4 of the way through Allen Carr (r.i.p.) and approaching the last ciggy tonight, freedom tomorrow.

Mealplan and Tesco's next on the list. Hubby gets 10% staff discount at local Somerfields but it is a false economy, go in 4 or 5 times a week spending £20+ . I am the supermarkets product placements dream for BOGOFs etc.

Endorphins sound good, better than nicotine.

frugalpam

I think it took a lot of guts to come and be honest about what had happened - so good for you!! Don't forget the great progress you had made eg clearing overdraft, cutting car insurance. I think one great motivator is coming here every day and reading up on how people are doing and picking up loads of tips and ideas - that's what's keeping me on the straight and narrow! If it wasn't for this forum I'd have blown my tax rebate instead of using it wisely.
Keep you chin up - onwards and upwards!!

Pam

immoral_angeluk

It'd be a good idea to speak to your doctor about the smoking as they can offer advice and put you in touch with people who'll be able to help.