And so this is Christmas and what have you done?

365days

Another years over and a new one just begun.....

I have a love/hate realtionship with that song. Reminds me of all the times I've heard it and promised myself to make changes and here I still am in the same old mess.

So, positives first. This year I have come off anti-depressants, dealt with my toxic neighbour, mentally that is she's not under the patio! Been through the process of having DS diagnosed with Aspergers after spending far too long in denial and stayed sober (Just over 3 years now) Had a bit of a house revamp but see below.


Negatives;

Spent a lump sum on new furniture, carpets, boiler when I maybe should of reduced debts. Social life zero (mix of few friends, lack of babysitter, and to frank cba most of the time) Still smoking, still fat, and still in debt. (Currently considering DMP)

Hopefully this time next year when I hear 'that' song I can reel off a list of things that I HAVE done.

I am planning to stock take after Christmas and lay bare the full horror of the statistics.

beanielou

Looking forward to reading more

elantan

Me too beanie, i read it earlier today and I have to admit it got me thinking ... Looking forward to reading more

365days

So, Christmas was good. Unfortunately Toxic neighbour must of had a bad one as I came back (after a night away) to find someone had reported me to RSPCA. After checking my dog (he came with me) 'He looks lovely' the cats snoozing on the sofa 'They look fine' and the rabbit 'He has lots of hay' I think he realised that it had been a vindictive call. Why are some people so horrible?

I really do want to move mainly because of TN (Toxic Neighbour) but I will have to stay put as finances won't allow it and everything else about house is fine. I have been reading about narcissm and I had confirmed that the best course of action is to IGNORE. Deep breaths!

I did the Stepchange input thingy and they are recommending a DMP. I think I'm going to hang back on that one for a while. I am not working to 'capacity' My son has ASD and I wanted to have a reduced workload when he transferred to secondary school this September. This is one area that i need to really work on in the New Year; getting more work but I have 2 extra days for the first week of term so that's a nice start to the working year.

My mantra this year is need not want. There really is very little I NEED. If I can do the year with this mentality I will be ok.

I am also waiting and waiting and waiting for a 4k plus sum from the CSA in arrears. I can't hold my breath on that one but if I get that I can avoid DMP.

I've opened a new basic bank account and will use that for my petrol/food money and i will get my tax credits transferred to there.

Hopefully my salary will cover my bills (I really need to get my head out of the sand and work out exactly how much I am earning)

Listed a few things on local FB selling page. Made shopping lists and stuck to them.

I want to lose weight (about 5 stone) and DS is becoming porky too. I also want to find a man!! Been single far too long.

Also this year I WILL do a charity walk/run. Have said I will for about the last 10 years.

Home is continuing to look better and better as I declutter, improve and decorate and hopefully will be able to continue with this; decluttering costs nothing.

That's a round up of stuff so far.

365days

Weekly shop done for just under £30.

First up to date statement in. CC1 £2030.00. This is lifetime 6.9 APR so will just carry on getting minimum payments by DD.

365days

Fantastic start to the New Year. Bracing walk up the White Horse. Can't believe never been there before. Cobwebs totally blown away. Picnic taken with us and eaten in the car(Normally would of taken nothing and ended up buying drink or snack or even lunch out)

Taken to rolling baccy gone from £7 a day to £3.88 every 2 days. Need to stop but can't get my head around that at the moment.

Have fridge full of food that can be made into meals rather than food that is a random selection of junk.

Going to have the biggest, bubbliest bath in a while and have a pamper session this evening. All this without spending a penny.

Ah also sent a message to one of my facebook 'friends' saying my plan for new year is to imporove my life and would she like to meet for a coffee. She has replied saying she'd love to.

Baby steps in the right direction.

HappyNewYear all.

365days

Well today did not go as planned. Have spent most of the day clearing up after the dog who has been, well, as sick as a dog. Thank goodness for the carpet cleaner.

I need to get back to work and DS back to school. Getting bored and munching.

Have sold one thing on FB for £7 and think i've sold something else for £2.50 so that can go towards CC when it comes through.

365days

This is January's SOA. Income for this month is good, not always as much as this.

Statement of Affairs and Personal Balance Sheet
Household Information
Number of adults in household........... 1
Number of children in household......... 1
Number of cars owned.................... 1
Monthly Income Details
Monthly income after tax................ 995
Partners monthly income after tax....... 0
Benefits................................ 400
Other income............................ 0
Total monthly income.................... 1395
Monthly Expense Details
Mortgage................................ 290
Secured/HP loan repayments.............. 0
Rent.................................... 0
Management charge (leasehold property).. 0
Council tax............................. 32
Electricity............................. 30
Gas..................................... 30
Oil..................................... 0
Water rates............................. 44.62
Telephone (land line)................... 20
Mobile phone............................ 5 (20)
TV Licence.............................. 12.12
Satellite/Cable TV...................... 0
Internet Services....................... 26
Groceries etc. ......................... 240
Clothing................................ 20
Petrol/diesel........................... 100
Road tax................................ 15
Car Insurance........................... 25
Car maintenance (including MOT)......... 25
Car parking............................. 0
Other travel............................ 0
Childcare/nursery....................... 0
Other child related expenses............ 0
Medical (prescriptions, dentist etc).... 0
Pet insurance/vet bills................. 10
Buildings insurance..................... 23.51
Contents insurance...................... 0
Life assurance ......................... 0
Other insurance......................... 0
Presents (birthday, christmas etc)...... 30
Haircuts................................ 10
Entertainment........................... 10
Holiday................................. 20
Emergency fund.......................... 20
Other ins............................... 7.5
Total monthly expenses.................. 1009.75

Assets
Cash.................................... 0
House value (Gross)..................... 135000
Shares and bonds........................ 0
Car(s).................................. 3000
Other assets............................ 0
Total Assets............................ 138000

Secured & HP Debts
Description....................Debt......Monthly...APR
Mortgage...................... 87000....(290)......0
Total secured & HP debts...... 87000.....-.........-
Unsecured Debts
Description....................Debt......Monthly...APR
cc1............................2030......23........6.9
cc2............................9000......200.......0
cc3............................2000......35........0
OD2............................0.........0.........0
OD1............................795.50........0.........0
Total unsecured debts..........13030.....258.......-

Monthly Budget Summary
Total monthly income.................... 1,395
Expenses (including HP & secured debts). 1,009.75
Available for debt repayments........... 385.25
Monthly UNsecured debt repayments....... 258
Amount left after debt repayments....... 127.25
Personal Balance Sheet Summary
Total assets (things you own)........... 138,000
Total HP & Secured debt................. -87,000
Total Unsecured debt.................... -13,030
Net Assets.............................. 37,970
Created using the SOA calculator at www.stoozing.com.
Reproduced on Moneysavingexpert with permission, using IE browser.

365days

Was pondering the SOA while I made the porridge (very mse!) and wondering why it looked so healthy.....then realised I'd forgotten cigarettes.

I was spending £50 a week :eek: now on roll ups working out currently at roughly £13 a week. I know I know, I need to give up but for now I'm happy with the reduction I've made.

elantan

well £37 a week is a good saving ... get it right down though missy ...

suburbanwifey

Yep, the best way to react (and annoy and irritate) a narcissist is to totally ignore them. If they see no reaction to their spiteful, pure nasty and often jealous behaviors, they go nuts! Ignore the toxic witch.

Sounds like you are seeing areas you can cut down and save lots of money (think fags!) and wishing you good luck. I've subscribed, so keep posting, talking, chipping away at the debt, seeking new friends, ignoring the toxic neighbour and generally making great inroads in improving your life and your future. I look forward to watching and supporting your journey.