My ramblings to "Sort out my life".

[Deleted User]

Good for you Archer, sounds as if you've made great progress in only a few days. After my most recent LBM, I confessed the extent of our debt to my parents. It was the best thing I could have done, firstly because their support has been amazing, they gave us some financial help but mostly because after confessing to the extent of our debt, we couldn't go and spend again because my parents would worry.

I also know what you mean about being embarrassed to post SOAs, I felt the same to initially cause of the luxury direct debits such as £75 to sky and car loan monthly. I realised the reason I felt embarrassed was because deep down I knew they weren't necessary, especially considering the debt I'm in. I have now cancelled the sky and have tried to sell the car (currently on hold as DH crashed it so it needs to be fixed before advertising it again).

I am going to make some MSE resolutions 2013 and update my signature, start fresh for a nice new year.

Good luck Archer, keep posting!
GLx

Archer0710

Thanks Goodlife and yes I think it's embarrassment as well as the reality of black and white amounts.

I think the Light bulb moment has hit!!! It's the slow realisation that life has to change rather than a sudden thunderbolt in my case.

I read other people's threads and my admiration, empathy and respect are there a thousand fold and I guess I think really I am here through my own stupid fault, there is no excuse, no illness or redundancy.

It has made me realise though that small things can make a big difference so I commit to

Saving tesco stamps:

Saving Next vouchers

Saving club card vouchers to contribute to Christmas next year.

I guess none of the above makes sense but having read other people's diaries and seen people struggle with money, lack of food etc....I have decided I want about £70 in stamps for tesco so I always have a contingency fund

I have also joined the £365 in 365 days thread and I will put money into it on a monthly basis.

So far I have £12 in tesco stamps! It's a start!

[Deleted User]

That's a great idea archer, tesco vouchers as an emergency fund is something I hadn't thought of. I am definitely gonna try that one.

I hope to spend a couple of hours tomorrow doing the budget and making plans to pay off my debt asap.

Archer0710

Hi Goodlife!

I think my theory behind the vouchers is that cash may be used for other things and frittered away but the vouchers I would keep for food and they are my safety net.

I agree that tomorrow is budget day! It's a shame that DH has additional pay for the next 4 months that give a false picture. Nearly £1k a month extra but I aim to use this to clear the small amount left on my car finance and 1 credit card and establish the savings find.

Today however as a bonus was a NSD and I gained bits and bobs from my Grandma's house too. Silly things like Vanish gel and dishwasher salt but savings to be had. Just a shame that it felt like being a vulcher picking over her belongings. But it felt better to use them than to throw them away.

I gained a glass ship in a bottle that I remember from being a child and a hand stitched sampler that was on the wall when I was a child. I don't doubt it has little value but I remember them in my Grandma's house.

[Deleted User]

Hi Archer, how are you getting on? Hope the budgeting going ok.