Can't sort it out!

beth3735

So after getting debt free 2 weeks ago I genuinely thought I would of learnt my lesson after paying back over £18,5k worth of debt.

But these past 2 weeks I keep "spending" my money, loads of ideas and wishes, but the money doesn't come in quick enough.

I was ideally able to save £400 a month now, but as I get paid different times of the month im struggling to get this saving going.

I get my majority of my money from my monthly work wages, then I get my child benefit monthly, and I get my little bit of child tax credits weekly, this weekly amount disappears without a trace after paying for my sons private speech therapy and petrol. Its mad how quick money disappears and how you are left with nothing to put in the savings pot.

I have nothing to focus on now the debts are gone. I am not complaining really as I appreciate many would love to be debt free, but the aims and focuses are not there anymore. Like in 5 days time I would need to have £260 in my bank for all my direct debits due, but after paying debts and car insurance off these DD are now only £24 worth, so where is all this money?!!

I think I need to join the weekly spending threads again to take control again. I will never get these wants and wishes done with this attitude!

DCFC79

Well done getting debt free :T :T :T

beth3735

Thank you Just need to sort my head out, as I can see me getting back into silly spending and having no savings!

banwa

Congratulations on becoming debt free, what an amazing achievement. I might be shot down in flames here but why don't you give yourself a payment holiday as a treat. Make a vow to yourself that you will start saving, say, at the beginning of August and allow a few treats until then. Not long enough for it to become a habit (you've worked far too hard to undo it all) but just a reward for doing something truly fantastic.

beth3735

Thank you

I think I will definatly end up with a saving break this month as I just seem to have no funds Im sure I will get into the habit of saving when I get into the full months, as I did skint myself 2 weeks ago paying the debts off.

Just scary how quick the money is being spent, and worried about getting back into the bad spending habits.

essjaytee

Just wanted to say well done on becoming debt free!! It's a great feeling isn't it??

I had the same issue last year and ended up going out clothes shopping on Saturday afternoons spending all my "spare" money on clothes that I really didn't need, just because I could. It was only when my washing machine packed up and I had no savings that I had my 2nd LBM! As I didn't want to borrow again I had to wait 3 weeks till I got paid till I was able to go out and buy a replacement... not ideal when I have a teenage son!! :eek:

As you mentioned in your 1st post it's the lack of having something to focus on that's the killer. After the WM incident it dawned on me what if something had happened to the car as well that month or the boiler etc?? That was when I started setting myself saving targets. Firstly an emergency fund of 3 months salary, then a holiday fund, then more long term I would like to move house so am saving for a deposit. Now I'm at the point where although I am really obsessive about it I also realise that there's nothing wrong with treating yourself occasionally cos life is far too short not to!!

Please don't be too hard on yourself for spending some money... you've worked really hard to pay those debts of so cut yourself some slack and don't get too worked up about it

[Deleted User]

Find something to focus on, it doesn't have to be big or expensive, but something that you enjoy and will look forward to - a holiday, mini-break, day out, nice dinner somewhere etc and then work towards saving for it.

You deserve a treat after tackling all your debts!

matttye

I'm not surprised you're spending more after becoming debt free, I think most people would!!

As long as you don't get back into debt I wouldn't worry about saving for a little bit, just enjoy being debt free.

allybee101

Firstly congratulations on becoming debt free!
I read someone's diary where they set themselves saving challenges like saving for some large planned spends (holiday, car maintenance etc). Perhaps that would help give you a focus?

tealady

Hi
As you get different amounts at different timers how about setting up a separate account and pay a percentage of each payment into it. That way you will still have money for spending and emergencies but will be getting into the habit of saving
Congrats on being debt free BTW, I know from experience the worry of sliding into debt again.

nick500

Well done for becoming debt free!

I have been debt free since Christmas and I still check my bank account once a day and list all of my bills to pay for the month.
I have set up and Isa for £30 a month which is DD and comes out on the 1st of every month.- I class this as a bill and then forget about it.

The last few months bills have gone up and it is difficult to manage.
I need a lot of things replacing, new clothes, tv etc. but all in good time and I will do that without borrowing this time.

I hope you can get sorted soon. Good Luck!