How many LBMs does it take to be DF ????

scotdebs

Back on track today made spag Bol for dinner and froze 3 mini portions which will feed ds1&2 if we are looking for something quick out of the freezer for dinner for them. Started clearing out a cupboard ( as well as hoarding credit cards I retain many other usless items:o) and found 2 pairs of jeans and a dress that I had obviously bought some time ago and forgot about wrong size with tags still on....

Now whilst happy at the prospect of some extra eBay cash to throw at the debts tis shameful that I don't even remember buying them!!! Ah well suppose that's why I'm keeping this diary

And yes dawnybabes you are quite right onwards and downwards with this blasted debt:D

Nagme

I've had lots of LBMs too, you're not alone.

One thing I've found is that there are a only few big ways to cut the debt (lottery win, bank heist), but many small ways (bulk cooking, freezing your credit cards,make do and mend, no impulse purchases). The good thing about the small ways is that they occur every day and they are good at keeping you in the right frame of mind. To quote a large supermarket brand - every little helps!

scotdebs

Nagme you are absolutely right other than my hubbies golf and sky we have no other big luxuries a month and so it's a matter of keeping track of all those other sneaky spends ie groceries and takeaways

However if you are ever looking for a partner for that bank heist....

scotdebs

Woo how some luck my way today on the debt busting front - have been madly trying to pay off my rbs gold card it doesn't have the highest apr but got a fright when my dad got taken into hospital and I didn't have enough room on my cc to be able to get there:eek:( didn't have to in the end) So today 0% balance transfer offer came through for that card which means I can shift about £500 from ohs dreaded capital one cc and start to concentrate on that instead ( it has by far the highest apr) - our credit score is shot to hell so this is the only way ill get any 0% offers - that's fair cheered me up for the weekend:j

scotdebs

Well I have only gone and done it :j

Yip after much resistance I have produced a menu planner for the week:T

Tonight pizza
Tues : minute steak ciabatta sandwiches
Wed: chicken skewers and garlic and rosemary roast potatoes
Thursday: spatchcock poussin and cous cous
Friday: spag Bol and garlic bread
Sat: takeaway curry ( outlaws are here they normally pay )
Sunday : roast chicken dinner

With exception of salad, chicken for the roast and garlic bread everything else is coming from freezer or cupboard which is just as well as am still struggling to get grocery spend under control

so my next trick is........ Sticking to it :eek:

scotdebs

Ok I know that a lot of you wont want to hear/ read this so close your eyes now......

133 days until Christmas:santa2: - or in my language 4 more pay days:eek:

I am budgeting for Xmas with a credit union account however that will probably just about cover the pressies but of course there is so much more potential for over spending food, drink, crackers, cards, wrap, decorations etc. so I think I need a bit more of a plan
- start buying gift card from M&S each of the next 4 pay days to go towards the crimbo lunch - it's only the meat I buy from here (i know could get much cheaper elsewhere but i like it and it comes in its own tin so minimal washing up -but still pricey :cool: )
- have about £60 on my nectar card which will go towards the general Xmas food shop need to investigate if sbugs do saving stamps and start getting those each pay day as top up
-start looking for special offers on cards and wrap and then buy it all in the sales for next yr:rotfl:
- get my eBay mojo back and start trying to list something every other day to build up crimbo slush fund

I will not increase my debt over the Christmas period and if I am organised and stick to my budget there will be no need to and I can still have a fab Xmas :A

Bad_Weather

4 pays for me aswell - gosh! Never thought about it like that!!!

Wow I should start getting organised aswell!!! I always buy plain wrapping paper, but like green and red etc so that it can be used all year round!

I'm on my 3rd LBM, I really wanted it this time and the difference it has made! I can't remember what printed the 3rd one! I think I was sick if cheap friends etc who all seemed to have so much more money than me!!!

Not mastered the meal plans either though! You so save a fortune when you do though and the rare occasions I've did it! Xx

scotdebs

Bad weather - I'm also on LBM no 3 hence the title of my diary :rotfl:

And am also from north of the border :j

I hate meal planning the idea of knowing what I'm going to eat all week gets me down sometimes but my grocery shopping and takeaway habit busts my budget every month so needs must.......


Yip 4 more pay days is a scary thought indeed :eek::eek::eek:

Bad_Weather

I have nothing to show for my debt, except am alright wardrobe and a laptop!!! Just lived beyond my means and spent ridiculous amounts of money on lunches and takeaways! Probably more on food at work, some says I could spend £20 easily, on myself and not including dinner! Just breakfast, lunch and coffees!

I used to eat out and get takeaways ALL the time! I remember one week (when single) I got a takeaway every single night on the way home from work, just because I couldn't be bothered cooking! OH is a lot better with money so would never allow that now!

I almost wish is just splashed out on designer handbags as I at least would have never chucked it away!!!

I don't mind meal planning but I am just the most unorganised person! Them at the weekends I can't be bothered going to do a big shop! x

Knit_Witch

Well done on getting the 0% balance transfer - I look forward to hearing the debt amounts plummet!

Oh and did you HAVE to mention the C word :eek: