Best DFW things I've done

buckeroo987

Thought I'd share some of the things that have helped me the most in getting on top of things!

- Separate bank accounts for bills and spending money. It makes so much difference to know all the bills are already covered for the month

- Proper budget in a spreadsheet

- Tracking spending every day - stops a lot of impulse purchases and helps me know exactly where I am instead of seeing my bank balance and thinking "ooo money to spend".

- Setting money aside at the start of the month to pay things off instead of thinking I'll use what's left at the end - there's never anything left at the end!

- Cut out the takeaways and meals out. Was spending a ridiculous amount on these. Now actually enjoying cooking at home and buying food shopping from Aldi which saves loads of money.

- Actually writing down all the debts. It adds up to a lot more than it does in your head...

Hope those are of use to someone! What are the best things you've done?

splodgethefirst

I've moved my direct debits to be as near to pay day as possible so that I know what money is mine; I've also paid my CCs/savings etc on pay day too for the same reason - then if anything is left in say the petrol fund i throw that at my debt too

ilovelondontown

I stopped making excuses for things I thought I really "needed" when it was really something I wanted. Like Netflix, shopping at Wa!trose, new clothes/shoes, afternoon work snacks, even overseas holidays and a car.

I also moved all my direct debits to the week I got paid so they all come out early on.

Got a travelcard loan from work, so I never run out of money for travel

Transfered balances where possible to cheapest method of lending

Said no to social occasions I knew would rinse me.

Keep a spreadsheet of current finances and repayment dates- gives you incentive when the numbers start to fall.

Check my bank account daily so I know what I have. Ignoring it doesn't make it better!

Realised if I'm buying something on credit then I shouldn't be buying it at all. Retraining my brain to see what makes a good financial relationship and what is denial and a recipe for disaster.

All this makes me poorer (for now) but I feel happier than I ever did when I was completely ignorant about money.

buckeroo987

Thanks for the replies, nice to hear from other people.

The spreadsheet of current finances and repayment dates is a good point that I forgot!

Chrisblue1962

Hi Buckeroo

I can only agree with all the ideas listed. Thank You. :T

The hardest thing I find is trying to stop "leakage" from my accounts on small bits n bobs which have not been budgeted e.g., getting milk from garage on way home, etc and/or forget to update records for these small items.

So, one thing I TRY do is I never take ANY money to work with me , not even loose change - if it's not in my pocket then I can't spend it!!!

The most important thing to remember is that getting debt free is not a sprint but a gentle jog, which involves changing your whole attitude to money, spending, material possessions and basically....your life.

It will require time, patience, hard work, willpower and discipline but it IS POSSIBLE.

One painful fact that spurs me on is when paying a debt is how long and how hard I've had to work to line their pockets, not mine :mad:...Enough is enough, they will NOT win!!!

Good Luck all DFW'ers - they will not win nor will they enslave us !!!!!!

LittleMissDetermined

Hi,

I concur with what you have already recommended, the hardest part for me was actually counting up and facing the facts...

My spreadsheet of spends/repayments and a little bit of savings (emergency fund) really helps me stay focused and motivated.

Daily checking of account has become a ritual and constant balancing budgets to see if there is any spare to overpay more.

I cancelled my debt direct debits and now I pay these online at the start of the month. I track other bills which are due to go out so I always know what money is available and track this on my spreadsheet rather than in my bank account!

I joined the payment a day thread and I pay a little bit every day. I have managed to clear a store card already by doing this as every little helps!

Above all, I think daily visits to this site have helped me massively (financially and mentally) - I know that I'm not the only one in this situation, I know that there are worse debts which have been cleared by others and it gives me the motivation to keep pushing on to my debt free date!

LMD x

ilovelondontown

LittleMissDetermined wrote: »

Above all, I think daily visits to this site have helped me massively (financially and mentally) - I know that I'm not the only one in this situation, I know that there are worse debts which have been cleared by others and it gives me the motivation to keep pushing on to my debt free date!

LMD x

This.

I wouldn't have got nearly as far as I have without out coming here as often as I do. Sometimes I come here because I need to refocus my attention and I'm being tempted by something that isn't df- friendly. Other days I come here feeling stronger and want to help others by sharing what I've learnt.

I dearly wish everyone who needed help knew they could come here. It should be in the national curriculum!

buckeroo987

Yes, I've been reading on here most days since I started properly and it does really help. Today was the first time I actually posted though!

good_advice

For the last few weeks I have done the family grocery weekly shop on line. I use "my supermarket" first to get the most out of "offers" and then go throught to the supermarket of my choise.

I spend £50 per week. The shopping is totted up as I go along.
When the bill is over £50, I then have to decide what can come off the list to get it back down. I am finding the £3 picking and packing, delivery fee is no problem. I save that by cutting out something I can live without.

Going to the supermarket and putting items in the trolly is a bit of guess work before the till. This way, I know how much I am spending as I go along.

AlfieJo

Just joined and wanted to say Hi and thanks for the ideas you have put forward.

Been an ostrich for the past few years for one reason or another. Time for me take control and I'm scared witless by what I face.

I'll take it one step at a time, but first I need to face up to the extent of the problem. Your ideas on using a spreadsheet and journal are simple but brilliant.

Don't want to exist like this anymore; I'll visit the forum for fab ideas or a kick up the bum, when needed.

I guess this is the first step; admitting I have a problem. Hey one step closer to solving the issue. I'm on my way!

Eyes_wide_open

I think for me it's the spending diary - amazing ( or shocking how quickly ) the little things add up. Keeping the diary really focuses the mind.

Coming on here really helps. When on line shopping is calling, this site is a useful and safe diversion xx