Woman on a mission to tackle depression & debt!

ginnyknit

So pleased you have managed to sort some things out and it sounds like you are doing really well. Keep up the good work hunny, its a hard road but you are heading the right way :T:T

PRINCESSX87

So its been a little under a month since starting my diary. I feels in person like I haven’t done enough to cover my debts and make a dent in them. But on paper it’s the total opposite.
Looking at the electric bill, This is something that if getting on my last nerve.

My aim is to clear that debt and move supplier because we cannot afford to be with our current one. My head is telling me to pay this off first, But, I know I have far more important ones (And frankly more expensive) to clear first.

Our council tax has also changed. Which, Made my heart drop because it means I have to amend the debt for that one as its something I will be having to pay for longer. (Although its this years that has changed) I will still be adding it as a debt.

I’ve come to relies that its going to take slightly longer than expected to get these debts moved. A lot of the companies (Debt ones) are being awkward about accepting any small amounts during the month too. They have told me I either keep it at my normal monthly rate or change my payment plan. I think, When ever I make extra pennies, I might just send these companies a cheque and hope they will cash it. I cant see no other way.

PRINCESSX87

So its been a little under a month since I last posted and we've managed to pay a fair amount off some of the more urgent debts.

As of today, We have £60 left on the council tax and that's 3 remaining payments. I know in a few weeks other debts are going to go up because we've had meters ect read, But I still feel proud of us because unlike before we've really tried at getting these bills / debts paid.

I've also had a few weeks of constant bad days because I had to change my medication for depression. Not pretty but finally i'm starting to feel half human again. Which means its far easier to take day to day.

I'm researching more ways of cutting back and still being able to live! Its not easy. Like a mobile contract is due to expire, Currently on £20 a month, Is it worth a upgrade or do I cut the contract off on date of expire? Decisions, Minor ones but still one that needs considering.

Food shopping is still something I "feel" could be cut back on. Currently we're trying to stay in between a target of £50 which should last fortnightly, But, Isn't.

We've been saving a fair amount recently on our electric key because we've changed the way we're cooking. At the moment S/C is the only way. We've made meals in there we never assumed possible. But alas, they have been lovely. Maybe, My aim for the new few weeks might be that we only use the cooker or oven twice a week and see if we notice an even bigger difference?

Anyways, That's my update.

shinner

Hi small steps in turn make huge ones. Good luck with your journey. Getting medication right is a must especially at this time of year. Sounds like you are going in the right direction with debt.

brizzledfw

Hi there ..I am from Bristol too so popped in to say hi :wave:

You're doing really really well. What a double whammy. As you say the double D. I am sure your efforts will pay off.

Making sure OH is really on board is key. He really can't afford a car until you're DF. Maybe it's a reward when you are? If you can post an SOA. I think it would help you and you'd get lots of advice. SCs are great and moving towards meat only once or twice a week makes a big difference too. Do you cook from scratch?

Have subscribed to cheer you on your way to being DF!:)

PRINCESSX87

Thank you both for your support.

I really use this thread as a way of getting rid of my thoughts & feelings. And of course recording my debt progress.

Debt update:

TELEVISION:
Today, I decided to call the television company who we pay weekly to find out how much is left outstanding. I was shocked to hear that although we had been told just over £200, In fact its more along the lines of nearly £300+ left.

Its now making me think, Should we just get rid of it all together. I understand that we've already paid a large amount off the total bill, But, I cant excuse the huge amount that is still owing??

I am now waiting to hear back from the company to see whether their going to charge me a early exit charge as I have told them (At present) we're wanting the tv picked up.


MOBILE:
I'm also - Trying to consider what is best about my mobile contract that is due to end. The phone has last...But its now on its last legs and isn't going to last much longer.??

COUNCIL TAX:

I haven't been able to get hold of the c/tax this morning, But i'm pretty sure that we now have one last payment due this Friday. (Yet to be confirmed)
We have decided to move this repayment money to the TV licence.

PRINCESSX87

Cant believe the last time I posted was eight weeks ago. During this time we’ve managed to make some much needed changes. I will update first post.

One thing I am really disappointed about is how many companies decide not to get back to me about how much I owe them, Ect. So I’ll still trying desperately to find this information out.

Change’s:

1) We decided to get rid of our pay weekly TV. Whether it was wrong or right, It was simply something that was overall costing too much. Luckily for Christmas we received a tv. Brought & paid for. So, With the money we was paying to the TV company, Is now being saved in a jar and each month we will be paying extra off another debt.

2) Council tax arrears for the first time in over three years we are df with the council. Okay, We owe them £0.51p but we’ve been told that this is being put onto next years bill. We have 3 months grace to use the money from this to pay off another debt.

3) We contacted our tv, LL and broadband provider. Paying £60 a month simply wasn’t something we could afford. Last night they confirmed that our next month bill +11 more (A years worth of services) has been reduced down. Therefore we’re now saving £250 a year. Plus, As a good will gesture they have included our 0845 + 0800 numbers as free for this time too. Meaning no nasty surprise bills each month. (Mobiles are never called on the LL)

4) Over the Christmas period we saved up some odd change. Then on a few occasions we headed to the supermarket before closing. Meaning we brought over £30 worth of food for £3. We now have enough grub. More shopping money saved.

5) We set up a service on our bank. We was told about it from a family member. “save the change” has been adding the odd pennies to our savings account and again, Each month the cash will be used towards debts.

6) Lastly, My biggest debt finally cleared with the HMRC. They hounded me for months over a tax return which in the end took (7) attempts as they kept getting lost in the post. (well before Christmas too). Instead they never received what they wanted. Because it turns out that I had overpaid on tax therefore we received a nice cheque in the post.

Now, Our last thing to decide is our electric prepayment meter. We finally brought our debt down from £800 to £500 however, Its now finding out whether we can find a cheaper provider. All the main search providers seems to state that we’re the cheapest already. So, Its something to keep an eye on.

This year I’m hell bent on getting this debt kicked. It might take us a year, Maybe two but its getting the boot.

Thanks for all the support given.