Skint Dad's Debt Diary

SkintDadUK

emmaglet wrote: »

Hi SD,

Didn't want to read and run - I've only made it halfway through page 2, so pardon me if I've missed something.

Do you have affiliate advertising on your blog? I use Skimlinks on mine and it works really well. I can't divulge how much I've made, but the minimum payment is £7. Plus you can sign up to some advertising networks and consider doing sponsored blog posts.

Let me know if I can be of any help

Hi Emma,

I don't currently have any affiliate advertising on my blog. I only started the blog 6 weeks ago although it is something I want to look at.

I quite like the idea of doing sponsored posts but I am unsure of how to go about it?

SkintDadUK

I mentioned on a earlier post that I write a blog. I have a catergorie called "Skint Dad's Debt Diary" which I blog about my situation and how I intend to deal with if.

I have blogged this evening and wanted to share it on here as it is relevant to me becoming debt free.

Skint Dad’s Debt Diary 11 Oct 13

It’s been over six days since I made an entry into my debt diary and over that time I have come to the following conclusions:

1. We are a total of £39,648,54 in debt as of the 11/10/13.
2. There are a total of 33 creditors we owe money.
3. We spend too much money on food.
4. We have wasted so much money in the past.
5. Denial won’t make the bad stuff go away.
6. Facing your troubles head on is the only way.
7. Putting on a jumper is better than having the central heating on.
8. Value coffee isn’t that bad!
9. We want to get married.
10. It is possible to make a family meal for less than a pound.
11. Family are the most important thing in the world (I sort of already knew this).
12. Being 35 doesn’t feel any different to 34.
13. Lists are our friend.
14. We want to have another baby.
15. We need to increase our income drastically.
16. Material things don’t really matter.
17. You can run out of tears.
18. It is easy to put on a brave face for your children.
19. Being positive really does help when the chips are down.
20. I am more grey than I was this time last year.
21. There is hope for the future.
22. You can have nothing but still be rich.
23. There is nothing wrong in wanting a better life.
24. People who judge you need to look at themselves first.
25. There are some truly wonderful people on this earth.

I didn’t set out to make a list like that today but then I don’t normally plan what I am going to write about.

Our lives have changed drastically over the last few weeks. Instead of running away from things, we are facing them head on. We have more clarity than we did.

There really are some truly wonderful people in this world – people we know personally and people we have never met. It is because of all these people that things have been a little easier.

There is so much to do and organise but I am going to make a really bold statement, a statement that I want you to hold me to. I am going to be debt free in within three years! There you go, I’ve said it.

Actually I am going to make it a little more than three years. Lets say by the date 01/01/17 we will be completely debt free, happily married and hopefully another beautiful son or daughter in our arms!

I’m excited just thinking about it. I want to start right this second!

I also go back to what I have said previously. With hard work, determination and belief you can achieve anything and that is what I intend to do.

So what do you think? Can we achieve this? Am I biting off more than I can chew? What advice can you give us?

wantabetterlife

That is a great list skint dad..and so true...especially about family being the most important and material possessions really don't matter.
As you say with the right mindset anything is possible. Do you have room in your house for a live in au pair (sp?) type person, I have heard that it is not very expensive but know it wouldn't be everyones cup of tea. I am just thinking that if you did have another child it could solve your childcare issues and allow you to go back to work.

SkintDadUK

wantabetterlife wrote: »

That is a great list skint dad..and so true...especially about family being the most important and material possessions really don't matter.
As you say with the right mindset anything is possible. Do you have room in your house for a live in au pair (sp?) type person, I have heard that it is not very expensive but know it wouldn't be everyones cup of tea. I am just thinking that if you did have another child it could solve your childcare issues and allow you to go back to work.

We have looked in to having an au Pair but it wouldn't be viable. For me to go back to work we need extensive childcare from 8am - 6pm. I am currently trying to secure work in the evening and at weekends. Additionally I am looking at increasing my income streams from home. I have a blog which there could be a possibility of monetising at some point.

BEAT_THE_DEBT

Hi I think only you know can it be achieved. Do the figures allow for it? Whatever the date what's more important is the debt is never going to get bigger and it will be abolished at some point! Good luck. It will be hard but just remember how it makes you feel and you will pull through. It really does become a way of life. I do things automatically now and the small things really do add up!

Emmala

Hi, hope you don't mind me commenting, but changes in childcare funding mean that once a child is two if you would qualify for free school meals then the child can receive a funded place at pre-school (more take them at two years now though some still have to be two years nine months). If that's the case, and you qualify for the funding, this stays in place even if your circumstances improve. I know this may not apply in your case, but it might be helpful to others reading this!

wantabetterlife

Skint dad I was reading your blog earlier and that post about your birthday actually brought tears to my eyes. It is so nice to hear that there are still really thoughtful people in your life...that is truly priceless and something that no amount of money will ever buy. Too many people are constantly fighting with family members and it is so sad because when the SHTF they will probably be the ones picking you up. Loving the blog!!

SkintDadUK

BEAT_THE_DEBT wrote: »

Hi I think only you know can it be achieved. Do the figures allow for it? Whatever the date what's more important is the debt is never going to get bigger and it will be abolished at some point! Good luck. It will be hard but just remember how it makes you feel and you will pull through. It really does become a way of life. I do things automatically now and the small things really do add up!

Right at this present moment in time the figures don't. If we implement certain things in the coming months then yes, it is achievable.

Thanks for the support, we have excepted that it won't be a walk in the park and are ready for some tough times ahead.

SkintDadUK

rae18 wrote: »

Hi, hope you don't mind me commenting, but changes in childcare funding mean that once a child is two if you would qualify for free school meals then the child can receive a funded place at pre-school (more take them at two years now though some still have to be two years nine months). If that's the case, and you qualify for the funding, this stays in place even if your circumstances improve. I know this may not apply in your case, but it might be helpful to others reading this!

Unfortunately our household income is above the threshold to receive any help. The problem in that our rental cost is high as well. The price we are paying is an average figure for where we live although we are always looking for somewhere cheaper.

SkintDadUK

wantabetterlife wrote: »

Skint dad I was reading your blog earlier and that post about your birthday actually brought tears to my eyes. It is so nice to hear that there are still really thoughtful people in your life...that is truly priceless and something that no amount of money will ever buy. Too many people are constantly fighting with family members and it is so sad because when the SHTF they will probably be the ones picking you up. Loving the blog!!

Family really are important. We like most families have our ups and downs but looking back over the years, we have all been there for each other the the SHTF.

I'm glad you like my blog