silver lining?? I'm still struggling through the cloud!

Choc-addict

Morning!

How are you today?

You will get there with the debts. I found (and this is just personal to me) that I focused on saving to clear the smallest balance first (regardless of interest charged which I know goes against MSE ways) - once that was cleared, i moved to the next smallest and saved what I was paying as minimum pay to the debt just cleared as well as whatever I could add each month. So on and so on....kind of snowballing effect.

For me seeing each debt gone one by one was motivating and acheivable given that I started on those with the lowest balances. Some took a few months to clear some more but it's been worth it!

My debts were a combination of a devious ex partner (left me with thousands!), helping family who ended up not being able to pay back and of course my own spending....add a pay drop of 15k and that's how I got into this sorry mess all the way back then. But, don't dwell....always got to look forward

Good luck!

Choc x

mon1o

Morning!

I feel much better this morning to be honest. I slept better last night and just generally feel much more positive. I sat down with hubby again last night and we went through exactly where our spare money is going - its going on things that we dont need.

Now when I say "spare money" I dont mean we have alot to spare but we can be more frugal and increase what I pay to stepchange by a small amount and it shouldnt impact on our lives other than contribute to paying off the debt quicker.

I have got the up to date balances of each creditor and my plan is to work as you say from smallest to largest so whatever extra money I can save to pay off a debt with that. I'm hoping when I get to that point if I call and let them know i can offer x amount in full and final settlement they will agree. But I feel a long way off this point yet.

I think I need to have my review with stepchange, continue with the plans for frugal living and cross bridges of settling in lump sums when I reach them. The situation is still a bit overwhelming for me although following my meltdown 2 days ago I feel much more able to deal with things now.

Choc-addict

Glad that you are feeling much better. One step at a time and you will get there.

Sometimes just feeling on top of things helps massively x

mon1o

Had a lovely day today. I was browsing the DFW board and opened the thread about baking. Decided there and then I wanted to make a cake. So I raided the cupboards and made a lovely basic vanilla sponge. Then found some icing sugar and instead of making "plain" icing decided to use the juice of half an orange and some zest - so we ended up having my take on an orange drizzle cake. Really yummy so much nicer than shop bought and didnt cost a penny!

tonight im relaxing because tomorrow is halloween and the kids are looking forward to going out trick or treating. So tomorrow tea will be lamb hotpot. Friday night tea is going to be chilli and jacket potato, saturday will be curry and rice (in place of our takeaway) and sunday we are having roast pork. All the meat is what I have in the freezer that I got on offer at the supermarket.

I have my budget ready for my discussion with stepchange on friday and hubby is really helping me out. hes started taking his lunch to work instead of buying them from the bakery next door to his office, he is using only money that we have in our "cash envelopes" at home and putting in the change. This month I am expecting to have some money left over in them when it gets to payday on 22nd which will be fabulous!

Aesop

Fantastic. Well done. Such a positive day. X

mon1o

Thanks Aesop - long may it continue! My budgets for november are sorted out not sure how realistic they are for a family of 5 plus a dog as I have shaved quite a bit off what we normally spend over a month but happy to give it a try!

Only I would decide to shave our budget a month before christmas........but I literally cant afford to wait until January to start this so off we go!

mon1o

well today I am really having to fight the urge to go out to the supermarket. Our fridge is looking a bit bare but there is enough to see us through for a few more days - I know if I go rather than spend £20 on stocking up the fridge with essential items I will end up adding other items to the trolley. not great so ive decided to stay away.

in other news, i have received a call today telling me i have been sought to apply for a promotion. I am meeting one of the big guns on Thursday next week to discuss the opportunity and just need to wait for an email of the job description to come through for me to look at. With a promotion comes a salary increase which would be lovely but that cant be my main motivator i need to consider lots of other things as well so we will see. nice to be thought of though i have to say!

mon1o

feeling a bit down and fed up today. have decided that barclays are just plain mean and rather than meet me halfway they are more bothered about getting their money. now dont get me wrong i know that this is my own fault and im not after any sympathy but somethimes i could scream. clearly with these people its a battle of wills.

My SC review is tonight, im doing some challenges on here and im going to join swagbucks to see what thats all about.

Because I have committed myself to 25 no spend days in november ive decided to do 4 big weekly shops so despite wanting to let everything run empty (and the fridge isnt far off to be fair!) im doing a big shop today and getting my weekly petrol.

So will plod on and continue with my plans, barclays are gonna have to sing for extra money because to be honest right now i have nothing spare to give them that will make any difference.

mon1o

Well after what has been a bit of a down day today, I have had my review with SC. The lady I spoke to was very helpful, my payment has increased but not by a massive amount. If the creditors stop the interest, then in theory my DFD has been brought forward by 18 months which is a huge difference. I thought maybe 6 months might be what I was looking at but instead of being 2019 it now looks like early 2017. Still 4 years to go but hopefully I can bring this even further forward.

I have been advised to wait for letters from the creditors regarding my new budget and if the interest doesnt stop then to send the firm letters as an official complaint and go to the FOS if necessary. But SC are hopeful the increase in payment is enough.

So the day ends on a positive - which is very nice I have to say!

Aesop

Well done mon1o I know it feels like you are not getting anywhere but you really are.

You are learning so much along your journey.