Kate's Journey

in_need_of_direction

Well done. A true LBM so much more important than a money related one. Also, you didn't make the mistakes on your own. Maybe if he hadn't previously had financial difficulties, you could both have lived within your means.

Kate_fixing_it

in_need_of_direction wrote: »

Well done. A true LBM so much more important than a money related one. Also, you didn't make the mistakes on your own. Maybe if he hadn't previously had financial difficulties, you could both have lived within your means.

Yet another excellent point. Should the same "discussion" arise I'll keep that in mind. It's something a close friend has said to me frequently of late.

I actually feel like a "real" grown up for the first time ever. I feel like a responsible adult and in an odd way I'm slightly grateful for my financial issues for leading me to this point.

I can't thank you all enough for your advice and support. I have no idea where I'd be without this forum - possibly close to bankruptcy and a breakdown but I'm not going there, the only place I'm headed is debt freedom and a bright future.

Kate x

Kate_fixing_it

Hello all from a tired, snotty, achy me

DS2's 7th birthday today and he's ecstatic! Rather than the pile of rubbish (and impending CC bill) he has the one item he really wanted. The little mite can't stop grinning! In fact I've had it tucked away in the loft since last December when I spotted it with over 40% off in the Black Friday sales. As it happens the item is now actually more expensive than the pre-sale price so I'm feeling pretty smug

My week off is going swimmingly. I'm a bit under the weather with the obligatory "annual leave snot-fest" (I always get ill when I have time off work) but I'm having a great time. I've ploughed through lots of recorded TV going back as far as a NYE film . I've thoroughly enjoyed most of a book I wanted to read whilst cuddling up to the kids as they watch movies (more bloody Care Bears! ) and I've not been in bed later than 8am all week. I've spent very little in terms of cash but we're all having a great time.

The walking on eggshells seems to be over - hope I haven't jinxed that now and the "grown up" feeling persists. Payday is next Tuesday and I'm hoping to squeeze one more overpayment into the February figures. If I hadn't needed to tax my car that would be higher but having paid from my bank rather than on credit for the first time in a few years felt good. That lesson has been learned and there's £20 sitting in a pot as the first installment towards the next payment. I'll continue to do that each month so it's one less bill in July, I have a small bonus due then but it can all go off debt. That £20 each month hasn't and won't be missed and it means I won't be scrabbling around for £123 in July when it would be missed.

I thought half term would be a struggle financially, especially with a birthday in the middle of it, but like most things in life the reality isn't as bad as the fear.

Next household birthday is mine, in May and it's perfectly possible that I'll be down to 4 CCs (maybe even 3!) and well under the £5k on cards mark. But for now, one debt at a time, each step is a step away from the horrible place I was and a step closer to where I want to be.

I may have only left the house twice all week but this is turning out to be a fantastic holiday

Kate x

Kate_fixing_it

And just to add... there is cake later! DS2 doesn't know yet but I managed to get hold of the exact cake he wanted

beanielou

Waits for cake

lucielle

Yep bring on the cake........still waiting.
L

Kate_fixing_it

Pop round! There's still plenty of cake and a whole menu of flavoured teas

Yesterday was a proper grump day. The light at the end of the tunnel was obstructed and I was in no mood to be positive and happy.

It all started with a sink full of dishes DD1 had "forgotten" about - despite moving said dishes to make a drink! Pathetic, I know, hardly the end of the world! Then DH replied to a text saying he wouldn't eat the fish pie I was making and I let it fester.

I then decided I was going to apply for a second job. The answer to everything. Except a second income would be taxed, and tax credits would reduce, and I'd miss the precious hours I have with my family, and there's not really much I can do while I'm healing.

And the spiral of stroppiness went on.

I called both the lowest balance CCs to transfer and both refused ANY kind of transfer. Which means I can't shift the balance from the CC hubby wants to use for work. I couldn't face another discussion so haven't said anything to him yet.

And to top it all DD1 ran into the lounge...straight into my bad leg. Cue a squeal of pain and half an hour consoling her (accidents happen and all that)

Then morning dawns with a renewed clarity. It's brought with it an updated Noddle report (which really made me smile, the realisation that the lack of balance transfer isn't the end of the world (I'm no worse off than I was before I asked) and the LBM that it's not MY fault hubby can't get his own CC! He'll just have to use a different one. I'm doing HIM a favour and he can throw all the tantrums he likes, it won't change the situation. If anything, a tantrum is likely to make me want to tell him that he can't have the card.

Today I feel like I'm really getting there. At the rate I'm going the CC debts will be gone by the end of the year. The last loan payment will be January 2015 and I can then start reducing the overdraft.

Tomorrow is D-Day for the leg, I should get a surgery date. I got it into my head that I didn't need to have it but DD1 soon put me straight on that

Whatever route I take I'm still moving along and I can't wait for the day I can post on the debt free roll of honour and start saving

Kate x

beanielou

Hope you get positive news tomorrow.

eco_farmer

as always much admiration keep on keeping on.


eco

Kate_fixing_it

Two bits of good news! Firstly I have apparently grown since last April! Back then I was 5' 9.5", today (and still barefoot) I am recorded as being 5' 11.25" Secondly aside from the leg I am in perfect health for surgery, perfect blood pressure, respiration and pulse rates and blood sugar. Even my weight is in the middle of the healthy BMI range

The not so good news is that I now have to wait a couple of weeks for a letter with a surgery date. I'm not ashamed to say that part really disappointed me. So much that I came home and had a little cry. I was under the impression that the surgery would be booked at this appointment.

After an afternoon of molly coddling I'm feeling a bit better.

I've even managed a bit of a chat with DH. I've told him about the lack of balance transfer and explained that I have space on a card for him to use for work. I'll continue paying the other cards and gradually close them until we're left with one for his work expenses and one for big purchases (for insurance purposes) to be paid off immediately. We both managed to be calm and agree that we'll sit down next week and discuss a new budget in line with his new salary.

So in all, disappointments and self-pity wallowing aside, a good weekend so far.

I'm no more in debt, I'm still plodding along the right track and things at home are okay.Who knows what tomorrow will bring but I'm still here and working towards what I want.

Kate x