Keeping Track

Miss_Decisive

Well, I’ve decided to start a diary! I’ve lurked on these boards for such a long time, taking tips and trying to reduce the debt but, unfortunately, it’s not going anywhere.


So this is my attempt to hold myself accountable and try and recreate the successes that so many on this board have experienced, for me!
I’m starting with the knowledge that things will get worse before they get better as I haven’t budgeted for Christmas and although I have a small family the two stepdaughters I have will ensure that it won’t be pain free. Plus, I’m getting married in the New Year which is partially paid for but will incur spends but hopefully within budget.



Anyway, I’ve kinda created a cash flow through all of this that should mean that whilst debt shouldn’t reduce, it won’t increase either. Ha, well that’s the plan!


Right now the debts are:
Credit Card #1 £1134.30
Credit Card #2 £2851.46


I’ll need to check the APR’s. Bad, I know.......


There will be enough money in savings to keep the CC#1 paid off in full and I’ll maintain payments of £80 to the CC#2 until after February when I’ll then be able to pay off £500 per month.



Here goes......Wish me luck! :j

Miss_Decisive

Scunnered, absolutely scunnered. Was sorely tempted to givethis diary the auld heave ho as nothing has come together as planned. Hence thedeathly silence from my first post…….

But, I’ve decided ‘NO’ take the bad with more bad and keepit up. Realisation that that’s my biggest issue - I constantly make plans,don’t see them through, make new (better) plans and so the cycle continues.It’s not good.

Anyway, update - I’ve still got the balance of the card inthe savings account but an additional £1000 spend is not covered. Add another£500 or so for Christmas and I see my problem. I can’t not finish Christmas soit’s a means to an end. Although I think we could do a lot better if the OH wasreally on board. I get all the lipservice but when he needs something - perceived or otherwise - that’s it budgetshot to sh#t! Urgh. I’m so frustrated I could scream. The wedding is still okbudget wise. Hope to get the invitations out between Christmas and New Year….

I hope that this diary grounds me, I am going to startwriting every day. Even if it’s only a couple of words or a quick run down ofthe financial situation of the previous days.

How did you all keep yourselves on the straight and narrow?!I’m seriously considering cutting up all unnecessary cards. Sat here sofrustrated with the world but most especially with myself!

The key for me is organisation skills. This is where I’mlacking. Any tips?!

I, also, want to become an early riser. I seriously cannotget out of my bed in the morning. Cue attitude, being late and p#ssed off withmyself. I see a recurring theme……… Any tips here?!

How did you get those around you on board? I deal with allthe financials and generally feel underappreciated for it. If I’m beingcompletely true with myself - that’s what this diary is for isn’t it?! - I getfed up with the organisation level required or he/something knocks us of trackand that’s it, months before we’re back on track with some additional debt todrag. My problem is I can’t say no!

Smoking is a big drain on the cash. We keep planning to stopbut so far unsuccessful. Just writing this down I’m getting the feeling that somany unfulfilled plans won’t be firing up the motivation.

I’m going to stop now. Onwards and upwards. Today is a new day, tomorrow will be better.

Later peeps!

LAM2011

HIYA


you can do it - just don't set yourself targets initially that you cant meet. Its very daunting in the beginning - I used to round down my credit cards (I had loads making up £10k debt) and slowly but surely they do start to shift.


Its also hard at Christmas and with a wedding coming up so don't be too hard on yourself - just try not increase the debt (too much)


When my friend gave up smoking she put the money in a jar and couldn't believe at the end of the month how much she had saved - it was her incentive to give up.


Good luck - there are lots of us gearing up for the big debt busting journey in 2014 x

Miss_Decisive

Definitely not good at this diary lark!? Total head in sand syndrome......

Anyway, I'm logging my credit card balances as they stand at the moment to give me a start point.

FD Visa: £2130.94
Barclaycard: £2720.73

Total debt: £4851.67.

I'm fortunate that that's it but still would rather it wasn't hanging over our heads. Both cards are interest bearing so keen to get them cleared sooner rather than later! As I mentioned in my first post we've got a wedding in five weeks so if I can maintain the balances or reduce them until that time I'll be doing well. Revised plan is to pay £540 per month beginning from Feb pay. Hopefully that will get us rid of them this year. They've been hanging about at one balance or another for too long now!

This year will be the year they're GONE. I think the problem is that I attempt to attack it to frugally, it can't be sustained and results in a splurge..... I'm going to try and use this diary religiously. It's starting..........

Miss_Decisive

Ok, so the balance in the current account is £799.67......

Paid again in 4 weeks...... I'll have a think about what needs to be paid from this and come back and update. Could possibly make more payment to debt.

Thinking cap on!