"The best way to get something done is to begin"

killerpeaty

I think some people don't find finances interesting or find them stressful. That's not a fault, it just makes things more difficult when you get home and think "What do I want to do this evening" playing with money is probably low down that list.

I'm pretty lucky in that this is one of my favourite hobbies, I like seeing interest, I like assessing bank accounts and investment opportunities. About once a week, I spend a couple of hours looking up which accounts I think my friends would like, the rules around them and planning my next account. I sound so boring.:rotfl: Even then, I make really stupid mistakes like forgetting to pay a 3.70 credit card bill and got fined around £15!

Good luck with the driving lessons!

Is the winter olympics any fun to watch?

Non_compos_mentis

Hi CL30,

At least you have something to show for your spending and I am glad you are getting to enjoy it.

I [STRIKE]am hoping to be[/STRIKE] will be debt free soon and then the world is my oyster as I am on a good wage and good career prospects just need to keep my head screwed on which is easier said than done.

I am watching the winter olympics as I don't really get winter sports - I am a sun and beach guy!

NCM

Non_compos_mentis

Hi KP,

Thanks. The driving lesson was good and I am now looking forward to next ones - have you started your lessons?

I know what you mean about playing around with finances and looking for good deals. Love doing that except moi is in debt, so I did that for the ex-gf who never followed through on it. At a conservative estimate she must have lost out on about £2-3k on interest over the course of our relationship cause she just didn't take the advice on board despite the nagging, oh well her loss!

NCM

Non_compos_mentis

So, I couldn't resist the Barclaycard offer any more. Did a money transfer for £3,606.50 at 0% (BT fee of 1.9%) for 6 months. Pay off a lumpsum to the ex-gf! If I stick to my budget and my cashflow forecast is accurate then I will be repaying the transferred amount before the 0% ends. I thought the deal was reasonably good as the cash will come in handy. In addition to the desire to repay the ex, I have some hefty lumpsum payments coming up:

1. £1k to Natwest at the end of Feb;
2. £2.5k to the second Natwest card at the end of March;
3. £1.5k to Barclaycard in April

We shall see how it turns out.

NCM

Non_compos_mentis

I will do a full update later but just couldn't resist a little celebratory (not really) post - I am 1/3 of the way to finally finding closer. Transferred money to the ex and now the balance only stands at £8k!!!

I know I may have "wasted" money in the form of transfer fees particularly cause she doesn't want/need the money asap but there are certain things you simply can't put a price on. I don't know if that makes any sense at all to anyone else!?!

Anyway, it doesn't matter! I would rather pay a few hundred pounds in fees if that means I can finally get closure and am able to move on. I don't know who I have been trying to kid when I say I am over her and have moved on - I really haven't. I love her, I care for her, I long for her BUT I won't be getting back together with her even if she wants to.

Sod it!

NCM

Domayne

I completely understand where your coming from NCM - To get closure you needed to cut all of the strings and the money you owed her was just something keeping you tied to her.
You may have some extra costs but the relief it brings to your sanity probably outweighs that! Good for you :T
I also understand when you say you love someone but couldn't get back with them - I feel the same with my ex but it's been over 2 years now. I love him so much and my heart hurts when I think of him still and sometimes I feel like I'll never get over it...but so much happened, and getting back with him would never ever be the same as it was
The perfect guy/gal is out there for us somewhere NCM - we just need to learn to love ourselves a bit better first I think

Non_compos_mentis

Sorry have been away for a while. Been busy with work, driving lessons, swimming, and getting my life in order. Have been spending a bit more than I had set out to spend but, I am still on track to pay down debts.

I have incurred a few one off expenses which hadn't been budgeted for: 1) driving lessons 2) swim 3) balance transfer fees.

I have made a strategic decision of accelerating my repayments to the ex-gf, as you will see below I have repaid 3/4 of the original balance - will clear the remaining balance at the end of the month. My full and final closure!

So what is the financial situation today (after paying March expenses such as rent etc):

• Natwest CC 1 - January balance -£902, today's balance -£1,113
• Barclaycard 2 - January balance -£1,308, today's balance -£1,248
• Natwest CC 2 - January balance -£2,516, today's balance -£2,410
• MBNA - target of -£5,110, today's balance -£7,992
• Family loan 2 - target of -£5,281, today's balance of -£5,281
• Barclaycard 1 - target of -£5,675, today's balance of -£8,977
• Family loan 1 - target of -£9,120, today's balance -£2,950
• CO - target of -£526, today's balance -£0
• Total target -£30,438, today's balance - £29,971

Hows everyone doing?

Non_compos_mentis

Time is really flying, 2014 Q1 is more or less complete!! So how much progress have I made (after deducting fixed bills for April and a reasonable estimate for spending money)?

• Natwest CC 1 today's balance -£1,058
• Barclaycard 2 today's balance -£612
• Natwest CC 2 today's balance -£0
• MBNA today's balance -£7,789
• Family loan 2 today's balance of -£5,281
• Barclaycard 1 today's balance of -£10,840
• Family loan 1 today's balance -£2,500
• CO today's balance -£0
• Total today's balance - £28,080

I think I am on track for paying off the original target of £20,140 in 2014 but nowhere near close to paying off £30k. I seem to be lacking a real focus in my life (personal, professional and financial) at the moment. Target for Q2 is to rediscover the focus and my mojo.

stoplurking

Hi NCM. I've just read your diary all the way through and think you are doing brilliantly. Don't beat yourself up - have a look at the signature on post 121 from Cherrylips. I think you should congratulate yourself on how far you've come already, bearing in mind what you had thrown at you on Christmas Eve.

You've cleared loads already, you're learning to drive and swim. And still having a bit of a social life. Exactly the right strategy to find someone new in your life who really deserves you.

Would your employer consider paying some of your subscriptions?

Good luck on your journey and keep posting. I'll keep lurking. SL

catriona79

NCM - are you alive? How is it going?