180 days to my debt free world....

Choc-addict

Hi All,

I wasn't going to start a new diary (very good at starting but never finishing!) but thought I have a new found enthusiasm and energy at the moment so why not start a new diary to go with it instead of waiting for the new year or something like that!

As my title says, I have 180 days until my debt free world begins 01.06.14.

There is method to this madness, mainly being that my younger sister who lives in Sydney Australia is expecting her very first baby!! :j Which means, I would like nothing more than to be able to visit her once he/she is born.

She is due on 03.06.14 so I have set myself a target of 31.05.13 to being completely debt free (making any las payments etc) and as of 01.06.14 starting my new debt free life and looking forward. It just so happens that this is 180 days so perhaps I could potentially be booking my ticket to the other side of the world in 180 days

And so the fun begins eh! I need to double check all my figures as my filing has become a little unorganised and chaotic but i'm hoping they are in the region of 9k or less. Will update that later.

I have just registered for checking any ppi so hoping to hear back from that. I don't think I have any but you never know and it can't hurt to try. Nothing ventured nothing gained as they say.

So basically in a nutshell I have a tough 180 days ahead but I will do this and I can't wait to see the end of it. At the moment I am throwing anything between 900-1200 per month at my debts. I can't wait for that money to be mine (ours with the hubby!) That alone will pay for my ticket to Sydney!

Eeek, i'm really excited about this last stage of my debt. I can't imagine life without it.

Right....off to start getting some motivation by reading others diaries.

Choc x

P.s - for those who don't know me, debts were just over 64k in November 2007 so i've come a looooong way!!!!!

Choc-addict

Today's to-do-list

1. Check online banking and budget (note figures)
2. Wash load out to dry another in
3. Write some more Christmas cards
4. Buy polyfiller for hall
5. Buy toilet piece so can be fixed
6. Quick spruce of house

Simple things. Sadly not a no spend day as few bits to get but i'm hopeful my account is looking ok and it's just a week until I get paid now.

Note to self.....follow up debt totals asap.

Choc x

Choc-addict

Yesterday turned out to be a no spend day :j:j:j Mainly because I didn't leave the house until evening to go to local garden centres Christmas special and hubby paid for that (some lights). It was magical, donkeys, reindeer....winter wonderland walk. They really do think of everything and I turn into a big kid, lol. The Christmas decorations they have in are beautiful but I resisted temptation, even though hubby was happy to buy some - no spending unless necessary in this household at the moment.

Managed to get through my list yest apart from DIY bits but we'll pop out Saturday and pick them up.

Money front is doing ok. I have enough but it'll be tight as we have a social thing on every day Fri-Mon :eek: However, that is my only social things booked between now and Christmas - it'll be busy and feel expensive but then I get paid next week and i've done all my crimbo shopping now so only food to buy and that's it. Think i'll be ok this year

Shortish day at work for me then we're out with friends for evening of christmas market, ice skating (already paid for!) and food - happy days

Choc x

Choc-addict

Few MSE busting ideas have been looked into -

• car insurance (think we can save money even if leaving policy mid year and paying admin fee!)
• Buildings and contents insurance (if we take out a dual policy) - need to check any cancellation of policy fees first
• Hubby cancelled account fee on his bank and reverted back to normal acc - did not use nor will use extras so that's £120 per year saved!
• Change light fittings to normal (get rid of halogen)
• Pet insurance - we have a claim pending but after it's sorted we shall change this.

I think that's it for now. I need to look at my debts and totals but been a busy weekend.

I've done some overtime this morning so that's all money in the pot for January payday.

Choc x

OrangeFairy

Hi Choc

I am loving a new diary. I started mine not long ago but I am feeling the new 2014 diary itch!

I am hoping July will be our DFD so close to yours!

My 30th in May so that may throw a curve ball depending on what hubby spends :-)

OF x

Mrs_Cheshire

Hi Choc, we've just started our debt free journey so interesting to read how well you've done so far, and that in less than 180 days you'll be debt free. Will be following along for tips and advice and to see you make it to Australia!!

Choc-addict

Mrs_Cheshire wrote: »

Hi Choc, we've just started our debt free journey so interesting to read how well you've done so far, and that in less than 180 days you'll be debt free. Will be following along for tips and advice and to see you make it to Australia!!

Thanks Mrs Cheshire....I am a woman on a mission at the minute. The hubby thinks i'm going mad but also likes my new found energy!

Good luck on your journey - it's tough at times but I 100% believe it's going to be worth it

Choc-addict

OrangeFairy wrote: »

Hi Choc

I am loving a new diary. I started mine not long ago but I am feeling the new 2014 diary itch!

I am hoping July will be our DFD so close to yours!

My 30th in May so that may throw a curve ball depending on what hubby spends :-)

OF x

Somehow I missed your post!

I think 2014 is going to be a great year all round on the debt front for a lot of people!!

xxx

Choc-addict

Today I will.....

1. Finally get together the total debt outstanding and list here
2. Put decorations about the house
3. Write some more Christmas cards and post
4. Have a no spend day

Simple things again, I think next two weeks will be mainly about work. I do however have trip to London to Winter Wonderland on Sunday so i'm REALLY looking forward to that.

Need to look into getting a railcard as do lots of travelling for work into London on monthly basis and now always seems to be in the afternoon for meetings so can take advantage of off peak journeys and also even more savings if railcard.

Payday Friday so need a plan of action as limited spends pending skiing trip in January (can't wait and already paid for the holiday!) :j:j:j:j:j:j:j

Choc x

Choc-addict

Finally got my totals together and current debt stands at £8840.94

Can't tell you how pleased I am and my goal of becoming debt free feels achievable now more so than ever

I still have two more bills to come in so that figure will be slightly lower in coming days and then all my payments go out on 16th again so it'll come down again - perfect!

Hubby and I managed to put Christmas decorations up now so feel slightly more festive. Haven't managed any cards yet, a job for later this evening me thinks.

Pay day is Friday so I need to set a budget, write a list for things I need for skiing trip and go from there. I'm hoping for minimal spends between Dec and JAn pay as most social things have been done, Xmas dinner will be from normal monthly food spends and then I don't have too many plans prior to skiing holiday so aiming for many a no spend days. Think me and the pooch will jsut take some nice long (free) walks during my time off over the holiday period.

Oh and another bonus, have put myself down for overtime Saturday so that's more money in the bank

Choc x

catriona79

Hi choc,

Just read your diary (this new one) and am in awe of you - from 64k to9! That's something!

How have you managed it?

I have been trying to shift my debts for the last year, but they have largely remained the same. I don't even think I spend that much and money saving is always at the back of my mind, but the every day things seem to throw me. And I also know that I am going to have to buy a new car soon. The cumulative effect of MSE is that you don't invest in things on a daily basis, at least in my case... I do also want to have a life, so cannot forego all my treats, it wouldn't work long term.
Maybe you can give me some tips, as I seem to have a v similar amount of debt now to what it was when I started around March time...