Debt free by 40 -- 19 Months and counting

baglady1

Sounds like a plan Steph! Go for it!

StressedSteph

Thanks for your support everyone.


Feels weird to be accepting that I won't be making immediate over-payments against the debt, but also feels very good and grown-up to be accepting that I also need to cover for possible low income periods. Fingers crossed I won't need it, but at least if we do, we will have some money to fall back on. Without that safety net we might just give up and add stuff to the credit cards. Especially at emotionally charged times like Christmas.


Feel really quite worn out after the two treatments this morning. Not sure if I am unfit or if these treatments kind of drain you.
Its fab because my treatment routine is really taking shape and my nerves are a lot more under control in these recent treatments, to the point where I am really starting to enjoy them. It is so rewarding to see someone go from all strung up and tense, to pretty relaxed and floppy by the end of the hour.


The Spa have said that they could also do with someone to train in Hot Stone Massage, trouble is it is about £200 as they also set you up with a starter kit of stones etc.


I need to look into this a little more as I am not sure how mobile I can be with them as I will need something to heat the stones in, which is usually a water bath.


I know the gamble with the Indian Head Massage course worked out, but would like to train in something that would work mobile as well.


Will have a read up. Just loving my new little career :heartsmil

dawnybabes

Now you see I'd pay for a hot stone massage but probably not for a head massage. Our local beauty shop heated there's up in a slow cooker - not sure if it was right but that's what they did.

Magsnoodle

Hi Steph,

I know that Emma who does my reflexology is always tired if she does a few sessions with people who are stressed and anxious i.e. ME.... And you are running around after the family too - of course you will be tired.

Good luck my lovely.

TTFN xxx

wantabetterlife

I am another huge fan of hot stone massage. Its definitely a good idea to learn as many treatments as you can because then you are not putting all your eggs in one basket and there is less chance of your appts drying up. I have never tried reflexology but would be keen to give it a go...is it used to treat stress?

tootallulah

If you do the savings in case your hubby doesn't get work in January and he does get work then you could use £200 to pay for your training. I am really enjoying seeng your success in down paying your debts so determinedly.

lhead123

I was thinking the same ad DFW when I read that your hubby's work can get a bit slow around Christmas. Brilliant suggestion

You could think of it as the start of a YNAB buffer?

I must say reading about all your treatments makes me want to visit your spa and get pampered OH gives amazing massages but hates doing it I've persuaded him twice in 9 years

We had a lovely family day out yesterday - we went to Swanage to let J see the steam trains and Corfe Castle out the window. We even got lunch while we were out and only spent £20 plus a bit of diesel so that was well within budget

Hope you have a productive week. J is on increasing days at school from 1/2 day today to full day on friday I'm liking the extra time I have to spend with S and I actually have time to clean the house!

L xx

debtfreewannabe321

I had a hot stone massage at the local college it was brilliant and something i'd have done regularly if I wasn't saving money and on a tight budget! They also used a slow cooker to heat their stones and as it's a college i'm assuming it's ok to do so! I would think favourably on adding skills to the ones you already have. It may mean you could eventually start up your own business in a spare room. With a number of treatments available you could put together some sort of pamper package?! Have you tried grounding yourself before and after a treatment. We were taught to do this with our reiki and i'm assuming it would be of benefit to anyone doing regular holistic treatments. You've really got me thinking seriously about doing the indian head massage now too. It's something I always fancied but hearing that they are becoming more popular means I might make some money from it (I initially was going to do the course around 10 years ago but decided against it) :think: I'm very rusty on the reiki though so perhaps I should brush up on that first

I hope you have a lovely day!

StressedSteph

dawnybabes wrote: »

Now you see I'd pay for a hot stone massage but probably not for a head massage. Our local beauty shop heated there's up in a slow cooker - not sure if it was right but that's what they did.

Hi Dawn,


Looking at the Training centres website, you have to have done a Whole body/ Swedish massage course first as the Hot Stone Massage is practically the same but obviously using the Stones rather than the hands directly.


The two courses together works out cheapest but it is still £658:eek: . Included in this you do get a 34 piece stone set & heater. So I would be ready to go straight after the course, with abit of practice.


It is very much like a slow-cooker and they just fill it with hot water and the stones. Reading up on it, it seems that mobile therapists pre-heat the stones before they leave home and then slightly re-heat when they arrive with the client. So definitely workable.


But boy its a lot of money

Magsnoodle wrote: »

Hi Steph,

I know that Emma who does my reflexology is always tired if she does a few sessions with people who are stressed and anxious i.e. ME.... And you are running around after the family too - of course you will be tired.

Good luck my lovely.

TTFN xxx

Hi Mags,


I was surprised at how much its drains me, but then it is quite physical so bound to wear me out I guess xxx

wantabetterlife wrote: »

I am another huge fan of hot stone massage. Its definitely a good idea to learn as many treatments as you can because then you are not putting all your eggs in one basket and there is less chance of your appts drying up. I have never tried reflexology but would be keen to give it a go...is it used to treat stress?

Hi wantabetterlife,


You are right, I have definitely decided I want to go more down the massage route than facials & manicures for the moment. Although I would like to learn those eventually as well.


Like you said, the more different types of treatments I can do, the more bookings I could get. Just need to afford the training


Reflexology is very good at relieving stress. I incorporate abit of massage as well so hopefully very relaxing. xx

Puzzcat

Hi Steph,


I think it is also a good idea to stash some cash away in the 'just in case' fund, hopefully you won't need it and then you can throw it at your remaining debts.. You will be under the 10k before you know it..!!


How's the planning for the weekend away going? You are still going arn't you????


And yes the more treatments you can offer the more versatile you are and the more work will come your way.. Just think how quickly you will be able to shift those last debts with twice as much income (hopefully) from the treatments/spa.. and then the money will be all yours...!!!


Take care.
Puzz. x