starting our new life, with only cash in our pockets.

freshstart2014

Been a lurker in denial long enough, so the start of a new year is a great excuse to make a start! It's just hubby, me and 2 kids and about 22k of debt to crack. Have started the ball rolling today by :

Making a income/outgoing expense sheet in excel
Checking all outstanding debts (just waiting fir last figure to get our total)
Started a sealed saving pot for the 52 week plan and saved my first week successfully!

Hubby nearly on board so over next couple of days sit down and set budget. All debts are updated and we don't have any missed payments or ccjs. I need to look into snowballing and make a plan of action.

In the meantime, I look forward reading everyone's new year money saving plans and finally get my finger out.

Squirrelly

Hi Freshstart2014, I think there are a few of us starting diaries today for the new year. Good luck with all your plans sounds like you are off to a great start. I have subscribed so I can keep in touch x

freshstart2014

Thanks for popping by squirrelly, it's great to know we're not alone. I'm just fed up reaching for the plastic and then never paying it off. I know we can't clear it all this year, but I'm going to give it a really good go! Happy New year xx

freshstart2014

Day 1 of 2014 an not had a chance to finish my excel sheet and confirm our total debt, but I have had a good chat with hubby and he's on side now. I will post our debts and the snowball plan to pay them off. We do have a healthy excess every month after bills and my mission it to stop it disappearing on junk and start using it properly to pay the debt off!

Have started using the spending app and updated a £20 spend which was for DD1 for new uniform. Thinking the misc spending budget is taking a beating tomorrow as both the children need school shoes.

The freezer is full and cupboards loaded with tins, so just means any overspend will come out of the food budget instead. Hubby finally clicked that we can't keep reaching for plastic every time we bust the budget.

Feeling positive for 2014 and certainly ready to get debt busting! Looking forward to Monday when hubby back to work and kids back to school. The house needs a huge de-clutter and spring clean, and I want to get the money sorting finished! Happy new year x

Midgie

Well done on making your fresh start!

Midgie

in_need_of_direction

I'm with you. Been drifting for far too long. The rot needs to stop