2014: THIS TIME I'm going to do it!

SJ_Jones

I've been a fan of MSE for years - I've even been on the Money Show (interviewed for credit scores in last series), I've learnt a lot, but yet still don't seem to be able to stop spending and get out of debt!

I am now in a position to do this, I now have a decent income, with cashh to spare after essentials, and the not so essential essentials... well I would if I stuck to budget! To be fair some of the debt comes from an evening course / qualification that has got me into the job I have now... paradox?

Last year I made a resolution to concentrate on me personally, both my health and my social life. I now have a much better social life, with people I actually like(!) and as part of a 'full body MOT' I discovered a potential health issue which (fingers crossed, touch wood) has now been cleared up. So after 2013's success, I am turning my attention to my finances.

• I have put my debt into my signature, which should be showing up below, and I have resolved to checking on this once a month and updating.
• I am attempting to keep a spending diary through a free app on my phone, to see where all these spontaneous spends come from, and go on!
• I've splashed out signing up to Abel and Cole once a fortnight, but am hoping if I can get my cooking bug back, and eat decent meals, it'll cut down on take aways (and for emergencies I have some pizza and chinese ready meals meals in the freezer!)
• Instead of going away this year I have decided to 'holiday' in London (where I live). I'll still take a week off, and I'll still be spending money to go out to some places, but will be cheaper than paying for the travel accommodation of actually going away.
• I have to stop myself buying clothes and shoes unless it's something I actually need - and then to check ebay as well. One weekend I want to go to a nicer area of London and check out their charity shops!

Hopefully 2014 will be a good year for everyone here!

Eyebright

Sounds like you have everything in order, and are ready to get cracking! Good little list you have made there, have you set yourself a Debt Free Date yet? That might help you motivate yourself to try and beat it!

SJ_Jones

No I haven't - but I'm planning on it - although it certainly won't be this year, I jut want to get it on the way to recovery this year.

I want to see a couple of months first and how they go before aiming for a date. I've got some extra cash going to be coming in and i want to see how much that makes after tax, to realistically see the amounts I can pay off of the CC.

Another thing I've added, is trying to do the £1 a day challenge (in my re-glued up terrimundi pot. Tried that before, but usually forget after a while - but I guess anything's better than nothing.

Also going to buy some of those instant latte sachets - cheaper than the coffee shop by work! Already using a Dolce Gusto machine at home that I've had and loved for 4 years!

SJ_Jones

Had a bad few days - bought some clothes and a few bits and pieces here and there. But there is the difference that I thought about it first, and there was a feeling of guilt with it. Although I can't say I NEEDED the clothes (apart from the black flat boots - I fractured my ankle a month ago, and I've worn out my only pair of flat knee-highs), it wasn't purely frivolous, they were carefully considered items that were missing in my wardrobe. And I've decided that's my first month's worth of overtime pay. So, not an angel, but it feels like a tiny bit of progress! And I'm trying to do £2 a day - £7 a week straight from bank account, and the other half in the sealed pot at home...

SJ_Jones

I've just finished reading Allen Carr's Get Out of Debt Now. Great book! Fully recommend it! http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00AR0JUXQ/ref=oh_d__o03_details_o03__i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I have just transferred over a credit card debt to a new 0% interest one, so that should help. And as per the book's instructions, all my credit cards have now been shredded (except my work expenses one, and one with a low limit that is now in a block of ice in the freezer for absolute emergencies only!)

So, beginning of Feb I keep an even more detailed spending diary, as per the book's instructions. Then beginning of March, I can create a 'financial plan'. By that time, with no more credit card usage, I'll know exactly what payments are required on them each month.

Going in with a feeling of elation (seriously, read the book!)