misstara's debt diary 2014

misstara

I'm good monz, how are you? I'm just away to meet a friend for coffee then go for a wander round the shops as I've got some vouchers from Christmas. There's a couple of things that I need clothing wise so will look for those and try not to get distracted by pretty things I don't need Then I've got a late shift at work to look forward to.

monz

i am good and treat yourself!!!!!:) xx

misstara

My friend treated me to coffee so it ended up being a NSD. We sat chatting for ages so I didn't have time to go round the shops before work. Vouchers saved for another day

misstara

Didn't get a chance to post yesterday, it was a NSD We got our quarterly gas/electricity bill through - £281.65 :eek: I knew it was going to be quite high as this is definitely a colder flat but didn't think it would be that high. I have absolutely nothing saved for it and with the council tax bill to pay as well, I'm going to struggle to pay them both without resorting to using the credit card. I should get my payslip on Monday or Tuesday so once I know how much I'm going to get, I'll have a better idea. Needless to say the heating is off and we are both sitting with thick jumpers on!

Feeling a bit 'meh' at the moment, was hoping to be debt free by now and instead I still owe over £2300 and soon probably over £2800 (once I add on council tax and utility bill). Just feel like I'm not really getting anywhere, however, will just have to keep plugging away at it.

I've had a day off today. I went for a run this morning and then went to the supermarket. Me and OH worked out a meal plan up until next Sunday, made a list and only bought what was on the list - £16.67 spent.

zippygeorgeandben

Don't feel meh, remember how you were feeling in 2014 when you first started this diary. It's not like you've gone to (insert favourite clothes shop 'here') and splurged/impulse bought. Keep plugging away, it'll keep coming down. Think of it like a marathon, you can't do every mile at world record pace, sometimes you have to just have a solid month.
Keep it up

ani*fan

Hi misstara

Sorry to hear you're so downhearted about the debt. I don't think we can underestimate the impact and upheaval of a house move, and you've had 2 lately. It takes time to settle in, get all the things you need and work out how the bills are going to be. Chin up, you have loads of great money managing skills and you are getting there, even if it doesn't feel like it some days.

Your bill does seem quite big. I wonder if you could set up a monthly direct debit, to avoid the quarterly bill shock, and to gradually pay this off rather than adding £500 to your debt? Just a thought. It might be worth phoning them for a chat about it.

Keep going hun. You're doing great.

misstara

Thanks for your posts zippygeorgeandben and ani. You're right the new debt is flat related not as the result of spending on things I didn't need and I definitely underestimated how much it would all cost. I'm feeling more positive today

ani - I've never had a monthly direct debit with an energy company as I don't like the idea of them storing up my money. I know it's silly and it is a great idea so I shall make some calls today.

Had a good day off yesterday, me and OH went for a walk in the morning and then rearranged the furniture in the bedroom exactly how we want it. I can now finally unpack properly :T. I also did some baking - cheese scones and white choc chip cookies, both turned out pretty good. Even OH liked them and he usually turns his nose up at anything gluten free. It was also a NSD

monz

Glad you are feeling better.

misstara

Thanks monz, definitely feel more positive now

So I have a plan :T I phoned the council and will pay an extra £27.80 a month council tax which will pay off that bill over the next 10 months. I phoned the energy company, I decided against going onto a direct debit but I'm to pay £150 by 1st March and the rest by 15th March so at least it gives me a little more time to get the money together. Thanks for the suggestion ani So pleased I've managed to work it out without resorting to the credit card.

I attempted a run home from work but it wasn't particularly successful as I've had horrible stomach issues all day and running did not help. Barely eaten anything because of it but seems to be easing now thankfully. It's been a NSD

misstara

Budget for March - £1583.80
- £900 usual bills
- £100 debt
- £200 social (going to a wedding and will need to pay for overnight accommodation and travel, hopefully won't need this much but figured it's better to over budget)
- £236.34 electricity/gas bill (I already have £45.31 saved which was originally saved for council tax - means I can pay the whole thing before 1st March :T)
Which leaves £147.46 for food and anything else.