It's so simple in theory!

Trishiapp

Thank you tinkerbel for your kind words of encouragement. I really appreciate them

I've been writing my thesis proposal since 6 am! I think I've gone a little cross-eyed from looking at the computer screen all day! Of course, this means, I've not spent any money today. Well, apart from transferring £100 into my flexi-loan! This was rather unexpected decision, but I figured that, since I have put £800 into my o/d I could 'treat' myself to reducing my other debt. It stands now at £375 Yay!


It really is astonishing how, through sheer determination and discipline, I'm almost half way through! And it only took me one month! What is also incredible is that, before my DFW journey begun, each month I was short on money! Now I wonder, how on earth did I squander so much ? Not only did I waste it, but also got myself into debt! I won't beat myself up about it; what's done is done, but I am so grateful for waking up from my spending stupor.


I really need to finish my proposal tonight, as I have a few chores planned for tomorrow, including washing my car and preparing meals for next week. I might even venture out to the temple of consumerism later in the afternoon in search of some bargains ( Sunday afternoons are fantastic for reductions of unsold food items.)


I wish you all a wonderful evening

Trishiapp

I consider myself to be a DFW novice. Thanks to all the fantastic people on this site, I've learned a lot about minimising my spending whilst maximising my debt repayments.

I am lucky in that, at this stage, I don't have any priority debts nor do I have any problems with my non-priority debts, such as: defaults, CCJs or missed payments.


However, let's say, I did have those problems. What would I do then?


Well, for starters I would NOT get into further debt by borrowing ( gasp!) money from payday lenders. Even with my limited knowledge I know that those companies are the pits of the lending sector.


I would sell everything of value. Yes, that's right! I have absolutely no problem with selling my laptop or an iPhone in order to keep the roof over our heads. In fact, if I had to, I would sell the clothes of my back! Stuff is just that, stuff. I can always get more stuff, once my debts are cleared ( not that I would want to.)


I would definitively look for a second job. Even if I had to clean the loos at our local men's Rugby Club, I would do it. Even if I had to work in our local kebab shop, I would gladly oblige. Job's a job.


I would have to re-home our animals. I appreciate that, for a lot of people this sounds heartless, but if it's a choice between feeding my children or my cats, I'm afraid my children win every time! Besides, if I couldn't feed my cats, they would be better off re-homed anyway.


It goes without saying that, any non-essential things would have to go: Sky, broadband, phone etc... Yet again, I honestly would not have any problems with doing this if it meant I would not lose my home, or get taken to court for council tax arrears.


I appreciate that this may not be an option for everyone, but I would go to my family and friends for help; I would kindly ask for food parcels. If I didn't have that kind of support, I would go to my GP and ask about Food Bank vouchers.


I truly hope that I won't end up in this kind of scenario, but if I did, I would do whatever it takes to pull myself out of the hole.


Now, some people might think, 'Yeah, right. It's easy for you to say this now, but you wouldn't do it if the push came to shove.'


Well, I really, really would. After all, nothing lasts forever. And if I found myself in a hole, I would stop digging.

Trishiapp

Yesterday, after completing all my planned chores, I sat down and watched the 'Extreme Cheapskates' -American edition.

Gosh, I am still shocked by some of the ideas people came-up with! I totally understand the need to reduce waste, therefore save money, but sharing a toothbrush to save a $ is, in my opinion, ridiculous!
Also, stalking the roadside for a road kill is simply too much for me, especially if money is not an issue!


I think, as with everything else in life, it's about keeping balance. Whilst paying off debts and saving money can become addictive, there's got to be a point when one decides to ease off a little. Otherwise what is the point? We can't take the money to our grave!


Apart from keeping chickens, I would be very reluctant to use any of the other ideas. Also, one needs a lot of time at home to be able to create water filtration systems!


In the absence of chickens, I am proud to announce that I have all manner of free-range insects roaming my house: spiders, flies, ladybirds and many other species, especially during spring and summer months


I wish you all a wonderful day!

Toomuchdebt

Yes it makes you wonder just how far people will go..I wonder do they enjoy their lives at all?

thecassman86

Trishiapp wrote: »

I think, as with everything else in life, it's about keeping balance. Whilst paying off debts and saving money can become addictive, there's got to be a point when one decides to ease off a little. Otherwise what is the point? We can't take the money to our grave!

Couldn't agree more. We all know how difficult it is to get back on track and to get finances in order, but, your health and happiness have to come first!

There are some great techniques on this site for making money-saving a fun thing to do and you don't need to be giving up your life to do it either!

I've mentioned previously that we should all treat ourselves occasionally too - no matter what your situation. Even a 50p bar of chocolate that's added to your shopping trolley once a month - it'll make you smile. It's worth the world then.

Trishiapp

Last-night, I have updated my two lovely children about our debt repayment progress. They were really chuffed ( especially my son) when I told them that the o/d will be gone this month ( I still can't believe it:) )

I know that some people feel very uncomfortable talking to their children about debt, but not I! I think it's of paramount importance to make them aware of budgeting and perils of debt, and if possible, how to avoid getting into it.


Part of my past financial ineptitude is directly connected to the lack of money management education by my parents; they never disclosed any details of how they have managed to feed five children on one income-even in times of hardship, we were never told how to budget effectively ( we just knew something wasn't right.)


Having said that, I hold no ill feelings towards my parents as I know they've done the best they could with what they had. Of course, their 'hush, hush' approach to money taught me the importance of being open and honest, which is why, I have absolutely no problem talking to my children about such matters. After all, I am their primary teacher.


On a different note, today, I am going to work' s Away Day. My management splashed out on a very nice venue ( up-market hotel) with food included. Of course, being coeliac, I won't be able to eat most of the things, although I am hoping they will provide something for me, since they have asked everyone about their dietary requirements.


Anyhow, as it often happens, at the end of the day, there's always plenty of food left over, which will only get disposed of. My plan is to collect all the untouched food and take it back home with me. No doubt, my colleagues will give me strange looks, but I don't care! Free food is free food. Now, who would say 'no' to that?

thecassman86

Couldn't agree more with that Trishiapp!

It surprises me when i see people on these boards saying that they won't talk to their children about debt... WHY!? It's the best way to ensure that they won't get into problems themselves because they'll understand debt better than most.

I've not got any children yet but when i do i'll certainly be showing them how it all works and what to look out for - i'll do a training session on my spreadsheet

Trishiapp

Good morning lovely people

Well, things are ticking over nicely here and I'm still on track to pay off my o/d this month! I can't wait for the 25th to arrive ( my pay day.)


Due to the lovely weather we've been having, I have managed to get my garden spring ready. This incurred an extra spend of £35 for a new rose arch (made by my friend), but I really didn't mind paying for it since £35 was very reasonable price in comparison to shop-bought, around £90 ! It looks beautiful!


My friend offered to build me a pergola, but I've explained to her that, at the moment, due to my debt busting, I need to wait. Perhaps next year I will find myself in position to have it made


I am still spending very little money on food and cook everything from scratch. Sometimes this can be a little tricky ( time-wise) but, I've committed myself, so no going back!


Also, my efforts to reduce the fuel usage have really paid off; I'm spending £30 per week ( yay.) In order to keep my speed and revs low, I am using the cruise control thingy whenever I can ( it's set to 50 mph for A roads.)


Overall, I am really, really happy with the way things are progressing Once I've cleared my o/d, I shall start re-paying my £500 Flexi-loan; I'm aiming to get rid of it in April. Perhaps, I'm being a little optimistic about it ,since it's my daughter's birthday, and of course Easter, but I will do my best!


In any event, Flexi-loan will be gone by May


After that, as planned, I will start saving towards my emergency pot. Out of that, I will re-pay my last debt, which is c/c with £800 balance on 0% at the moment.


Ah, yes, whilst I had to get the new rose arch ( it was badly damaged by the wind) I've not spent any unnecessary money. Not. A. Penny. In fact, I don't even get tempted to window shop.


Right, I better get ready for work...


I wish you all a wonderful day

Trishiapp

Oh yes, one more thing...

Because of the mild weather, we've not used any heating in the past two weeks! Unless arctic conditions arrive, heating will remain switched off until later this year.


This of course, is a fantastic news for a DFW novice like myself

ally18

Hi,
Just read all through your thread, your thoughts are very inspiring

One thing struck me was, are you paying a mortgage as this is something that could be looked at sometime ie reducing rates etc?