Milann's loan has got to go......

milann

I have been following MSE boards for a few years now changed a lot of my ways and was virtually debt free - then I took a loan out a couple of years ago with every intention of getting rid of it quickly with my newly acquired money managing skills - but it just aint happened YET - but that is about to change.......

We were burgled in the summer and a good few years ago we just couldn't afford insurance - so we cancelled it -a decision that came back to bite me on the behind!!! Luckily we were asleep in bed and came to no harm and nothing in the house was ransacked or damaged but the expense and inconvenience of just the few small electrical items, my handbag purse and cards have been an eye opener to what it could have been like!!!! Anyway lessons have been learned - insurance bought and window locks used. Nuff said!!

Whilst having no access to MSE - I have realized how important these boards have been keeping me on track - bad habits are creeping back quickly and need nipping in the bud before they get any worse!!!!

The main things I have changed whilst on my financial journey
- I only use a cc to collect points and pay in full EVERY month
- Menu planning in my way to avoid unnecessary shop visits
- Aim for no spend days - need to aim higher though
- I no longer use my overdraft (before finding MSE my wages use to pay the overdraft then I'd be back at square 1)

So I am pleased with the way I am controlling my cash

BUT..............

I want to get rid of this loan......... I took it out 2 years ago for £10,000 and had EVERY intention of paying it off very quickly - but life got in the way - I know - excuses, excuses.........

I reckon I owe just under 6,000 but my yearly statement is due in February so I'll know for sure in a few weeks time. If I can get rid of that in around 18 months I will be 1 happy bunny - that will half the time left. I hoped it would have gone by now but no use crying over spilt milk.

So I am committing to this diary and plan to go back to basics - spending diary, setting myself challenges and any other ideas I can come up with in between - wish me luck

milann

My aims this week
- 4/7 nsds - 2/7 so far (starting Monday)
- store cupboard cooking except milk and fresh fruit
- get to slimming world target so don't need to pay
- browse the boards for inspiration

beanielou

Hi Milan :wave:
Happy shiny new diary
I'm with you on SW & getting back to target.
Not actually sure I can afford to go this week.
Anyway good to catch up again.
Take care.

milann

Well not a good start I'm afraid
- only managed 2/7 nsds - right need to be positive.......

start again with positive head on
- managed 2/7 nsds - I knew it was going to be a tricky week as already had plans which I enjoyed. I had originally intended my new frugal start to be tomorrow soooo I had brought it forward and 2 nsds makes a bonus
- maintained at sw - so didn't actually move away from my target. 2 lb to go to not having to pay
- looked at some diaries for inspiration

Beanie - it horrid when you have put so much work into slimming club and can't afford to go- trouble is at sw if you miss a week and don't book it as a holiday you still have to cough up. I feel as if I'm just throwing a fiver a week away but I am so close again - I am going to crack this - and I really do get something out of staying to group. I still listen to the cd you sent me too which I'm sure has helped

Things are decidedly glum at work - lots of staff are on temporary contracts, including moi and there is a lot of rumor mongering plus some official comments about lack of funding and staff having to go in next financial budget.........but it's the same everywhere I know - but a little worrying all the same.

This is my inspiration to get rid of my loan as I suspect I might meet some of the criteria for not being renewed. I am one of the older ones but on a plus am experienced with some of the trickier children. And a tummy op is on the cards, although work do not know this yet, but it will need doing at some point soon - nothing major just a hernia the docs don't want to leave it and I've already stalled them. I am going back in April for doc to place me on list as I said I needed time to think about it last appointment - wishing I'd gone along with docs now

So this coming week I am
- aiming for 4/7 nsds
- going to make a spending plan - something I have never actually done in advance on paper - I have recorded what I have spent once it's gone but not looked at in advance :eek: think I'm beginning to realize why I'm still where I am financially - need to know whats going where and why
- do a store cupboard challenge - I am well stocked but food shopping is defo one of my downfalls
- look at some of the dfw challenges too

I used to do some of the Toluna surveys but got sick of being screened out - does anyone know if it has improved at all or is it more worthwhile putting time into other ventures.

Can anyone remind me how to subscribe to a post on here.....I'm still a technophobe

Milann

beanielou

Just go up to thread tools & you can subscribe from there

milann

Thanks Beanie - wanted to subscribe to a couple of diaries I was reading in the week and went through all the thingies on the top green line but knew I'd done it before but couldn't for the life of me figure it out. Hopefully I'll be able to find the diaries again.....

Just been reading all the tributes to Taxi - I'm so mad I didn't have a reliable computer for so many months after having mine stolen - I never got to say how Taxi inspired me and give my condolences to her family.

beanielou

Yes, very sobering & sad news.
Did you follow kissjenn's diary?

milann

No Beanie - read lots of kissjens posts but never actually followed the diary.

Soooo today - I have been having an argument with my self and getting nowhere fast with the decision....a small hotel I pass on my way home from work has a small pool and gym -I'm not especially interested in the gym other than the treadmill but I do enjoy swimming. I need to do something to strengthen my tummy muscles but can't do anything too strenuous so swimming is ideal for me. There is a 3 month offer for £60 which is a fiver a week. I used to be really good when I was a member at a different place and I passed on my way home but once I'd changed jobs I struggled to get there. If I go to the local pool it works out £3 a go at least by the time you pay for parking and entrance fee. If I go twice a week it will pay for itself and I'm only committed for 3 months.
Sooooo.........half of me says I need to strengthen my tummy ready for hernia op and other half says I want to pay loan off - I can tell I'm a Libran CAN'T make a decision to save my life lol

Today 1/7 nsds - happy with that
Tea was from store cupboard - pasta,and I used up some wilting spinach, mushrooms, onion and tomatoes and chopped some cooked chicken into it - delicious and very slimming world friendly too.
Still haven't got around to making a budget but done lots of thinking about it - if thinking got the job done I'd be an expert.

Milann

beanielou

Well I would say it would be £60 well spent.
At the end of the day your health & wellbeing are every bit as important as debt busting(if not more).It is great that there is no tie in other than the 3 months.

milann

Just popped over to Kissken's diary - life can be so cruel.

Think I've made my decision to give the swimming a go. I literally pass the door on my way home and its 10 minute drive (or if I'm particularly energetic a 40 minute walk) from home - I agree Beanie, health is so much more important.

beanielou

Good decision I think.
yes,Kissjenn's son is same age as mine
I think she is a superstar.