Mrs ashamed

Lesleyzz1

Credit cards are a terrible temptation to those of us who are lacking in willpower and put ourselves in situations where its easy to use them.

My aim, as I think this through is to change my shopping habits. Go anywhere to buy clothes etc once a month and take the cash i have given myself not the debit card. I am trying to forget this is a secret and change my way of dealing with money as a way of life.

Its my problem, not his, my stupid reckless habit caused this so I should sort it. When I've done it then I might tell him. The thing is I spent a long time not having the luxury of credit cards and much excess money, I think I've gone a bit crazy:eek:
Anyway I have decided that I will take the advice and do a monthly budget and pay all the bills and extra payments off straight away then what I've got is what I've got.

Its not quite such a terrifying thought now I've made plans to sort it:)

sweetpea26

Can I make a suggestion

Buy no more clothes or makeup at all for at least 6 months. You have enough to do you. After that only buy in the sales....its amazing what you can save by doing this.

The old saying ... you can only wear one thing at a time...comes to mind.

Check out some blogs online they are really helpful too. Sort your clothes into outfits in your wardrobe. Its like going shopping for a new outfit if you mix and match

What will you tackle first? Maybe the catalogue and then the credit cards?

All the best

sweetpea26

Consider padding

That is a payment a day. Even it is only pennies it does add up.

There is a thread on this site and is very helpful.

Lesleyzz1

Thanks sweetpea. I have enough clothes, toiletries and makeup. I will have a look at the payment day thing. Decided to cancel sky movies, seen them all and its a waste of money. Hubby agrees.

I am going to pay the credit card over 26 mths as its interest free,the catalogue is interest free providing all the buy now pay later stuff is paid off on the due date. I have about 8 lots to pay over the next 12 months so I have decided to pay extra off the loan every month to pay that off quicker.

Does that sound like a good idea. I think by being more frugal I can pay at least 100-300£ extra off the loan every mth :rotfl:

maddiemay

Unfortunately shopping has become a hobby for a lot of people (I did it in the past to some extent). Can I sort of echo what Sweetpea said, and suggest that each week you set aside a little time to look through your clothes and plan some outfits and do the same with makeup, toiletries, and accessories so that you are currently in touch with all the lovely things that you own, sort of rediscover them, and use them up. I do this with my toiletries stash and buy very little in comparison to the past, but I don't feel deprived, gradually my mindset has changed.

In doing the above you will also be able to isolate those (if any) daft purchases that you will never use and get them onto *bay or put aside specifically for gifts for the coming year.

Others will be able to advise better about the order for paying things off, but good idea about paying things off at payday first, then if you have anything left at the end of the month you can pay off extra or start and emergency fund to save up for those things that might have got put onto a CC (car, dentist, optician, stuff at home reaking down).

Have a good Sunday:D

daisystar

Hi there!


I just wanted to pop in and say well done for starting this diary and for all the steps you have decided to make so far. Please don't be ashamed, everyone is on a different position financially but the one thing we all have in common is we are trying to put things right and learn how to live within our means, and you will get there!
You've had some great advice so far, and at this stage you will probably be really enjoying the challenge as it does seem like a project that you can really get stuck into. One thing I will say is that that feeling ebbs and flows if your journey is a long one (as mine is), and if and when it feels less easy for you, please be kind to yourself, remember that its completely normal and pop back on here for support as you will find a ton of it You especially will need support if you are determined not to share this with your husband, so stick with it, both in real life and through keeping us updated on here!

Buffythedebtslayer

Shopping is a total hobby! It really is!


I just wanted to say, when I first came on here I paid off around 25 grand and no one in real life knew anything. It was a bit tough but I got very good at finding deals and collecting vouchers/points to buy things. I paid it off in June 2011.


Unfortunately I got into debt again to the tune of around 7000, got it down to 4400 but had to get a new car and have had to put the 650 car insurance on the cc.


However, this time people know (as it was a relatively small amount borrowed for clear reasons) and ironically because people are so nice and understanding I am finding it much harder this time to grasp the seriousness of my situation - job finishes in five months and I am no where near being out of debt! when I really should be.


It is possible to do it, to pay it off. You can do this and you really shouldn't be ashamed. You are doing something about it.


XXX

Fmess

Hi
Just a quick question about overpaying your loan as I also have a loan with first direct. How do you make overpayments on it each month? Do you call them up or can you do it online? Also is there a charge for overpaying or paying it off early? I know you can get a settlement figure if you want to pay it off in the next month but didn't know about overpayments, thanks

DigForVictory

One tip I can suggest would be putting your credit card in the freezer.
(Mine is disguised in turnip chunks currently.)
There in case of need, but slower to access.

Paulaviki

Just a thought, but I'd be mortified if I found out my husband was in debt and the tried to struggle through paying it off without even talking to me about it. I know it wouldn't be an easy conversation but I think you need to tell him and work through this as a couple. I just don't think you should keep secrets like that in a marriage.

Good luck with the paying off debts and reducing your spending though. Just keep asking yourself do I need to buy this? I've done this a lot recently and have even been in the queue to pay and then put the item back and left.