Reeling from the Reality Check

NoOneAround

Historybuff wrote: »

Thanks NOA. I love France too. Three of us went together this time and split all the costs, so we don't spend anymore here than we would have done here. We had a great price on the gite and ferry too this time of year. I think you have to be really creative with getting out and about whilst debt busting. It's going to take years to pay off, and you can't put your life on hold for that long. You have to find simpler and cheaper ways of doing what you want to do. It's the little treats that you look forward to that keep you going.
How is your debt busting going?

Hi HB, we are going to try and get a weeks holiday this year somewhere or at least some short breaks. Debt busting not really busting but am pleased to say we are stable and that's a lot better than 6 months ago, so feeling very positive and feel I have a much better perspective now with all the support on here and the realisation that there are many many people in the same boat, and many many in far worse situations. I have many blessings, and just need to remember to count them everyday.
As you say we are in for the long haul!
NOA
xx

NoOneAround

And HB.... you were the very first person to post on my diary:A Thank you.
xx
NOA

Historybuff

Ahh, thanks NOA. I've been on the pension calculators again today. I am really seriously thinking of going to four days a week later in the year. I've come to the conclusion that more time to myself each week is well worth the hit the pension takes. I also think it will keep me working longer because I won't be so stressed. I'm going to do it. I have to accept that I'm not as energetic as I used to be and need to start slowing down.
Also been reflecting on a year of debt reduction. I'm so pleased with where I am now compared to a year ago. There's a long way to go, I know, but I'm determined to stay on track. This week I am going to see how long the £20 I have in my purse will last. Food shopping is already done out of what I had left of the France money and I have just under half a tank of fuel. I think I want to see just how little I can get away with spending this month.

Historybuff

Best laid plans and all that...car headlamps have gone and need new bulbs, so a tenner of the £20 has gone on that today.
Getting the predators payments reduced was a godsend. The end of the month was definitely less tight. The ebay sales also helped, of course, but I'm more determined than ever to save up the buffer fund by the end of the year. I'm aiming for £3000. I know it's high, but that's where I've set my sights.
Decorating is going v SLOWLY. Now OH has properly retired he has no sense of urgency about anything. It really winds me up. I hate all the messy prep work before painting etc starts. He's got two weeks to finish the living room and hall, stairs and landing, then he can start on landscaping the garden. That's what I've told him. We will see how it goes.

Historybuff

Just opened my first cash ISA to keep buffer fund in. £350. Boom! Paying the money in a separate account will mean I have more chance of holding onto it. Feeling :j

sweetpea26

You are making great progress HB........12 %

Keep going..delighted to hear you enjoyed your break. Hopefully your hubby gets the work completed within the time. Soon be time to start cutting lawns..oh the fun

Historybuff

Thanks sweetpea. I think I'm getting a bit obsessed with the figures now. I keep looking and checking. After some more thinking I'm going to see if I can save up £4200 by the end of this year and keep on reducing the debt as well. That's my focus. It will be good to have that buffer for peace of mind. It's been a long time coming...

Historybuff

So three days into this months pay and have just had to fill up with diesel so far...£42. Trying to have a very frugal rest of week and weekend, spending as little as possible. Put £2 per day and £ per week savings that I've been putting in my pots in the bank yesterday to transfer to ISA...£365. That's paid up to end of March. I've decided to transfer the amounts monthly. So savings up to £715 now. I feel so proud of myself!

sweetpea26

Excellent HB you have every right to be proud of yourself.

Brogden

Fantastic going HB - you've spurred me on with that cool budgetary control!!! :T:T:T