2014 - the drive to be ready to pay back debt created by doing a masters

giblet1979

Hi Mags,
I'm sorry to hear about the exam; but sometimes when you think they've gone terrible you've done fine. Hope that's the case!
Your achievements are fantastic and it'd be great to say that we could be perfect all of the time (and I know some people are) but most of us can just do our best, and your best is definitely good enough to achieve your goals and more.
Enjoy the 'break' over the summer
Gib x

sassychick2014

Hi Mags

I agree with everything Gib said. I'm a firm believer that when you are trying to change something, be it your outlook on money, quitting smoking or whatever, you need to lapse once so you know just how sh*t you feel when you have. How can you learn if it's all easy!?

Saying that, there's been some things I've lapsed on many many times and I still do so maybe that's a rubbish way of looking at things! Either way, I wouldn't stress to much on what you did wrong, more on what you can do right.

With regards to your exam. You never know, you may have done ok but the summer reading will do you wonders anyway as will probably give you more confidence for next term. At least you've got a nice long break to recharge your batteries for your studying. You're doing great and you have to keep reminding yourself of that.

Have a good week xx

Magsnoodle

Hello all,

Yes I know it has been a long time since I've been on here but thought I should do a catch up diary as I am losing my way a bit....

I passed the exam that I was so convinced that I had failed. Woo hoo. Move on to term five in October. I have never been so thrilled to open an e mail before. It meant that I did not have to bring the books with me on holiday - Brucie bonus. So we went on holiday and had a really relaxing time.
Before the results came out the little one and I went to Ireland to attend a funeral of a very dear Aunt who had died and as you can imagine the flights were not cheap. Had to dip into the savings to fund them but I have started to pay it back.. Mum has always said to have a slush fund on the side in case I need to go back home in emergency so I guess this is what it was.

Savings have been going well although I am hating not having money to spend as I used to. There are times when it is really frustrating although I also know that when I look at my balance it does give me a little thrill that I have nearly met my first target of paying off the loan.

Anyway I will sign off now. I will be dropping in on some of you over the next little while just to let you know that I am supporting your journeys.

Keep going - you know together we can do this. :T

sassychick2014

Morning hon

So sorry to hear the news about your Aunt but thank heavens you had the money sitting there to dip into.

Well done on passing your exam too! I remember you were quite convinced that you had failed so the fact you've passed is marvellous. Bring on term 5!

Take care hon xx

Magsnoodle

Hi again,

Thanks Sassychick and yes you are right - I don't think I had realised how much I had convinced myself that I would be redoing that one. So good not to take the books on holiday if I am honest.
Will have to pay for another full term in January and thinking about what to do with that one. Do I put it onto the 0% Halifax card which I already have with the plan to repay as much as possible up to when the 0% is over and then transfer it to another 0% credit card and start again or should I get another credit card with 0% interest rate and start again on that one whilst carrying on with the savings plan? In the mean time I can pay off the Halifax card. Decisions, decisions, descisions. Anyone got any thoughts?
I don't have enough savings to pay for the term so will have to use credit cards to pay for it. However, I know I can bang money into a savings account and earn interest (albeit a tiny amount) to pay it off then when the date is up.
If anyone wants to show me the error of my ways or any better suggestions that would be great as I think this is the best way forward but some of you have been at this for much longer and more consistently than me....
Thanks for listening.....

TTFN xxx

Magsnoodle

Hi all,

How has your week been? Well usually at this time of year I start getting bits and pieces together for Christmas for everyone but I am have been struggling with it this year as all money is going into the savings pot. I have a Christmas account which I have put money into every month - have done this for as long as I can remember - something from my days at home with Mam. But going to really try this year to be more disciplined and not spend like I normally do. It would be nice to have a bit from it to put into the savings pot but lets just wait and see how it goes.
I'm going to start getting a budget together and sticking to it. Was better at getting nephew's birthday presents early September - kept to my budget and did well. Some good bargains in the W^krs and in the toy shop...

Anyway have a great week all.

TTFN xxx

Magsnoodle

Hi all

Yeah its Friday and I am so gald this week is over. Hubby had a review appointment with the oncology dept and it did not go according to plan. Doctor was not very helpful and now we have to wait until the next appointment in 6 months. Yes I know if it was a problem then they would have had him in earlier but the doctor we saw did not fill us with confidence.

My car - which is old and on its last legs has played up again and because of my work I have had to leave the car into the lovely local mechanic, who is cheap and cheerful and hire a car to get me round for work. The car I have is a Hyundai and I must admit I will struggle to give it back. Makes you realise how much you miss creature comforts when you have a really old car. Plan is to run it into the ground though until I have sorted out this loan for uni.

And today I have been off sick as I was so dizzy that I could not manage to get up out of bed without losing balance....

Rock on Monday. Have a great weekend one and all.

TTFN

sassychick2014

Hey hon

Sorry to hear you've been unwell and that things didn't go as well as you'd expected with Hubby's review appointment. Hopefully today and this week will bring you more joy.

Have a good week xx

Magsnoodle

Hi all,

thanks Sassychick. Feeling much better now thank you and Monday was not bad as Mondays go. How was your week.

Have started assessing the damage for next month including credit card will with car hire included and the £200 deposit they take which will be refunded when I return the car. The bill looks horrendous but I have reduced my money into my savings for the month and will really have to scrimp and save to do my best for the month and survive. I just need to keep calm and not panic that I have had a hiccup.. The £200 will be refunded in November so I know that this will counter the money I will pay out for hubby's birthday.

Have made a start on Christmas last night - found the Works had a code which meant 20% off and free delivery. Hubby really likes James Patterson books and they had 6 for £10. Managed some good value presents for my nephew as well. At least it is a start.

Hope you all have a good week and take care.

TTFN xxx

giblet1979

Hi Mags,

Sorry I've not been about; was AWOL due to my mum being ill, and my user CP thing doesn't always tell me when people's diaries are updated!

Sorry to hear about your Aunt, but glad you had the funds available; that's what an 'emergency fund' is for after all. Hope you're ok.

Also sorry to hear about DH's appointment. Maybe you could ask for some feedback in writing from the appointment, and specifically ask for your concerns to be addressed?

Great news on the exam (knew you could do it). I'm not sure what would be best re: fees. Opening a new card, or transferring the balance would count on more credit I guess. If you know that your 0% is coming to an end, would that focus you more to save / pay off more? Also, sorry to hear about the car; these expenses are frustrating, but just think how much more prepared you are now, and how much more thought goes into purchases.

You're doing great, and it's nice to hear from you!

Ooh...wanted to add that I hope you're feeling much better now x