Climbing The Ladder, One Step at a Time

WatFanker

Evening all. I wasn't sure where to post as this isn't exactly a debt busting mission, more of an effort to build up savings. If this is in the wrong forum, please feel free to move it to its rightful location. All I'm looking for here is a place to chart my progress, receive help, advice and criticism and a good kick up the backside when it appears I'm letting my eye off my goals.

A little background, I was a compulsive gambler for the best part of a decade, losing tens of thousands along that lonely path. It cost me everything, and having now been in recovery for 2 years, my debts have all been paid off and I'm effectively starting a fresh. That dark road would have eventually killed me, it manifested into depression and M.E., both of which have lifted gradually over these past two years. My head was completely messed up so I've been seeing a therapist regularly. I now feel the time is right to start my life over, albeit ten years behind most other people. I'm 29 in a months time, and the plan is to save 12k by the end of 2015, allowing me to buy my first ever home.

I'm feeling positive, and hopefully I can use my addictive personality for good this time rather than for self destruction.

I've filled out the form regarding income and expenses, and it tells me I should be able to save 600/month. That is living on the tighest budget possible and allowing for no emergency payments which always seem to present themselves.

Anyway, tomorrow will be the next step in moving forward for me. Any advice on the best way to save 600/month, in terms of what accounts to put the savings into would be great. Is it possible to add a sum of money each month to a savings account, one which allows no withdrawls for say, 18months? I'd like the reassurance that the money would be separate and secure.

Cheers guys.