bbl's DFW Diary

bbl_2

Hello all.

I thought i would start this diary to keep track of my journey. After some bad spells and choices i've put myself into a position i dont want to be in.

Approximate debt amounts to 10-11k and plan to eliminate it!

First things first. Tracking my spending. Never really wasted money and have always second thought purchases. But now i am going to remain vigilante and clear off as much as i can as quickly as i can.

Hefty spreadsheet created with expenditure vs income. Monthly wage is approximately £1350 an after rent and bills equates to roghly £500-£550 remaining a month.

Ive cut down on my phone contract & Virgin package which has saved about £30 a month. Is a start i guess.

With remainder of money target is to clear credit cards followed by mum and step dad. Fortunately they have a good "whenever" philosophy which helps.

Target - to be debt free by Christmas 2015

Today was payday. £350 paid against credit cards. Intend to pay more off them this month but as it is the first month budgeting im seeing how it goes to ensure that i have accounted for everything . Just prior to next pay day next month i will use any remainder to put against credit cards.

Feel free to join me. Please do share any tips to help me along the way

SouthernGuy

Welcome and good luck on your journey.

My advice would be that if you start to struggle with motivation in between payments then change to making smaller payments more often rather than big one off payments. I found that I have had better months when making multiple payments and I enjoy getting the good feeling from seeing the balance reduce.

Best regards

bbl_2

Thanks for that SouthernGuy. Never thought of that. With what i got planned to pay off monthly is relatively realistic but will certainly keep it in mind

bbl_2

Well have been good. Made pack lunch for work and keeping spreadsheet up to date. who knew buying lunch for work daily would be so expensive!

Going to continue on with swagbucks today to try and earn some amazon vouchers

bbl_2

Well still sticking to home made lunches. Probably saved £20 in doing so

Finding it rather satisfying not having to open my budget spreadsheet as i haven't spent anything!

bbl_2

Well mad at work. Ridiculous amount of shift to compensate a lot of leavers. Have spent a few pennies :@

On the plus side, went to a wedding and ordered a £8 round. Checked bank today to find only charged £3.8

Now just have to maintain this mindset ....