Living without a credit card?

crockpot

Hi

Sorry if this has been asked before.

I have been using my credit card instead of an overdraft and paying it off each month, but now getting to where I am going to strugle this month.

I can budget for bills and food etc, but it`s the other stuff I find hard.

Had to pay for roof fixing-so this has cut into budget, also bought new school uniform inc shoes.

How is it best to do it?

Was thinking that when I go out just taking a small amount of cash or none so I can`t buy anything.

Also going to start a spending diary, did this once before, shocked at how much I spent!

Thanks

never_too_late_2

is the difficulty in paying your cc off just going to be this month or a regular thing? if it's just a one-off, can you pay it back next month instead?

am sure people will be offer useful advice. my tips are:

spending diary - essential
carrying cash only - no cards, so when out and about you don't spend more than you can afford to

and participating in a lot of threads on the forum, such as what will you spend today etc.

have you got an SOA as such crockpot cos maybe then people could offer advice about where you can save.

good luck,
ntl

Robflh

Hi crockpot

Click on the link below to see how to do an SOA (Schedule of Affairs)

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/....html?t=107280

As soon as you have done one, people will look at it and make suggestion on what you can do.

Crown

Hi Crockpot,

The bottom line of budgeting that I have learnt from this site is to be organised and realistic when it comes to spending. There is no point setting a budget that doesnt include any luxuries as you will drive yourself to a breakdown (Trust me been there and nearly got the T-Shirt!).

HAve you done a SOA yet? If so please post it up and let us see if we can spot any potential savings. With things like Roof repairs you should have a part of your budget monthly expenditure going into a "emergency fund" so if things like this happen it will not totally throw your budget into chaos. With School Uniforms the should be included in the Clothing part of the budget.

Reading your post I want sure if you asking for advice on getting rid of your OD vs Credit Card or money saving tips on how not to use your OD. I would say that the key is to do a budget and look at it each Month. Some people do one and then forget about it. It changes each month and you need to keep an eye on your spending patterns.

Post your SOA and Let us see if we can help you set up a realistic one