Lemma's attempts at getting debt free diary

lemma1968

Just watched Martin with the teens - gosh he is good. If i did n't already have 2 kiddies that cost me a fortune I'd have his babies too.:p

Joke honey (OH reading!!!!)

just joined Quidco and got a quote for our car insurance - its not due for a few weeks but its half what we are paying!!!!! Apathy has meant we have been screwed on our car insurance for years. Lets hope the quote stays good until we need it.!!!!:rotfl:

slowlyfading

I watched that show too - he was good! good to hear about the car insurance and the shopping trip x

lemma1968

Not been on this forum long but I am becoming obsessed with it.

I have been keeping a debt diary and it is an eye opener. Even though I don't seem to be spending anything at all, I have noticed that it has taken little effort. But there has still noy been much spare cash to clear the debts as I have my VAT to pay out and I have had some time off ill.

It was my dads birthday yesterday and I bought him a small pressie, the kids did him cards and we had him round for dinner last night - all out of the weekly shopping budget!!! we still have a bit left for the rest of the wekly shop, amd fresh dishes that we made in bulk and froze so hopefully it will not be too much of a chore.

I have some Tesco vouchers that i am going to save for the xmas food, and some other extra points vouchers that I shall use for my normal shopping but only for things we actually need.

We are still awaiting ots of CCA's and statements re charges from the banks and credit card companies. It's odd how they like to take their time even though they expect things from you...NOW!

But things are going well and I am feeling positive.

And just to finally make my day - my 7 year old has just ridden her bike for the first time without stabilisers - she is sooooo pleased with herself. :j :j She tok them off 2 years ago and then would nt touch the bike cos she was scared.

slowlyfading

aww well done to your DD! riding a bike for the first time without stabilisers must have been scary lol I'm obsessed with this site too, its a great help and support to everyone hang in there though, you seem to have got the hang of everything pretty quickly! :j x x

Kaz2904

You could start looking around now for a new property. You only need 2 bedrooms and 3 would be nice but 4 is a luxury you can't afford. Just had a look at rightmove and they have a 2 bed for £350 pcm. They have a 4 bed for £650 pcm in Settle. I'd suggest you have a look and be flexible about where you look as it won't be forever. The cheaper you get now the more likely you are to be able to buy in future (if thats what you want) but you'll definately get your debts paid quicker!

lemma1968

Settle is too far out from Leeds and the motorway network - i know the roads from there well as I went to school in that area. We are keeping our eyes open and we shall see what comes up. We have tons of furniture and we will get very little for it if we sell. We also need to be near parents for childcare and both my parents are disabled so cannot travel far. I suppose location is the one thing in the mix that is non-negotiable, although size of property is something we shall have to look at quite seriously.:undecided


Just invested my DD's CTF voucher. Took Martin's advice and chose the Chorley Building Society. Its gone in the post and one more thing to cross off the list.:T:T

lemma1968

Done "the shop" again today.

Had to take into account that I had spent some of the weekly food budget on dad's birthday the other day. But I went to Tesco's armed with all my points vouchers and shopping list. Had £55 left to spend but this included nappies etc and managed to spend £53.46. I could have done it for less but there was an offer on for loo rolls and baby food so knowing we would use them, i bought them in bulk and have knocked it off next weeks budget.

Still got some chicken to get and some own brand cereal from another supermarket nearby that is actually much better then the well known brand. But all in all i was quite pleased with myself.

Was very annoyed this morning. Went to make pancakes for DD and we had run out of maple syrup - it was on the list - so ran round to the local Tescos Express and picked some up. Got into the main store this lunchtime to find it 11p cheaper there!!!!:mad: I was not a happy bunny at all but means I have more change for my jar so there is a slight upside!:p

And after scanning all of my vouchers I found I had earned 548 points just today!!!! Don't know what that will equate to later on but it sounds good!!!:rotfl::rotfl:

lemma1968

One more thing, we cut our Sky package down today - reduced it by £14pcm by getting rid of the movies. Almost had a crisis cs it would also have gotten rid of Disney Cinemagic which is independent of the other Disney channels which we don't get - but we weakened and have paid £5 extra to keep that but i think an overall £14 reduction is a start and will go straight towards the debt!!!:j:rotfl:

Was going to try and cancel in November and move to BT vision but we don;t get Freeview here so can't have it!! We are going to have to wait until....wait for it.........2012!!!!!!:mad::mad::rolleyes:

belfastgirl23

Just to say boots are doing 20% off on all baby stuff at the minute including nappies, wipes etc. You can go via quidco to get a bit extra and you might even pick up some extra advantage points by checking the discount codes and vouchers board.

Good luck!

lemma1968

Fab news, every little helps...really!!;) Thanks