Lemma's attempts at getting debt free diary

lemma1968

Had a mixed week.

Keeping within my shopping budgets, only going out with a list and working that list around my vouchers etc, then my friend rang - her OH's 40th b-day:bdaycake: would we like to go out for a meal.

I said yes, knowing it was going to blast my weekly spending. Then I realised that my OH and me have NOT been out of for an evening meal on our own, or with friends, without the kids in over 3 years!!!!!

I got the cash out (so not tempted to go overboard), emptied my £1's jar for parking (!!!:mad: ) and went out.

We had a great meal, I had 2 glasses of wine with the meal, my OH nothing but bottled water but the bill was HUGE!!!!!:eek: I forgot how much it cost to go out to a nice eatery ( my friends also had some cocktails so that bumped up the bill) but we just split the bill between the two couples. And I did not begrudge that cos it my friends OH's 40th so I was not going to get picky and I cannot stand it when someone gets a calculator out at a dinner table.

I paid with cash:beer: , my friend with her card, and I used the remainder of the cash for the parking and have put the change back in the change jar. Still also got about £15 left of the £100.

So mixed result all in all. It was a lovely night and I do not regret it at all.

also got paid today so at least I will not be banging my head against a wall panicking. The joys of self-employment.:p

lemma1968

No excuses really - but I have not been on here for months.
Been very busy with work but still making in-roads to our debt. The Inland Revenue remains the largest issue for me with me not having paid my January 08 bill yet. I'm still paying off the arrears but I know I can sort it all out in the next 12 months.

I still do one shop a week, and we no longer have cable/Sky TV as we cannot get either here so that has worked out well really.

As my hubby is a student and we have 2 children I am just unable to pay off the debts any quicker. I know I am lucky though cos I have a good job with a good income and so I have to use my best endeavours NOT to let the debt spiral again. There are times though when I am just exhausted and drained with everything and feel as if the world is on my shoulders.

I can't cut back any further...honestly. I have cut out the daily Latte break, no nibbles etc, I don't even go out for lunch with my colleagues (something I used to do ALL the time). I find that if I don't go into the office, then I'm not open to temptation and persuasion.

I hope everyone is doing well so far this year.

Good Luck to all

mrs_deadline

Good to see you around, Lemma

lemma1968 wrote: »

I find that if I don't go into the office, then I'm not open to temptation and persuasion.

:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

So true! And if working from home, substitute 'kitchen' for 'office' ...

Despite having a lot on your plate while OH is a student, I think it's really great that you can focus on how much you've got going for you.

Best of luck for the year ahead!

lemma1968

I cannot believe that i have not been on here for so long.

There is progress with the debts. Slowly they are diminishing.

The Inland Revenue debt will always be around in one form or another. I have been paying frequently, but its a debt that accrues every 6 months so the balance does not seem to go down too readily. At least it is not getting any bigger!!!:eek:

NATWEST could not come up with the necessary paperwork to prove the debt amount or in fact its existence. I was given various figures some of which varied wildly by £1000's of pounds. I knew I had paid £1000s over the years so they have backed off.

I have also started paying into an ISA. I know i should clear the debts first but the reality is that if i don't start making some effort at saving i doubt the money will all go on the debts.

I opened the ISA up with over £100 of £2 coins i had collected.:p

My little girl does not do riding any more - we have agreed that she can continue her dance (she adores it) but the £1200+pa on riding lessons can go into a savings account for a holiday next year for us all.

Oh and we no longer subscribe to Sky or Virgin or anything. We are not in an area where we can get Freeview or Freesat cos of tree cover. So we have BBC1 BBC2 ITV1 Channel 4.

And you know what? The world did not come to an end and my daughter is outside more. Happy Days!!!:D

Everyone is feeling more positive!!!!

But it is hard work and you still have to keep your eye on the end game or old bad habits can creep back in.

lemma1968

I totally forgot i had started my own debt diary - DOH!:p

Well, what has changed since i started it?

My CC has reduced by about £3K, we have downsized to a flat. we did initially go from £975 pcm to £1200pcm for 12 months but now i have seen the light:rolleyes: and we pay £875 pcm.

The council tax has reduced, sadly the energy bills have gone up, petrol is still high but i am taking the train more.

I now take a flask to work with me and sarnies and snacks.

I keep NO money in my purse at all so no temptation to spend and I have sent some CD's to Music Magpie.

So some progress has been made.

On the down side - my tax bill was truly horrific cos of the poor year i was on maternity leave (therefore a low tax bill for that year) and a better subsequent year that has left me paying catch up tax :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:

I'm trying to pay some off that day by day and i have set up a separate thread to deal with that.

My OH starts a paid placement in June which will really help.

But, i am by no means anywhere near out of the woods.

Im in it for the long haul cos of the tax bill.;)