A new debt free journey

lcc86

Thank you both, I still can't quite believe it's happened lol. Takeaway and prosecco in the end last night and it was really nice and relaxing. I also had the best night's sleep that I've had for ages so perhaps my mind has truly relaxed. I felt great this morning. :cool:

I worked three hours of overtime today, it really flew by, then I came home and put up some rails in the kitchen to hang cups and pans from. No disasters and all went well so very happy, and I've created more space in the kitchen in preparation for my slow cooker arriving. It actually arrived late this afternoon so perfect timing. Can't wait to try some recipes I tidied up all of my Guinea pig stuff and put it all in one tidy place. The house was getting a bit messy so glad I tackled that today.

Tonight I'm just chilling catching up with diaries and other stuff. Tomorrow I have a little more to do around the house and some food shopping, nothing exciting whatsoever.

I tried again to sort out the bt issue, but no joy. They say they won't so anything about the charge but can't explain why exactly the charge is there. I think I'm going to do a written complaint because it's not clear why they're charging and I certainly was given no notice before they issued the bill.

I start my course next week and have an issue now I have the new job (surprise surprise!). My current employer were going to pay for the course and I was due to pay them back over the course of 12 months, this obviously can't go ahead now so I have to arrange to pay it myself and get this arrangement with work cancelled ASAP before the course invoice goes out. I'm going to have to play with my budget and ensure I save next month instead of paying extra off my debt to help cover the cost of that. I'm not worried (for once) as I know that once I start on my higher salary I can clear my debts quicker anyway. I could potentially throw £500 a month extra at my debts so there's a chance I can amend my debt free date, but I'll work that out nearer the time.

barnsleylass83

Congratulations on the new job, so pleased for you xxx

Orange_Ena

Yay well done on the new job lcc, brilliant news :T:)

lcc86

Thank you both, I'm still convinced I dreamt the whole thing but spoke to my soon to be manager and I definitely didn't! Lol. I told work today, they were understandably surprised (as was I) but they're happy for me.

I've also cancelled the salary sacrifice loan easily this morning and will be getting invoiced directly. I have been told by the course provider that I can pay in instalments so I'll find out on Thursday when I start what the best option will be. Gives me some food for thought, if it's low interest it would make sense to plough more money at the loan but we'll see.

I worked out that I could be debt free by the end of next year, which is beyond my wildest dreams. I might go so far as to amend my debt free date officially but not just yet!

I had an eye test this morning, £25 but work will cover the cost via my expenses. Only problem is I need a slight change to my prescription and have to fork out for new lenses. About £70 apparently but it's a definite need not a want so I'll sort it out at the weekend.

lcc86

So I've been naughty and amended my debt free date to February 2017 :eek: Once I know what my earnings will be I might be able to amend it further (I've estimated by the end of 2016 if I knuckle down) but I'll leave it as is to account for any emergencies etc.

Long day at work yesterday, started at 9, didn't get home until 8.30, so am taking some TOIL this afternoon before heading off to my little job shortly. I will need to tell them about my new job too. I was thinking that I'd like to keep the job as I do enjoy it but commuting time just wouldn't make it feasible. Plus I don't "need" it now finances wise (provided my references all come through okay!). If I'm being realistic, the extra commute won't be fun so there's no point adding extra stress rushing around for another job when I don't need to.

No real updates moneywise. Still making token payments to my credit card while I wait for my loan letter to come through to confirm how much I've saved in interest. Not much left to go out this month but equally not much to come in! Just plodding along until payday (two weeks away lol).

lcc86

Had a very MSE day yesterday thanks to Martins weekly email :money: I was able to buy a new pair of glasses for £12 all in instead of the £70 approx I would've paid in the opticians. So pleased with that! :j just have to wait for them to be delivered.

Am on my course today, am enjoying it so far, really looking forward to getting stuck in and it turns out I know some of the others on the course too. Not enjoying the travel costs - £22 to get into London! :eek: But all worth it. I really feel like my career is about to kick off properly and that things are falling into place.

Moneywise it's pretty quiet. I've written a complaint letter to BT, just need to post it. Was naughty and bought takeaway for dinner but sometimes we all need treats and I just couldn't be bothered to cook!

I've got some books I want to buy as part of my course but I'm going to look for second hand cheapees instead of brand new ones.

crazy_cat_lady

Brilliant savings on the glasses! I must get a good look through the coupons in this week's email.

lcc86

Definitely, there's loads of bargains this week!

lcc86

Another £22 spent on the train yesterday and over the last two days I've spent £10 on lunch. I never normally buy lunch but the university had a canteen and I budgeted for it so it's not an issue.

The course I've started seems soooooo good, I've really picked well and can't wait to get started. I've planned my first study day for next Saturday but want to get started already :rotfl:

I've had a few more details about my new job and it sounds better than I'd hoped. I'll essentially be getting some managerial experience of volunteers which is fantastic, more than I ever could've hoped for. It sounds absolutely amazing, the whole thing, I really cannot wait. It's daunting without a doubt but also incredibly exciting :j

OH and I went to the cinema last night. I have 6 vouchers that I got from my bank, so used two of them last night. Completely free evening :T

Today I have work from 2pm and don't finish until 3pm tomorrow. Really hoping for a decent night's sleep with minimal interruptions from the kids. I'm going to hand my notice in for this job today, and hopefully hand my notice in for my main job next week.

I've been so busy I've done no exercise for ages and am really slacking on that front. Must try and get back into a routine. When I stop working so much that should hopefully sort itself out.

Just to add before I finally drag myself out of bed, I was thinking about the future (as you do) and thought that this new job could finally be the stepping stone to a larger property once I'm debt free. However I looked at 2 bedroom flats in my area, and they're between £220k and £260k :eek: the worst part is that most of them are shared ownership!! It's such a rip off, and a completely unsustainable long term in my opinion, but I won't get into all the ethics of it etc. It just got me thinking that if trends continue I may have to look at alternatives if I ever hope to have a family home one day. It's something I may start researching in preparation for being debt free because by hook or by crook that day will come sooner rather than later!!!

lcc86

Work on Saturday/Sunday was pretty good and no issues with kids keeping us up all night, for which I am eternally grateful!

Had dinner with my sister last night, my job was to bring pudding so no NSD but nothing major. I also bought 2 dinner plates online as I smashed one by accident.

I handed in my notice at my job at the weekend and am going to do the main job this afternoon. I'm quite nervous about it all, having just settled in I'm now off to do the whole being the new person thing all over again!.

I finalise my November budget to include the extra travel for the new job. Unsure whether to get the train or drive. Train is more expensive but quicker and I generally find train commuting quite relaxing. Driving is cheaper but will undoubtedly take longer and I get surprisingly angry when I'm stuck in traffic! :rotfl:

I also got a leaflet through my door today from the NHS about free online counselling. I've signed up as I find it hard to talk face to face and still feel anxious and depressed at times so it's worth a shot.

Nothing much else to report money wise, I'm still going with the PAD front and should have a little chunk to throw at the debt before payday if I'm sensible. No news from BT or the car fine appeal yet - that's been dragging on for ages!!