Divorcing the debt and the fella.

NotNormal

Bobarella wrote: »

Wow what an incredible update. You are doing so well!!

Thank you! I'm really proud of myself. We missed our walk last night but I don't feel too bad about it as we will still go today and it was unavoidable.

I got paid today and was more than just a little annoyed to discover £40 in bank charges going out. Which was only needed because last month bank charges did the same meaning several direct debits were unable to go out at the time. I keep the bill money in the account and everything else in the savings account so although I had the money it wasn't in the account at the time. I will be looking at reclaiming bank charges because at this point it's a constant loop and when you already struggled with stuff like this any additional strain is not ideal!

There a few other stresses at home but now to top it off I'm still waiting for my PIP decision after they made me go in for another assessment. Although I suppose it's not too bad, some people are having it after a year... I've got just under two years between assessments, I've had my text to say they have all the information so now I just need to wait for them to reach a decision. Really hoping they don't decrease my money or anything.

Off to pay some bills as usual, see how much money I have left at the end of that!
On the bright side, I have yet to touch the money in my purse so I'm incredibly pleased with that. Must look at if any deals are on/coming up in regards to the last few winter wear bits.

NotNormal

I am having a reorganising day today! Housework, getting the bins out ready for tomorrow and some computer things. I may even get lucky and manage to get a bit or decorating done.

Animals have been fed, though I do need to head to the shop for some bits later today.

I spent some of my purse money last night but I haven't done too bad. I shall only be taking that money with me to the supermarket, I will be leaving bank cards at home!

I'm also considering cancelling all direct debits and just paying bills manually. I know a couple charge a premium for this but it would stop bank charges and mean I was in control of my spending. I'll have a think about it at any rate.

Must do my swagbucks and sell some bits on eBay!

We did go on our walk as planned last night, I didn't get all my steps in but it meant I did something rather than nothing. Hopefully tonight I will knock it out the park. Must get up and start on the housework in a little while. I have just taken my pain meds so must wait for them to kick in, I will have a cigarette in the meantime and roll a few for the empty box so I have some ready rolled when I go out.

Bobarella

Nn I'd say do whatever you need to be comfortable with your bills. If doing it manually helps for a while so be it. I hope you get a decision on your PIP too.

NotNormal

Bobarella wrote: »

Nn I'd say do whatever you need to be comfortable with your bills. If doing it manually helps for a while so be it. I hope you get a decision on your PIP too.

I've cancelled direct debits and gone online and paid my bills manually (where possible) today. I still need to pay £10 for my phone, but I can't pay that until it's due which isn't until next week so I've set the money aside and will do it then.

I'm still waiting for my decision on PIP, due to get paid again in just under two weeks so I will see if there are any changes to my money then. I've had a letter as well as the text to state that they have all the information they require so it's just a waiting game now.

It's amazing what a difference changing your way of thinking makes to your life. I got my ESA today and instead of going crazy spending or anything the first thing I did, before I even allowed myself to leave the house, was go online and pay bills and make debt payments.

And on that note, happy news another debt is completely paid off! And if I can make an additionally £21 payment to my largest debt this month it will take that under £1,000! Fingers crossed.

I drew £20 out and have come home with £5, treated myself and two others to breakast (they treated me the other day) and grabbed a couple of things I needed from the shop (toilet roll for example) and resisted the urge to buy a bunch of stuff I don't need. The only extra I purchased was my favourite energy drink as a treat.

Walks are on the back burner while my walking buddy is away, she's back at the weekend so we will pick it up on Monday I expect. In the meantime I've spent a little time being lazy but mostly I've still been up at 7am and I've been doing some cleaning and decluttering. I've moved the living room round and it's more open and homely. I'm very pleased with that.

I've painted some furniture and I think I've got a colour in mind for the living room, but I will buy that on my next pay day. So that gives me a week and a bit to have the rooms fully cleaned and organised ready! I'm being a little lazy at the moment as I've just taken my pain meds so my energy has sort of drifted away. But as I was awake and up by half 7 and have been relatively productive and not sat on my backside watching tv too much I'm not going to feel too guilty.

NotNormal

The troublesome twosome (the cats) decided I should start my day early today, they wanted their breakfast at 6.30. They've just had their lunch a few minutes early (normally at 1). So they'll just have to "starve" now until dinner. What is it with pets and trying to do the starvation act? Even if there is still food in their bowl!

Been out running errands since before 9. Now tucked up watching some tv and doing some work on the laptop.

It's quite nice to look at my bank and know what money I actually have. I was overdrawn by £6.55 today, but that's my own fault. I forgot to transfer the money over for my phone so I've done that now. It hadn't returned the direct debit thankfully so that should go through fine now.

I've managed to not spend any additional money, bills only today.

I've been to the doctor this morning. Another chest infection, so more antibiotics. That brings my current total to six different medications a day!

Bobarella

I know, what is up with cats and the whole dying duck routine? Mine can have a half bowl but will mew and go on until someone tops it up. Minxes all of them

NotNormal

Bobarella wrote: »

I know, what is up with cats and the whole dying duck routine? Mine can have a half bowl but will mew and go on until someone tops it up. Minxes all of them

Absolutely ridiculous isn't it? They've just done it to me again and I'm really not in the mood.

Good times always lead to bad. I finally had my decision letter from PIP I'm no longer entitled so I will be receiving no PIP and reduced ESA from now on. I've read through the letter and half of it is absolute twists or lies! Apparently I walked for 25 minutes to get there, what was said was it took 25 minutes for us to complete the 5 minute walk due to me limping and needing to take breaks. Or that I had no memory issues and engaged well, when I literally sat and scratched myself to pieces and shook and every other thing out my mouth was "I'm sorry, I don't remember".

So now I need to go through my budget and try to work out how the heck I'm going to survive while I appeal!

Bobarella

God that is not good. How stressful.

NotNormal

Bobarella wrote: »

God that is not good. How stressful.

I've broken down and cried, screamed even. I had an anxiety attack that triggered an asthma attack. I've fought the urge to cut myself and wanting to die. With help from my friends we have got the appeal letter put together. A couple of typos to fix and one remaining paragraph and then I can print it. I also need to phone the doctors and stuff to get a letter of proof put together, I've never done that before because normally I have letters sent out automatically to me but I want a completely up to date one.

I went through my finances and it will be very freaking tight but I think I can just about manage while I go through the appeal. Debts will still be getting paid but slowly as I'll be unable to make any extra payments.

I've seen my friend and cuddled the kids, even rocked the baby to sleep again. Feeling a bit better though I'm very cold. Going to feed the cats and cuddle up on the sofa under a thick blanket to warm up.

Bobarella

I'm so glad you went to your friends place. It's never nice to be alone when you feel so bad.