Will be debt free for April 2010

willbedebtfree_3

Hi All

This is my first posting on this forum - I've been sticking my head in the sand and paying minimum payments for the last 6 years or so, and have finally decided that enough is enough.

My debts at the moment are just over £4500 - all on an Egg credit card at 16.9%. I'm in the process of moving some of that to a lower rate credit card - just waiting for confirmation of the credit limit. When it gets here though, I will be doing the balance transfer and then giving the card to my husband to keep away from me. I admitted my debts to him last night - it was something I'd dreaded doing, but he was lovely about it :T


Money isn't tight at the moment, so I'm not overly worried about making payments, but I've decided that I want to be debt free for my 35th birthday in April 2010. That will be the first time that I've been debt free since my 21st birthday when I took out a £500 loan to pay for my 21st birthday party:eek:

So, I'm cutting down on unnecessary spending - which includes buying cookbooks and DVD's on a whim, spending daft amounts of money on makeup and magazines, and buying more food than we can eat (have been reading the OS board for inspiration there!). I've also started listing books on Amazon and Green Metropolis, and have started using Quidco. I've also started one jar for small change, and another for £2 coins - up to £12 in there already :T

I'm hoping that this diary will help keep me motivated - once the debt is gone, I can start saving for my 40th birthday party :rotfl:

millionaire_in_training

Good for you . Go girl !! The OS board is fab. I have cut my shopping down by loads. Kids have a wee moan now and agin because there are not so many snacks around the house but hey they will get used to it. DS ate 2 apples and a banana the other night. He must be trying to achieve his 5 a year . Feels good knowing you have faced up to it and made a start. Good luck xx

willbedebtfree_3

Thank you! :):)

I made an extra payment on my credit card today, for the first time in years - I know it wasn't much (£45) but it felt great to be finally making a small step towards getting rid of the debt!

HairyHandofDartmoor

Welcome to MSE and good luck with paying off your debt. It's nice to have an occasion (your birthday) to aim towards.

willbedebtfree_3

Thanks HairyhandofDartmoor (fab name, btw!)

Still feeling very positive about it all - I told my DH that when my new CC arrives, and I've done the balance transfer, I want him to put the cards out of my reach (preferably up in the loft - I have no chance of getting them there!)

He asked me if I want to pay the cards out of joint money, but I think this is something I have to do for myself - I have been awful with money since I was a teenager, and I feel like I need to finally need to get a grip of things.

I remember my Dad telling me as a teenager to write down everything that I bought to keep a track of my money, and I ignored him. Now, nearly 20 years later, I'm reading the same advice on here and I realise that my Dad was talking sense. If only I'd listened (isn't hindsight a wonderful thing!).

Still, onwards and upwards - I'm aiming to get my CC below £4300 by the end of the month. I think I'll update my signature on 1st of each month, try and keep myself on track!

lynzpower

I think with your drive and motivation- it will be a lot quicker than 2010

Best of luck stick with us!!

Lynz
x

willbedebtfree_3

Thanks Lynz - I've been reading the debt diaries and they're so inspiring! I've been reading bits out to my DH, it's just amazing how people can get through situations which seem so tough :T :T :T


This site is fab - wish I'd found it years ago!

madmoney_2

hi hun!!! welcome to the board!!! Gotta say this is the best thing ive ever done on the internet, not only is it constructive and helpful, it doesnt cost a penny!!!! like u i set myself certain dates aswell - my next one is ive got to be halfway thru my debt by xmas. Yous ound really motivated so like others have sed, i think u will be debt free b4 ur birthday!! Just keep coming on here and you will stay on track, good luck hun, i look forward to reading your posts xxxxx

firesidemaid

if you love your cookery books, buy them occasionally from charity shops for a pound or two - its a much cheaper fix.

as for dvds, you could do a monthly rental for £11 or so. you can do a few of the free trials first through quidco and they will pay you too!

Jacks_xxx

:j Good for you cherub! I think having a date to aim for is a blinding idea, and I think doing it yourself is very very good for you (in terms of learning how not to get into this kind of mess again!)

If you have a look at:

http://www.whatsthecost.com/creditcard.aspx

It can show you how much faster you'll be clear if you can pay even a slightly larger amount per month. I find it very motivating when I'm tempted!

Good luck honeybun!

Love Jacks xxx

willbedebtfree_3

Thanks everyone!!! You've given me a lovely welcome - this is such a supportive board and I've really been inspired by the debt diaries :T