NST - January. Bobs post bauble debt busting challenge

Bobarella

Hello All

Welcome to the new Monthly NST (Ninja Saving Turtles) Challenge! NST's are a group of Money Saving challengers from across the UK who are always up for new money saving challenges, fighting our way to debt freedom, sharing tips and new money saving discoveries, general chat, support and good banter! This challenge is open to everyone- so please join us wherever you are! A HUGE Happy New Year 2016 and a welcome back to previous challengers!

"January (in Latin, lanuarius) is named afterJanus, the god of beginnings and transitions; the name has its beginnings in Roman mythology, coming from the Latin word for door (ianua) since January is the door to the year" - nicked from wicki.

Doors are something we can open with our money/financial situations. Or close. Limiting our life choices.

2016 is a new year with new challenges, new doors to open and maybe old ones to close & lock forever behind you.

This challenge will run between 12am on Jan 1st and end at 12am on Jan 31st rules of this challenge then are:

1. We are aiming for maximum no spend days this month. There are 31 days in Jan. Aim for at least 21 if not more.

2. Pay to your debt as soon as priority spends are complete. These should be rent/mortgage, food, heating etc.
This month we are having a stretch target concept which some of you will recognise but for the new contenders means paying your min payment then calculating what you would like to shift from your total debt ideally. If you don't hit the stretch target it doesn't matter but you will probably have raised your game either way.

3. State your intentions. Tell us what your aim is. Why are you seeking this path and what doors do you hope to unlock along the way?

4. Check in every day. The reason we do this is to keep ourselves accountable. If you've set your intentions in a group of like minded people you are less likely to stray from the path.

5. You will donate £5 to a good cause of your choice.

6. Plan your diary. It's good to be sociable but nights out are costly and a walk with a friend is free. Don't worry about offending people by suggesting an alternative social occasion. Report in at how many events you have to attend in Jan and other people can suggest ways to minimise costs.

7. Plan your grocery spends carefully. After the excesses of Christmas you will probably have spent more than usual on food. Can you use this as an opportunity to save on groceries in January? Think carefully about what you do need.Have you got loyalty points for shops that can be cashed in to save on food?

8. Get something for free! - they say the best things in life are free, I challenge you to find as many free things as you can in January and report back. For example can you get a free haircut by going to a student training evening? Can you go shopping at 9pm and get food for nothing? Can you set up a clothes swap with friends and all get a new item of clothing for nothing?

9. Earn extra - find a way of making something on the side. I like the term 'side hustles' mine are ebay, spending apps, cashback sites, reward credit card, wombling store points, anything you can do to bring additional income into your house do it!

10. Check your credit report- if you have a bad credit report it can ruin your chances of getting a mortgage, 0% credit deals, renting a property. For between £0 & £3 you can obtain a copy of yours and check that there is nothing unexpected on it.

Let 2016 be the year you set yourself free!!

Bob

Justforme

O a massive me please xx And thank you x

short_bird

I'm in because February is busy with reunions and anniversaries and is only half paid for.

stewby

Me please, number 8 if possible. Debt will be paid off but spending has gone a bit nuts this month (having to use my pay on 24th to finish off the credit card).


Need to get back on track in 2016 as I have big plans for my money.

Calling14

Bobs on the ball. Wow thread already up. Count me in;-)

chocolatelover93

Sign me up please
I'm not amazing at these but they have helped me cut down on spending and everyone is so nice and welcoming

Bobarella

January contenders

1. Justforme
2. Short_bird
3. Calling
4. Chocolatelover
5. Bobarella
6.Fmess
7. WelshKitty
8. Stewby
9. MissTara
10. The Only Girl
11. So Very Confused
12. Bipex
13. Apple
14. Jeanangeo
15. Traveller
16. Dolly
17. Helga
18. Xspender
19.clippygirl
20. Luckystarr
21. Catwoman
22. Tall Order
23. Dawn W
24. Missing Ursula 2
25. Must Try harder
26. x0emz0x
27. Dotty daisy
28. Helen Rachel
29. FunBrum
30. Dizzyblnd
31. Marsbargirl
32. Crazy Cat Lady
33. Mrs Toast
34. Eager Elephant
35. CEW
36. PurpleJay
37. Jellie
38. X Raphael
39. Synonomous
40. Sally Cat
41. GSRCAT
42. Lindor
43.Rylee
44. Mothernerd
45. Money Minx
46. Pink Whisk

Fmess

Count me in please, I need to get back to the strict ways of NSK and get this debt gone in 2016.

WelshKitty85

Count me in please

misstara

Me too please Bob

The_Only_Girl

Count me in too, please Bob. I am hoping to be back with renewed passion in January after being on a very slippery slope in November and December. May 2016 be more prosperous for all of us.