Blackberry's debts diets death and decisions

blackberrycurved_2

Debts yes lots, diets well not as such but I need to lose some weight, and death because my partner of 12 years has recently died. I've been around here before but now I need a shiny new diary I need structure because everything has fallen apart and I need to claw it back. Decisions can't be put off any longer, for me this isn't just about being debt free it's about much more, it's about confidence and direction.
1st Take a long hard look at my job, income, lifestyle, aspirations.
2nd Make a plan

I'm off to work through step 1.

Blackberry

blackberrycurved_2

Step 1
Worked out my debts £7324 plus mortgage which I'll be ignoring for now.
Income last year £7119 from paid employment + £8000 from self employed. I work in the arts so it's never going to be great.
Can I live on the income that's a tough one...My gorgeous man used to contribute about £7000 to the household and I've lost that. I could get a better job but i love my job and my head isn't in a great place to take on a bigger better paid job. Lifestyle I don't spend a lot but we used to go out a bit, don't want to go out now but that's no way to be.
Decision made Income / if I could clear the debt I can live on 15k.
Decision made Rent out spare room to try to clear debt.
Decision made Lifestyle / give up coffee shops / take packed lunches - spend £30 on a council gym membership - swim 2 days - yoga /gym 2 days.
Aspirations having enough petrol in car and food in the fridge, losing 8lbs in Jan. Are my aspirations too low, dunno? Just want my man back it doesn't matter how skint you are if you can sit in together.

tootallulah

I think your aspirations are realistic, you are in the most difficult of times, I am sorry for your loss. I will follow your journey, good luck.

abba1772

I'm so sorry for your loss xxxxxx


Your goals seem quite reasonable you don't whet to set yourself too many goals you might get a bit overwhelmed xx

blackberrycurved_2

Packed lunches are going well but decided to buy the odd coffee from a coffee shop. As I have no social life and no money for any spending £2.50 on myself and mixing with other human beings is stopping me going insane. Sorting out my spare rooms tonight and researching hosting language students that's new.

blackberrycurved_2

I have discovered Aqua fit lost 5lbs in weight

blackberrycurved_2

Okay the washing machine has broken eek and went out for a curry because I felt the need. Doing my accounts tomorrow forgot about paying someone to do it. I tried myself but failed. Gym / Aqua fit / packed lunches, living on not much all going okay. I'm working extra and sorting out the 2 spare rooms this weekend for lodgers.

blackberrycurved_2

I've still not rented out my spare rooms. Both rooms are decorated lovely but need sorting. I need a set of draws so going to look on e bay and 2 hanging rails I think IKEA may be the cheapest. I also need to get rid of a zillion books from the bedrooms. I'll do a table sale even if I get £3 each there's at least £60 there. Started my own challenge today £1 in a pot. I have missed 37 days so I'm going to put that in at the end. That should give me £365 by NY EVE 2016. If I can do more I will.

dinoboo

Blackberry- there is nothing wrong with treating yourself to a coffee a couple of times a week. Yes, money saving and debt management is the aim of the game on these boards, but enjoying little things is also important for your mental health, especially when youve gone through what youve experienced. I dont drink, therefore I justify buying coffee. instead of every day, i limit it to 2-3 per week. To help with calories, i have americano with skimmed milk rather than a latte.
Well done on joining the gym and aqua fut. Zumba is great also x

System

Hey lovely, I have subscribed!!

I am so sorry for your loss xxx As dinoboo said, there is nothing wrong with having small treats, in fact it's important that you do!! By cutting everything out, you'll lose motivation and become really low, so I say go for it

Good luck with the weight loss!!! x

blackberrycurved_2

Not posted for a while I've had the flu but managed to pay off £910 in just over 3 months. Not been to the gym for 2 weeks because of the flu but feeling a bit better going to take it easy for another week then get back into it. Weight loss is going okay lost 8lbs. Now I feel strong enough to job hunt, a bit.