This probably sounds ridiculous...

flower24

I am aware how silly this sounds, however I'm really struggling to stop spending money on silly things like going to Costa/McDonald's etc.

We are in a substantial amount of debt, and only pay the minimum payments each month. I know our situation is crap, and that if we stopped spending on stuff like this then we would be able to make more of a dent in our debts, but I just don't seem to have any willpower.

I need a stern telling off please

GTR_King

Best idea is to take out certain amount each week e.g £30/£50 for stuff e.g food entertainment essentials etc then use the rest for debts and leave your cards at home.

or open basic account and transfer certain amount to spend each week.

best idea so that you cut the spending.

How much in debt are you?

flower24

Around £10k.

Basic account sounds like a good idea

AnotherJoe

Get rid of credit cards, or at least only take with you if used for a specific purpose, use cash. If you haven't got money on you and no card, you cant spend it !

Its like dieting, if you can't stop eating biscuits, stop buying them. Its a lot easier not to eat a biscuit if there isn't one in the house, its a lot easier not to buy a coffee if there's nothing in your purse.

Maybe1day

I used to be like this and it wasn't the funds that made me stop, it was how crappie I felt after buying quick food all the time, mainly because I live in a constant rush and it was easy. But I noticed I had so much less energy, I started buying quick things to make from home, this reduced my spending and made me feel better. If your struggling to 'put yourself off' then go look at the contents of the things your buying, watch the videos on YouTube.

Then buy yourself a flask and make your own drinks and snack on healthy and cheaper options. You have to put yourself off because the convenience is just too easy to give in to ! But it's even more convenient to grab a banana from home and have your own coffee, tastes better anyway!

flower24

I have a weight problem too and it goes hand in hand. My willpower for both eating crap food and spending is just terrible

Bobarella

immynjoesmum wrote: »

I am aware how silly this sounds, however I'm really struggling to stop spending money on silly things like going to Costa/McDonald's etc.

We are in a substantial amount of debt, and only pay the minimum payments each month. I know our situation is crap, and that if we stopped spending on stuff like this then we would be able to make more of a dent in our debts, but I just don't seem to have any willpower.

I need a stern telling off please

Hiya
So the first thing I'd say is do you go to those places for you as a treat or to cheer up or provide relatively cheap treats for your children?
It is hard when you are in debt and you can't afford a new car or holiday but that £10 in your purse could buy 2 kids a happy meal and 1 hour out of the house. So I sympathise if that is your issue.

However that said I'd work out the cost of what you spend in Costalots or Maccers and then multiply it by 4 weeks to get a monthly figure and then X 12 for the year. And then I'd ask myself whether spending £2.40 on a flat white etc etc is worth £££ per year. And I'd keep that in my mind!

It is hard to quit the thrill of instant gratification because that's what it is. But the debt free journey and that feeling go hand in hand. Once you become better at enjoying the satisfaction of not spending you may find you don't want to do take aways at all anymore or as a rare treat.

All the best

Bob

Maybe1day

Yes you are right that's also something I used to do, spend to get out the house because being in the house made me nervous of debt collectors coming. Vicious cycle.

You can do it though immy and you will feel better for it I promise. I'm not thin and I never will be because I love food but at least I feel physically better, no bloated stomach from constant take outs. Just a chubby belly from good food, I can live with that lol.

I hope you can reduce this as you will feel so much better

flower24

Bob, a bit of both I'd say. It's been particularly bad these past couple of weeks as the kids are off school, I don't want to be stuck in the house, but the weather hasn't been great. If the weather was nice I'd take them to the park, perhaps with a takeout coffee, however today I took them to Costa & spent a tenner rather than just under £3 for a coffee to keep me warm while they run around like loonies.

Bobarella

It's a nightmare how expensive it is to do coffee out with the kids isn't it. Our nearest one is also in the retail park of Mr S. We have been known to sneak our own donuts in (very naughty) or crisps. I wouldn't give that advice to anyone else though....;)

This holiday period is tough too. It's a long holiday and yes the weather has been chilly and rainy and there are only so many free local indoor activities...I would try not to beat yourself up about it right now. Get back on track once they are back at school.

Maysie

I don't suppose you have a Waitrose nearby? They are still doing free coffee for loyalty card members. How about giving yourself a pot to put odd change in, money from sellings things on facebook and wombling.

Just remembered there is a book everyone went crazy about on here awhile back http://www.amazon.co.uk/Takeaway-Secret-cook-favourite-fast-food/dp/0716022354/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1460051672&sr=8-2&keywords=takeaway+food its how to make your favourite things at home. Only buy if you will use it though as mine is sat gathering dust. I will use it one day ha.