Joined 31.05.16

Poor_Single_lady

I think I feel exactly the same as you with the parents. Its my thing and I will sort it. I probably should do ynab but to be completely honest after I pay all my bills and feed myself there is hardly anything left. This is going to improve after christmas a bit and improve massively in october 2017. I might use it then because everyone is raving about it.
I kind of think if you have a mortgage amd you're no longer renting then you probly honestly don't need credit. Once I've paid off mine- in about 7 years I might not look for any more either. Hope your dmp makes things easier. There is an end date and light at the end of the tunnel. I think We're both caught in the storm right now but it will pass. Xxx

tootallulah

Hello, didn't want to read and run. I have been where you are but did get out of it and never slipped back. I did it by targeting one debt and paying off my one loan - so for you that is your overdraft and the loan at present and once those have gone you will have an extra £150 per month to hammer down the next debt. And I know it seems boring but I did do a full budget eventually (after about six months!) and that really was the turning point I was in control of every penny. And I ebayed like a mad person - HATED it but used that money half for debt and half to have a social life. I never told my parents, they would have been so disappointed.......

Poor_Single_lady

Hello Tootallulah. Thank you for the encouragement. I do feel like a major failure every day. There are a few expensive things in july coming up. Then things wont get any better till at least november. I do wonder how long it will take to go. This month im determined to stay out of the overdraft but have put a few things on the credit card. This month I paid £33 on overdraft interest so if I don't use it this month that's £33 saving.

This morning I got up, had breakfast and watched dvds. This is an improvement (believe it ir not) usually I get up on a saturday and spend, spend, spend, breakfast and coffees out then clothes shopping, then greggs and pub! But only socialising today. And tidying and studying, not really got very much studying done all week so need to give that some attention today.
Hoping there will be less alcohol this week. I think last week was the most drinking I have done all year so need to keep an eye on that. I probably sound like a bit of a sad loser drinking whisky on my own but if im overloaded on stress it helps to centre me and also when its hot for sleeping.
Today, sunday, Monday and wednesday and socialising days then nothing till 15th. From 18th-26th im going to make massive effort to not spend any money socialising. Then 27th is payday. Then should be in a firm position of 4 credit cards plus loan so can concentrate on hsbc credit card. This is the plan! xxx

KxMx

I'm so sorry you feel like that PSL.

Repaying debt doesn't have to be about denying yourself and going without.

Better money management means you can still pay off debt & spend money socialising.

That's why a spending diary is so useful along the budget. You can see exactly how much is going on what. You can see exactly where cuts can be made. You can decide what to do with that spare fiver, debt or something for yourself.

I do mine monthly and the first month was really depressing. To see in black & white how bad it was. But I reminded myself why I was doing it, and 9 months later I love it. I don't always do well, but I am in control. I've found it makes me question much more before spending a penny. Some months I get to a point where I don't want another entry on the diary, so I don't spend, either doing without or making do with what i have already! It's a great incentive to cut down on the frivolous spending.

There is always something we forget to account for, something we forgot after buying, so even if you feel it's not worthwhile now, I really think it is. If you'd asked me before I started a diary, I'd have sworn up and down no way can I make my money go further. I was totally wrong.

This is also a great website for being smarter about shopping and money saving in general.

I noticed you mentioned £5 on two birthday cards recently. That is super expensive. For cards I keep a stock at home purchased at Poundland or Card Factory. £1 in those places will get you 4-10 cards, and they are nice. I also keep an eye on the photo websites, around Mothers Day etc loads offer free cards, and have generic designs that don't need photos.

Another example is toiletries. I buy brand names in bulk when on offer from different stores, so I'm always saving money on them, and the bonus is that usually results in a good stockpile so no running out

Then every pound I save there, I can either spend elsewhere making my money stretch more, or to re -paying extra on my savings account -I'm on a low fixed income and was silly with CCs, so my debt is to myself.

StokieBecks

If you arent in your overdraft and are serious about cutting debt then get it cancelled asap. If it isn't there you can't spend it and it is only then you will start to see how to budget effectively.

I don't want to sound harsh but from some of your posts it seems like you aren't quite on board with your own hope of cutting debt. I understand socialising etc is important to you but you need to set a realistic monthly budget for that and stick to it. Adding to your credit cards isn't really helping the situation either.

To shift this you have to be fully on board with yourself. If your heart isn't fully in it then it only makes it harder in yourself in the long run.

Have you got a long term plan? Being thrifty with a budget and clearing debt at same time as having fun can be done. I think you will get there but only when you are fully comitted - only you can get this budget to work for you as you are the only one who knows where your wages are going fully each month. Agree with others keep a spending diary for a full month.every spend including bills needs to be accounted for. Get receipts for everything so you know exactly where the money has gone

Poor_Single_lady

Before I lose momentum. Home now bought drinks for me num and sister. Spent £12 today so happy with that. Essential family birthday so unmissable.

Agreed £5 is too much on cards and if I got myself sorted I probably have a stash of cards too so probably a bit unnecessary.

Sleep now. At least that's free. Xxxx

louby40

You're doing really well! But I agree with Becks, £5 for 2 cards is too much. I'd rather walk for miles to a Card Factory than pay that.

It's hard having a social life and managing a budget/debt. But you're getting their (as am I). I have 2 teenagers which drain me left right and centre - emotionally and financially!

[Deleted User]

Hey PSL,

Haven't been on in a few days, hope you are well.

I tend to spend about the same on cards whoops, I never really see any that I like in card factory or places like that. Maybe I'm just not looking hard enough :rotfl:

Hope you have had a nice weekend.

Dxxx

Poor_Single_lady

I had a lovely weekend. Wish they could all be like this.
This week spent £107 which is too much. £51 on socializing - i know already.
£37 cards and decorating
£18 tesco
Going to be better this week but do need to go out wednesday and monday.
Very tired today but a surprise nsd. Very pleased with that. xxxxx

GoingToDoIt

I had a card emergency this week. It's unusual but it does happen!
I stock up for the year in the sales, it's never nearly enough and you can't always be prepared for new home/wedding/new job type things. It's easy for me now that I plan and stockpile. But getting that set up costs money in the beginning. spending £40 on sale card, xmas cards, wrap etc was a big hit but now I save for it. PSL in 4 card payments you might have some cash to play with for things like that, ready for next year.