Joined 31.05.16

GoingToDoIt

I was similar when I had my LBM in Oct 15. It was not until around may/June 16 that I could save money for the future. At one point I had 5 cc's. I had to, it was the only way to survive.
It has only been since Oct 16 that I really started saving for up coming expenses. And I had half of your debt PSL. I think we earn similar. Although I don't get out much

enthusiasticsaver

All you can do is your best PSL and we don't have all the information so you know better than anyone how you are doing. Can I ask exactly how much you have left monthly after taking off debt repayments and bills?

If you are less into your overdraft then yes this is an improvement. When balance transferring go for longest possible deal as constant balance transfer fees will increase your debt too if you are only making minimum payments.

DaringToDream_2

Hey PSL,

I totally agree with you about the London commuting- I'm the reverse of you in that I quit my
Job in London and moved to a more local one (only 2 hours commuting a day rather than 3.5 :rotfl: ) but I'm toying with the idea of working in London again as it's the only way to
Progress in my career. I'm applying for new jobs at the moment and it would have to be a significant pay rise to cover the cost of the travel, which is really frustrating coz I'm having to let great opportunities pass me by coz I couldn't afford the commute. But at least then I'd have the travel card so I could go in for 'free' at the weekends, at the moment I never go in and see my friends because of the cost so end up stranded in my tiny town!

You're doing great though, if you're using less of your overdraft than this time last month then that is fantastic. And once your loan is gone you'll be able to have a little bit to stash for emergencies, plus a little more for your day to day living, and also be able to pay off more of those cc's!!

enthusiasticsaver

Re the shredding of correspondence and statements to do with your credit cards - why not go paperless and check statements online? . Are your payments set up on direct debit?

We don't get statements for anything now. Less chance of being targeted for identity fraud.

Poor_Single_lady

I have £400 after all my bills and debt payments, but before eating, socialising, clothes and toiletries. It sounds like a lot but it isn't. It doesn't actually go very far but from November will have iro £550 which will be a lot more comfortable.
But I am cutting down on drinking at least temporarily so that should make a big difference.
What tiny town are you in Daretodream (or do you not want to say) - I don't rate my town but the surrounding ones are a lot worse. I love London for it's anonymity. I hate going for a drink at home and worrying you you might bump into ex boyfriends or people from school.
London is somehow so much better.
But having said that I am trying to cut down on the drinks!

Poor_Single_lady

Everything is on direct debit bar the card I pay in full where I do this online but it's not automatic.

I have logins but I can't remember them. Will look into this. My sister would have no worries about going into my private drawers given the opportunity so need to get rid of as much as possible so she can't find anything.

DaringToDream_2

Hi PSL

I live north of the M25 in a little town. It's ok, and I've only just moved here, but am missing having friends and family about especially when OH is away. Ironically before I moved I was fed up of living in London so I guess that's proof that the grass isn't always greener, but at least here we were able to buy and not spend all our money on rent, and I love our new home. For some reason I get the feeling we maybe live near each other, bit I'm probably completely wrong, and I think most little towns in the commuter belt are fairly similar!

I think I need to join you in cutting down on the booze, although people have given us quite a few bottles for housewarming/birthdays so the cupboard is pretty well stocked- just need to try not to drink it!!

Poor_Single_lady

Ah that's interesting. Commuter belt can feel a bit boring compared to London.

I am very bored at the moment. Going to bed early a lot, working a lot and trying to get on track.
Work is a bit challenging and we have some potentially spendy nights coming.
Minimal plans for the weekend at least.

Need some quiet weekends with films and walks.
Kitchen and bathroom are very well stocked. Need to make jobs list for weekend.
Top of the list stay sober.

coastalchick

hey PSL, just caught up on your diary. Great that you are going AF for May and agree with Verbatim, try and look at it as having a month of investing in your well being rather than not being able to go out cos of money. I'd really love to have a month like that so maybe I'll copy you!

400 a month to cover food etc is not that much so totally sympathise with your position. Could you maybe take on some bar work at weekends for extra cash or, like me, would you be too shattered? Just thinking that would earn you money, plus keep you from spending at "peak times" as you'd be working (plus you might meet a hot bloke!!) x

Poor_Single_lady

I think I would burn out if I worked the weekends Coastal. I'm studying a lot too and there isn't enough room for that as things are. I see myself more as a tea lady than a barmaid tho-
I don't think I would cope with all the drunk people talking to me!

I'm really looking forward to payday and bringing the loan down. Part of me thinks I should have knocked it on the head with my bonus but this would have meant that I would still have a high balance on the high interest card so would have been silly really but I do wish the loan wasn't here taking £153 a month.

A week on Monday it goes to £766. Then end of June just over £600.
I'm quite impatient about this really. Wishing my life away.

My credit card I pay off each month has sent me balance transfer offer (which does make me think at the very least my credit history can't be terrible) but it's marginally more expensive than the card I was recently accepted for and less months 0% so won't be taking it up but good that they offered- and maybe they will again when it does benifit me.

Loan end date October £153 a month
Sainsbury's, Mbna total £200 a month
2 more total £40 a month- long deals
1 more for travel and some Foodshops paid off each month
1 more yet to arrive for BT.

I am working hard to bring down the Overdraft and escape it and to this aim having a few quiet weekends and Trying for quiet weeks.
No alcohol. And lots of study.
A month of self improvement. But also a lovely lie-in today. I'm like a lazy teenager but at least hangover free which I think I could get used to.