I WILL be Debt Free but need help

Hiraeth

Made a payment on my credit card. So happy. Still working on my list of payments. Didn't realise I had so many. I have set up all as direct debits (from my savings account) as I find this easier.


Most of my bills are about the same each month. I checked on amounts I had paid on each one for the past 4 months then took the highest amount, added another 10 dollars on top and set up a direct debit that coincided with when my pension goes in my account. This works for me as I know that I don't have to worry about missing bills or having spent the money before the bill arrives.


What I have also done is to set up a fortnightly direct debit payment of 200 dollars to go straight off my credit card. Of course this means that I have little left but I know that everything is paid - which is the main thing, and if I have a few dollars left at the end of each fortnight then I put that off my credit card as it will help when interest becomes due.


That at the moment is a killer, but as I regularly pay more off then that amount will also go down. So positive thinking.


October 20 - Owe $12,500,
October 27 - $12,400
November 2, Paid $200 - Balance $12,200

Hiraeth

Thanks for your ongoing comments Aaron, I appreciate them.


When I do it on my own it seems I will never get there, such a long way to go. But it makes a difference to have people urge you on and say - yes, it will take a while but you will get there. So thanks to everyone.

-taff

You will get there from Wales originally?

Seasidegal58

Hi Hiraeth

Have subscribed and look forward to following you on your DFW journey.

You'll find it very satisfying watching the debt going down in your signature! I used to enjoy updating mine at the end of the month!:D

[Deleted User]

Just wanted to wish you well on your debt free journey. At one point we had £20,000 of debt, pensioners too, we have paid it off, it was a long slog, but it's done.

One thing I did was look at what I wanted to buy and asked myself if it was a need or a want. If it was a want I did not buy it. I also empty my purse at the end of the month and put the money in a tin, when the tin is full, I pay it into a savings account, but previously it went towards extra payments on our debts.

Good luck on you journey, I will be reading to see how you get on.

Penniesinmyjar

Hello!
I've subscribed to your diary and look forward to seeing you clear that credit card!
It almost feels like an impossible task at the beginning but I found having mini milestones really helped me not feel overwhelmed (dropping below £20,000, getting to £18,000 by Christmas etc). Once you start chipping away you'll know you can do it and then there will be nothing that can stop you! I recommend planning a budget for each month right down to allocating money for a coffee to meet a friend!

Lots of luck!

Hiraeth

Wow - thank you all so much for your comments and responses.. Just reading them and knowing you are all behind me will keep me on the go.


I like the idea of emptying my purse of change - so that is another little thing for me to try. It won't be a lot because I make a point of not going out to the shops more than I have to - well at least not since 'I have seen the light'


I realised that each time I went out (and it would be about 4 or 5 times a week) I would buy a take away coffee and enjoyed walking round the shops with it, then I might go into the newsagent and buy a magazine I don't really need but that looked a bit interesting. I also might buy a newspaper. All that added up.


So my new regime (from the beginning of October) is that I go out and do my shopping on either a Friday or Saturday (depending on which day my husband needs the car). I make a list and stick to it - unless there is something I have genuinely forgotten to write down (but that has only happened twice). I don't buy the newspapers because I can come home and read them on the internet, and I've weaned myself of buying magazines with the exception of craft ones when I am looking for something in particular to make a gift (for Christmas or Birthday).


The one thing I DO allow myself though is my take away coffee - although I make it a small one. I enjoy this so much and I feel I should not cut out everything as it could be the way to sliding back.


If I need anything during the week I go down to our little local shop. It might cost a few cents more but I save on fuel and also I only buy what can't wait until the weekend.


So, I'm pleased with the things I have put into place during the past few weeks. And I would like to say that I have taken heart and ideas from reading ideas from other people. It is actually reassuring to know that you are not alone and instead of being judgemental people are just the opposite and are supportive.


So onwards and upwards. Thanks to all.

Bobarella

You are doing great Hiraeth. I agree you shouldn't give up your small pleasure.

Huskyrunner

Hiraeth wrote: »

Well I signed up with Swagbucks. Let's see how I go with that. It seems I'm limited a lot in the surveys I complete - probably because of age, which is understandable. However, I think that if I keep it up I should be able to get enough points going to get some gift cards which will help with birthdays. I have 4 of them in early February and although for a while now gifts have just been token things I do like to be able to give my young grandchildren something. So this should help.


Will try and find the audio typist one. I am a not bad typist and wouldn't mind a go at this.


Thanks for continued help. Am working on my expenses so will see how that goes.

online market research surveys are a good way too boost your income try these

globaltestmarket.com
isay.com
onepoll.com
toluna.com
opinionoutpost.com

an hour or two a day doing surveys while watching tv can add up.

Hiraeth

Thanks for the list of sites. Will check them out.