again, again

YetAgain!

After nearly 20 years I have decided it is time to learn to live within my means. Myself and 2nd husband brought our home last year an apart from a small mortgage were debt free (excluding car on HP) in May 2016. Now have approx £15000 in debt via loan, 2 credit cards and overdraft - Aaaaaaarrrrgggghhh!!!
I have followed a pattern of running up debt, consolidating via a loan and eventually mortgage my entire adult life.
We hit the crunch point when I had to stop work due to stress and ill health in September and he got a job on half my salary (he was house husband and full time parent to our 2 year old and my older 3).
I have just gone back t work so now I need to get a grip!
I deal with money (badly) as he suffers with depression and has a processing disorder.
Feel better for splurging, sorry I've rambled on!!:(

another_casualty

Don't be sorry for rambling on . I do it all the time:)
Others on here will probably ask you to fill out the s o a form , somewhere on this forum so that you can get the best advice .

Well done for realising, you're running into problems again .
Maybe a d m p will be the way forward .
Others will be along in this thread, to steer you in the right direction.
Best of luck

YetAgain!

Thankyou for your kind words. I think we should be able to sort it in time now we are both working.....have picked up lots of tips on here :-). Think it has shocked me to realise this is the same time and time again and I need to take responsibility now and change, otherwise I will never realise my dreams!!

enthusiasticsaver

It is never a good idea to consolidate as it just delays the inevitable. Budgeting and stopping using cards is the only way to get out of the debt cycle which is what you are in. Undoubtedly your ill health and consequent drop of income were a factor in this too. Breaking the link between depression or stress and spending will help. Can you both find other ways of relaxing?

Fireflyaway

Cut up the plastic and do a written budget. I separate spending money into envelopes, one for each week and found it helps. I also keep grocery money separate. If you dont have a card you are removing the temptation and its far easier to make better choices when you have the physical money in your hand.
The main thing is you have realised the issue and will have the means to repair the damage. Do you have a goal ? Maybe if you know your are working towards something that might keep you focused?

YetAgain!

Thankyou enthusiasticsaver and Fireflyaway, spending has become a habit and now I'm back to work we do have plenty of 'spare' money. Our youngest is two and we really want to move before she starts full time school so that is the big incentive. We have work to do on our current house and want to save up fees etc so that is the main incentive. I have started a debt free diary where I have added my SOA and also a breakdown of targets for the next year and 2018, but starting small have added next 3 months so I can achieve :-).

Philmylips

Hi Yetagain, I'll be watching your thread too, for tips and motivation! Good luck