Support groups/resources in changing attitude to money?

fifteenkeats

Hi all,

I'm a long time lurker in the forum, but have set myself a resolution for 2017 to really get a grip on my poor relationship with, and attitude to, money.

I'm very pleased that the money and mental health links are being made and research being done, and I follow the new Money & Mental Health thinktank.

I have experienced acute mental health problems on and off since 15 years old, and have been in debt on and off since 18. I'm currently in a DMP with Stepchange (my second in about 15 years) and am not too far off being debt free, with about £3.5k left to pay over the next year or so.

My credit rating is terrible, so much so I can't even get dodgy payday loans now (which I know is a good thing!). At 35 I really want to start thinking about my future instead of fire-fighting and practising damage control. I want to start saving and thinking about the possibility of owning my own home one day.

So what I really want to do this year is tackle the root of my poor attitude to money and my unhealthy relationship with spending, but I know I can't do it alone.

Can anyone recommend any books or resources that have been helpful to you? Or any support groups, online or offline? (I'm in Greater Manchester.)

Two books I'm looking at buying are:

• Mind over Money: The Psychology of Money and How to Use It Better
• The Minimalist Budget: A Practical Guide on How to Save Money, Spend Less and Live More with a Minimalist Lifestyle

I desperately want to get this under control and know that I need to have a proper look at how I deal with money and spending, how that relates to my mental health, being honest with loved ones about it all, etc. Preferably looking to tackle the shame/stigma that goes along with it all.

Thanks everyone for any ideas.

J.

enjoyyourshoes

Cant recommend any book but can recommend a system:-

consider every purchase b4 you buy, is a need or want- ditch wants

if need wait 24 hours to convince self its actual not imaginary

get grip on finances, do daily bank reconciliation and accrue for ALL none monthly bills on the reconciliation

start savings bug, open S&S ISA

January2015

fifteenkeats wrote: »

Can anyone recommend any books or resources that have been helpful to you? Or any support groups, online or offline? (I'm in Greater Manchester.)

Thanks everyone for any ideas.

J.

You've already found the best online support group - here :j:j:j

Seriously, the DFW forum and it's various threads. diaries, and challenges have been the best support I could ever have found to support me to get our debt under control and to find a path (and stick to it) to clear that debt. Importantly it's also helping me keep on track and by doing so helping me learn to live within our budget.

Bertrum

go and read the blogs on http://www.mrmoneymustache.com/

It is something I found about 2.5 years ago and since then it has helped me view money and happiness in an entirely different way.

To the point where I went from £25k in debt to £10k in credit in 2.5 years and am just about to buy my first house (i'm 35) with an ambitious and thanks to the above entirely realistic plan of paying the mortgage of in under 10 years.

I didn't earn anymore money I simply changed my habits, turns out you hit a critical mass point and money makes money...who knew.

fifteenkeats

Thanks everyone for these suggestions, I appreciate it