£16,000 debt, turning regret into positive action.

LadyP01

Good day today, lovely weather. Had some great finds in the secondhand world.
I got some clay I needed to repair my pot for £1.50. Iv been holding off this items for months as it was £5.

I found a book I desperately want for £4, I'm just waiting for the seller to except... patience.

I purchased a dip ink fountain pen to try and reduce the amount of plastic pens I use.

Iv done some more stamp shopping to decorate wrapping paper and I'm closer to what I want and I have completed the gift list for people so I will be getting through that over the next two months. Looking for bargains where I can.

Cherryfudge

Thanks you for the mention of cloth wrapping - I was all set to make that a project this year but things got in the way. I love wrapped presents so my idea was to make drawstring bags for stocking filler presents. Each family member gets a distinctive patterned fabric so we know whose is which, and they can go in the loft after Christmas, ready for next year.

Re prints on brown paper, have you considered potato printing?

LadyP01

Potato printing!!!!!!!! How did I not think of that! This has just got a whole lot cheaper. Now I just need to locate the brown paper for wrapping and I can really make the wrapping unique.

LadyP01

I have been really busy lately and all my craft projects have been on hold. However I have been getting some other projects rolling which makes me happy.

Avoided shopping the other day but Iv seen some shoes I like. One pair can change all my outfits so I think I will get them for a new look this winter.

Very tired but not been on for a week so wanted to post an update.

LadyP01

Long weekend.
Haven't done my finances since being paid must do them. Not spent any money either though.

Really want a new bag ideally second hand but can't find what I need second hand.
Also spending lots of time online seeing lots of new clothes it's all so tempting to shop.

Cherryfudge

Don't weaken! Have you tried the online Oxfam shop? I think they do accessories, they certainly have some nice clothes.

LadyP01

Happy new year!

Very busy few months and a lot to catch up on.
An update on above is that I didn't buy a new bag but luckily I got a lovely one for Christmas so that will do me for the next 5 years!!!!!!
I didn't buy new clothes I did however get some great ones second hand. Spent £14 on a brand new dress that was second hand. Also got a make up item I was running low on that I spotted for £4 from £25 and another top for £8 which makes me very happy. Great for the purse and environment.

So I'm back on this journey alone. Everything is fine with the my husband he just doesn't want to leave frugally and pay off our debts like me.
We have agreed to pay equal amounts into debt etc but we have more spending money. He can do what he wants with his and I can continue with my nest egg. My aim for this is not to pay off our joint debt which we are overpaying on each month but to save myself up a big enough pot to pay the last of my car off and cover my maternity when I eventually go on it.

Maybe one day we will rejoin again but for now it's better to not have the arguments about money. I personally feel much better now I don't have to constantly be the one that's saying you know we can't afford that etc! Although it's been one month and the easiest month of them all so let's see how he goes.

I have written 2020 budget and ready to go.
All my pots are totalled up so I will post everything over the coming days.

I don't know about anyone else but this Christmas I really felt a turning point for me personally. I kept my wish list very modest and second hand and stressed the importance in time spent rather than gifts purchased and the outcome was really enjoyable. I felt we hadn't had a big impact on the environment and that we hadn't flocked to the stores spending lots of money and that we had just enjoyed it.

I'm also into a new rhythm and theme with gift giving deciding on the same factors with my gifts. Thoughtful, second hand, experience or a memory. I want to give gifts that mean something and not provide more future waste for this planet.

More on gifts later if your interested.

I hope everyone had a great Christmas and New Years and I look forward to smashing some debt with you all in 2020

LadyP01

Today I went shopping and spent my vouchers that I had. It's been a while since I really went shopping for myself like that and it was nice. I didn't stop by any clothes sales as I don't need anymore clothes.

Spent most of the vouchers on items that will be reusable for the future and hopefully make our lives a little easier.

I did see one item I really wanted that wasn't sales which if I still want it in two months time I might get.

I also picked up a loose tea strainer to help me be a bit more environmentally friendly

LadyP01

Anyone else feeling like they have to much stuff after Christmas? We had such a toned down Christmas and today I'm still feeling a little heavy with the burden of stuff.
This is cosmetics and wash stuff. I still haven't used all my body bars from last Christmas and I have another year load. I think I'm going to melt some of the ones that are a bit harsher on my skin down into hand soap to avoid buying more of that.

Face wash I have loads of it and I think that will last me all year, I was going to do the honey challenge but I don't see the point in buying honey right now when I have so much other face wash I can use. Honey will need to be paused until atleast summer I imagine.

Hairspray is an item I never have enough of and must remember to add that to my Christmas list next year.

Off out today to see if I can find any more Christmas bargains

For Christmas 2020 I have got
A gift for a little girl
A gift for a close friend that she will love and I got it half price.
An amazing tea towel that I just love was reduced to £2 - we use material to wrap presents so this was a steal as I love it so much.

Stuff on my list to do by the end of next week
•upload my finances for you all
•buy a wedding gift I have planned while sales are on.
•complete a little girls birthday gift.
•search for a gift for my in-laws in the sales- it's very specific and I can get it cheap this year.
•go to the bank and divide the accounts we share.
•clean my car and give it a little service, wheels etc.

LadyP01

Feels pretty bleak, as if I'm back to square one however it is all joint so not that bad.

Current debt all 0%
Credit card 1- £8812.26
Credit card 2- £8375.34
Total. - £17,187.60
This is wedding and honeymoon debt that's joint between us but needs paying.

My own car loan this is 0%
£10,758
This is 0% until 2023 so no rush but would like to do a lump payment on it.

My current bills

Rent - 15%
Bills - 10%
Car repairs 6%
Phone bill 1%
Family spending 6%
Car loan and overpayment 16%
Petrol 10%
Mortgage savings 20%
Money for going out/buying things etc 16%

Total income - approx £1850

Currently I have £2437.09 across all my savings and emergency accounts

We have £4150 in savings for our house deposit