Diary time...

theroamingnomad

I think it would be beneficial for me to post a diary of my debt-free journey over the coming months. I have already shared my SOA and plan on another thread: https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5774177

I plan to spend £35 a week on groceries, something I generally tend to spend much less on. I thought if I set it a bit higher then it might encourage to eat a little better. Because of where I live and my lack of car, the nearest supermarket to me is a Waitrose. I managed to get the next 7 days worth of shopping for £28 - that's breakfast, lunch and dinner. It leaves me a surplus of £7 if I need any additional milk or bread. My plan is to withdraw £150 a month, when I get my next salary, and just put the change into the pot so I have a buffer, just in case.

I've spent the weekend working on some studies to improve my earning potential, playing Xbox One (want to complete all the games I've got, then take them in to get cash back to pay towards my debt), and reading. Also caught the American football last night and will be watching it tonight (big fan of the Falcons and was gutted to see them fail on the last drive!).

I'm just waiting to get started on my plan, but can't until I get my January pay...

WannabeFree

Good luck Look forward to following x

theroamingnomad

I didn't buy coffee on the way to work. I just made some using communal supplies instead. £3 saved

System

Happy shiny new diary!!

theroamingnomad

Another victory! I didn't buy any lunch - I ate my packed lunch I brought from home Doesn't sound like much, but I normally cave in pretty easily when I go to the canteen.

I'm off to CEX after work with some Xbox One games I don't play anymore. That should net me @ £28, according to their website. That will come in useful as I need to get a pair of trousers to replace ones that have just lost their crotch! Primark have some for £9 so that should leave me £19 up, which I'll pay in and pay down towards Drafy!

theroamingnomad

I went to CEX this evening and got £33 for my games. A gain of £5 over what I expected. I also bought the trousers in Primark I planned on getting and left town £24 up on where I was this morning. The bank had closed by the time I finished so didn't have chance to pay it in, although I've paid the £24 to Drafty from what I already had in my account.

I'm off to London for a conference tomorrow so have earmarked £10 for additional spending. I shouldn't need it but I'm going to be glad to have it in my wallet should the need arise.

pantherchick

Hi there!
I thought I should come and check you out. give you some support too!

I see you have made a start and we seem to have the same amount of debt to cover. may be interesting to see how you are covering yours. every little helps..

London is a costly place to live/work I'm glad you have that £10.00 in your wallet just in case... id be the same...

will be following on a daily basis, to spur you along.

have a great evening
pantherchick

theroamingnomad

Thanks very much!

Yeah, I'm not sure if trying to clear it in 9 months is too much too soon, but I guess I'll find out soon?

I'm still pondering whether or not to get rid of my Xbox One and phone - I just don't think I'll get a fair price for them and would likely regret getting rid of them after a week or so. I might think about it for a bit and revisit the idea at some point...

I live a good few hours away so not used to London prices! I'm definitely hoping I don't need to buy anything tomorrow!

theroamingnomad

Ugh, London-bound and already £4.60 down. I needed coffee and the train station is the only place open this early! Just as well I had my contingency plan in place!

theroamingnomad

Just checked my Drafty balance and only £16 of the £24 paid yesterday came off the balance. I need to get that paid down first so it haunts me no longer!

About 40 minutes away from London and shouldn't spend any further money today as breakfast and lunch are catered! It means I should come back with £5, and change, in my wallet. When added to my £14 already at home, I have the spine of my £35 for next weeks food budget. Any extra will be paid against Drafty.

Here's to a spend-free day!

enthusiasticsaver

Just checked out your debt repayment plan from your previous thread. It looks entirely doable to me so good luck. Draft loan seems to be the priority. What are the £1500 course fees for?