Aligning the Stars

Starmummy

redofromstart wrote: »

Sounds like a carefully thought out decision to me. Do you feel better for having done it? I hated the immediacy of the huge credit card debt but ours was all at 0% so I had to stick with it.

I feel like I have room to breath now.
Should Mr Star fall ill or become out of work the extra breathing room would mean i could cover the mortgage on my own etc.
The fixed term of the loan also means I have a definite date of the latest that I will be debt free. Anything sooner than this will be a fantastic bonus but I'm putting less pressure on myself.

I don't think my previous situation was sustainable.

redofromstart

I always end up breaking out into a rash of spending when I try and do uber frugal for long periods, and if its not costing you anymore then it makes sense. At least its fixed at that rate too.

Starmummy

I've spent a good hour this morning on the phone to the three credit cards, the two loans and a couple of other credit accounts (mail order accounts that have had a zero balance for years and I never use) in an attempt to totally take away temptation and tidy up my credit file.
I do have to wait 48 hours for the big loan to email me with the settlement balance so I can pay that off which is a pain in the bum, but everything else is zero and closed.

The only things that should show as active on my next credit report will be:
my current account
our joint account
CC1 with a zero balance
the new loan.

It feels really therapeutic having a spring clean.
It also feels so good knowing that after all DD come out I still have about £400+ in my account each month. for saving, debt overpayments, to actually be able to buy school uniform etc without worrying about money.
It feels like I've made peace with my former self. I'm not punishing myself for past behaviors by forcing an unrealistic, unsustainable budget.

I truly believe this loan will be the last debt I'll ever take on (other than the mortgage being a joint application next time we move)
Slow and steady I'm getting there.

Starmummy

Happy Monday folks!

It was a lovely, if a little busy weekend in the star household. Mr Star is away on a work trip for the next 9 days so I'm predicting that the busyness shall last a little longer.

Saturday was swimming lessons, a trip into town to buy PE trainers and school jumpers for the new term and fleeces and hiking socks for our holiday.
Mr Star managed to strip and repaint the kitchen window and back door. It's gone from a rather faded red to a lovely sage green so much more in keeping with our lovely cottage garden.

Star Child and I tackled her bedroom on Sunday. She was ruthless and got rid of so many Knick-knacks. She is really pleased with it and says her room now feels so much bigger. Two bags to send to charity and a bag for the wheelie bin.
We still need to sort her craft stuff in the snug and the sports equipment.
I took Star child with me for a run on Sunday morning and then we all went for a family swim in the afternoon.

Plans for this fortnight:
*chase the settlement figure for the big loan and pay it off.
*tidy craft corner.
*wash all bedsheets.
*put side table on gumtr33
*do 5 hours revision.
*plan Star Childs birthday party.
*write a packing list for Italy.
*print photographs
*get frames for artwork for spare room.
* run 2-3 times a week
*tidy my wardrobe and chest of drawers
*do a charity shop drop.
*weed the front garden.
*mow the lawn.
*prep spare room for decorating.
*declutter entrance hall
*plan activity for bank holiday weekend.


I'm hoping to be able to work from home at least twice between now and when we go away so at least mornings won't be a complete drama every day and i'll be less exhausted to get things done in the evenings.

here is to another wonderful week.

Take care
SM

[Deleted User]

Hello StarMummy, well done on your progress! I totally agree about the loan - I have consolidated my debt, and it's meant I'm under a lot less stress trying to keep up with all the different payment dates, minimum payments etc - and like you, I like the definite end date!

Starmummy

It's been a whole week since I have updated my diary.
I really shouldn't leave it that long as I feel old habits trying to sneak back in. This hasn't been helped by Mr Star being away on business for the past 8 days, I just can't be bothered to cook and I want to spend to try and distract myself from being a bit lonely.
That coupled with the fact that Autumn has decided to come early, (why is it so cold?) which makes me want to shop for 'new season' clothing and cosyness.

It could be so much worse. Spends have included the £75 deposit for Star childs birthday party, some paint and curtains for the spare room ( I decorated the whole room this week to surprise Mr star...it's been on the to do list for months- boy was it more work than I thought-Georgian ceiling heights are not my friend)
I also spent on some 'nice groceries' (junk food) wich I neither needed or enjoyed.

I have spent a silly amount of time looking at clothes for me and star child. I don't need anything....she is ok atm but grows like a weed so she will need some bits soon.

I just feel in a bit of a funk. I shall talk it through with my therapist on Thursday and we go away at the weekend.
Fresh air will do me good.

I must put the purse away!

take care

SM

Starmummy

Pay day today.

There isn't such a high today though as I only have one fixed amount coming out.
I've had my expenses approved at work so I should get them in a couple of weeks.
One of the CC has tried to take the DD on a closed account so I shall have to call them up and get it returned.

Mr Star was really impressed with my DIY skills so he is happy.

Really looking forward to our holiday. I am counting down the hours.

Not much else to report.

see you in a week.

Take Care
SM

[Deleted User]

There might be a payment for final interest for your accounts once closed - did you check your last statement? I had to pay a final payment like that for all of my closed credit cards.

NelliePie

Have a wonderful holiday!

Starmummy

Moguline wrote: »

There might be a payment for final interest for your accounts once closed - did you check your last statement? I had to pay a final payment like that for all of my closed credit cards.

all my credit card debt was 0% so that's not a worry. but thank you for the consideration