I want to believe I can do this!

WelshKitty85

Sorry to read you are worrying about Christmas. It's good that you are thinking about it now though, so it won't be a last minute panic in December. I think planning is key and a spreadsheet is a great idea. I've made a list of things I've got put away already (as I usually forget what I have) and a list of what I've still got to buy so I know how much I need to budget. I'm hitting the survey sites as much as I can and ebaying anything I can find to try and cover the cost of things still to buy. I'm trying to cut down this year though and make it more about experiences and spending time together. Do you have any idea what presents you want to buy? You've got plenty of time to look around for the best prices and special offers.

pidge04

Thank you both.
My Mum puts exactly the same things on her list every year … a diary, a bar of soap, slippers, a magazine, scarf, earrings. I could probably buy all her presents from October's pay cheque. I have wrapping paper and accessories leftover from the sales last year. DD loves little bits from Primark and Poundland.
Ah yes experiences. Need to factor in those costs - £6 to see Father Christmas. We went ice-skating last Christmas and I bought the tickets half price (2 for under £10) in November.
A colleague mentioned Christmas jumper day at work today. I do not have a Christmas jumper and I have no intention of buying one!

pidge04

I am pleased that my debt is smaller than it was this time last year but these last few days I have felt like I am actually drowning in it. I will be back to reducing it with pay day and babysitting earnings next week but at the moment it feels overwhelming, debts here, there and everywhere. I read a comment in another diary this morning but how when you start this business of debt busting, you have a lot of quick successes early on with selling stuff, cutting things out etc and then it goes a bit stagnant and it is a grind. That is the point I am at. Drowning for now, yes, but in 23 months, I will hopefully be on dry ground.

a_silver_lining

Pidge04 I just read your last post and wanted to say that I completely understand. Setting a monthly amount to come out of my salary hasn't been enough to keep me from stressing and feeling the weight of the debt. Initially it was though. Initially I also sold a lot of things and made some easy money (part of which I must confess was spent on things other then debt).

I've restarted selling smaller things, making cashback etc and paying this off the debt. I find seeing this amount grow really helps my motivation. As does setting mini targets. So my next target is 7k, and next month 7.5k. 7.5k is the level of debt I know I will start feeling more comfortable with, and I wouldn't have got there so quickly without my mini earnings!

pidge04

Oh yes, those are good targets. Small steps but so terribly important for going in the right direction. I think that small sales are actually really important because they make you feel that you are doing something and that is so much better than doing nothing! Really good points - thank you for making them!

WelshKitty85

I'm not sure what area you are in Pidge, but are there any free Christmas activities near you? We have 2 local garden centres that do a Santa's grotto, there's no set charge just a donation to charity. In my opinion, they are better than the fee charging grottos. The children just get a token gift or chocolate, but the whole experience is just so magical. We live in a medieval town and on Christmas Eve everyone gathers round the Christmas tree in the square to sing carols before Santa appears on top of the castle to speak to the children. Then there are fireworks to end the night. It makes me cry every year.

Could you perhaps give your daughter a homemade voucher for a shopping trip to Primark (or similar) with you in January (with a set budget)? It would help you spread the cost a bit, she could choose something she really wants and might find some bargains in the sales.

I can completely relate to what you say about things going stagnant, but you really are doing so well.

pidge04

WelshKitty85 wrote: »

I'm not sure what area you are in Pidge, but are there any free Christmas activities near you? We have 2 local garden centres that do a Santa's grotto, there's no set charge just a donation to charity. In my opinion, they are better than the fee charging grottos. The children just get a token gift or chocolate, but the whole experience is just so magical. We live in a medieval town and on Christmas Eve everyone gathers round the Christmas tree in the square to sing carols before Santa appears on top of the castle to speak to the children. Then there are fireworks to end the night. It makes me cry every year.

Could you perhaps give your daughter a homemade voucher for a shopping trip to Primark (or similar) with you in January (with a set budget)? It would help you spread the cost a bit, she could choose something she really wants and might find some bargains in the sales.

I can completely relate to what you say about things going stagnant, but you really are doing so well.

Oh my, that sounds wonderful! Magical! I think DD would absolutely love a homemade Primark voucher!! Great idea - thank you!

GlendaSugarbean

Re advent, I made a wall hangimg a few years ago with pockets - these are filled with cheap sweets and bits from the £ shop (rubbers, pencils etc). Only costs a few quid and the boys love it.

Xmas jumpers - try charity shops

I'm making note of all the helpful tips as I always end up overspending at Xmas - I do really well initially then panic buy in the last week! Your spreadsheet is a very good idea.

UncannyScot

Hi Pidge04 :hello:

Have spent past couple of days reading thru your diary...

Wow, quite a rollercoaster. Great thing though is that you have made excellent progress and that DFD is so much closer now.

I have also found it difficult at times to feel / think that I have been making any progress and like you have found that the wee gentle nudges and reminders from the lovely folks on here have been a tremendous help. Things like looking at earlier posts made and seeing what has been acheived and where other folks have been helped or inspired by something they've read in my diary or that I've posted to their diary etc.

Will keep up to speed with how you are doing more regularly now. You've definitely got this so keep on keeping on
:A

Jazee

One year on Christmas jumper day, I just safety pinned some tinsel and baubles to a jumper.