My journey to becoming debt free in 2018

System

Not that it means much, but since I started paying everything off in March 2018 here are my credit scores on their respective sites:

Noddle:
March 2018:482
August 2018: 557
Increase:75 (Also score went from 1/5 to 2/5)

Experian:
March 2018: 182
July 2018: 514
Increase: 332

ClearScore:
April 2018: 87
August 2018: 121
Increase: 34

Again, I know they're made up but it's definitely encouraging to know I'm getting somewhere and the effort is helping me achieve credit sooner rather than later.

Actually thought I'd give up by now and spend the money elsewhere, but it's been so satisfying watching my credit increase, getting an actual credit increase, and having less debt to worry about (I hadn't paid some of them in years so was worried on the 6th year I'd get a CCJ). I know my debt wasn't massive, and I'm very fortunate to have a well-paid job at 22, but my new job will have a credit check so this has come at the perfect time.

System

4/6 done!
Soon to be a 5th this week, then next month the 6th.

Very pleased with everything, and think this journal has helped me do it quicker or keep on pace as I felt if I didn't and nobody heard from me, I'd let everyone down.

beanielou

Well done.

System

I use Starling as my main bank now, next month I'm going to tag everything properly (fuel, groceries, bills etc).

Hopefully, I can then get a better grip on my budgets! I'm also borrowing my girlfriends' parents fiesta until January to save me money on fuel costs every day, hopefully, I can then save more money!

System

Paid off EE today, will pay off full Barclays balance next month - but that's 5/6 done, one to go.

beanielou

Well done

mirko

Good work vq12

System

Thanks all!

Hopefully, it'll serve as an inspiration to someone, even though this journey will only be 6 months, I could've dragged it out and taken 10-12. I can't tell you how nice it is to know I won't have any future calls from these companies or letters received through the door etc.

One debtor to go, and then I'm freeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee.

You can do it :-)

System

Another £35 paid off today, so now owe £500 to Barclays.

Waiting for a refund to come in next week, then I will likely pay another £150 off and then the final £350 next September.

Almost there!

System

So my goal was originally to pay off extra next month, but I decided I'm going to pay off my car insurance with the extra money and pay £350 towards the debt next month, and £150 in October.

Regardless, I'm still on schedule and just think I'd prefer to owe no money whatsoever than some money. Hope everyone had a great long weekend!