Checked and confronted debt totals, just to check where I was, the total stands at £42,824.89 (excluding mortgage) still a big number but better than £47, 894 which was what I started at. I've worked out that if I carry on paying my debt at my current rate it will take 5 years and 7 months until I am debt free! Which although sounds a long time at least I have an end date in sight which is a huge improvement as I thought I would never be debt free. I am going to set myself the long term target of trying to be debt free (apart from the mortgage) in 5 years which will mean by the time I am 45 I can look ahead and plough money in to paying off mortgage.
I know I have some hurdles ahead as have only been separated from OH 3/4 months and will be getting divorced in the future, not sure about house but as DD is only young I will be able to stay in the house until she is 18 and in full time education. Although this does play on my mind and I need to start at some point thinking about my own long term future plans as it all feels a bit woolly at the moment and I desperately want to have future plan and security......................for the first time ever!!! (Better late than never I suppose).
I have also completed Feb's budget, I have DD birthday and I need to buy plasterboard and other stuff for the kitchen but should be very doable if I am strict and stick to budget. It's only taken 39 years but i think I've finally grown up!
Great news! I like the YNAB philosophy of rolling with the punches - you don't know exactly what is coming up, but if there are any major changes you can and will adapt .
So a little update.................................
Debt total now at £42205.62 still a big number but in just few months that number will begin we a 3 instead of a 4 and when that happens I will really fill like I have accomplished a little goal.
Really struggling with budget this month, DD needed a new pair of trainers, also had DD birthday, had to pay out more than I was expecting on building materials for the kitchen, plus its half-term in a couple of weeks so will need to think of free/very cheap ways to entertain DD. Budget should be ok but will need to be super carefully and have lots of NSD for the next two weeks.
It's a good day today, I've sold a few things on ebay and made £50, still got a few things on there so hopefully will make a little more.
Have started health eating as I have been very aware of what I eat and the effect on my emotions, definitely feeling more optimistic than I have in a long while.
I have just been reading your posts and would just like to send my best wishes to you and your DD and to let you know that things may seem like an uphill struggle since the split with your OH but it will get easier. I have been in the same situation as you so I totally understand how you have been feeling. I have debt too which I am trying to get down so currently on the frugal living forum so you are not alone!
I am right behind you in your endeavours to get debt free! 😊
I haven't posted anything for a while, so thought I would check in. February has been an up and down month for me really, at points I have felt really good and then at points really low. I have started seeing a counsellor to help me with my moods and emotions it seems to be really helping.
On debts front the total is now down to £41399, getting a little closer each time to being under £40000 which is the first mile stone I am working towards.
Just wish I felt a bit more motivated..................I think my problem is I want everything sorted quickly and unfortunately that not going to happen in any areas of my life but I am making baby steps. I asked ex to pick up the rest of his stuff from the house as I want to make it into my home rather than the constant reminders of the home we shared. Ideally I'd love to move but currently that does not make sense financially so will be staying put and I will making it the best it can be for me and DD.
Another positive thing is the kitchen is getting there slowly but surely, doing it on a very tight budget so no choice but to do a bit at a time, my family and friends have been amazing so I have not had to pay any labour fees and getting the kitchen for free, my dad has also paid for plaster board and new sockets, I'm saving for tiles and flooring, I feel very lucky to have such lovely people in my life.
This has led me to thinking why did I put up with my marriage the way it was for so long though?!?!?! If only I had been brave enough to call time on it earlier I would have had more years of happiness and a lot less debt! Herein lies my problem I think.................to many what if's and should have's, I know I can't change them but I just feel so overwhelmingly disappointed with myself.
I've stuck to the healthy eating with a few naughty treats, it does make me feel better and I now definitely know that eating is linked to my emotions, I'm a tad overweight but hopefully with counselling and carry on with healthy eating I will budge a few pounds as well.
I'm so hoping that I start to feel better sooner rather than later, I hate feeling like this.........
Those baby steps will add up! You're sounding much more positive about the future, some regrets are understandable but you seem to have the suppprt you need to move on .
Replies
Checked and confronted debt totals, just to check where I was, the total stands at £42,824.89 (excluding mortgage) still a big number but better than £47, 894 which was what I started at. I've worked out that if I carry on paying my debt at my current rate it will take 5 years and 7 months until I am debt free! Which although sounds a long time at least I have an end date in sight which is a huge improvement as I thought I would never be debt free. I am going to set myself the long term target of trying to be debt free (apart from the mortgage) in 5 years which will mean by the time I am 45 I can look ahead and plough money in to paying off mortgage.
I know I have some hurdles ahead as have only been separated from OH 3/4 months and will be getting divorced in the future, not sure about house but as DD is only young I will be able to stay in the house until she is 18 and in full time education. Although this does play on my mind and I need to start at some point thinking about my own long term future plans as it all feels a bit woolly at the moment and I desperately want to have future plan and security......................for the first time ever!!! (Better late than never I suppose).
I have also completed Feb's budget, I have DD birthday and I need to buy plasterboard and other stuff for the kitchen but should be very doable if I am strict and stick to budget. It's only taken 39 years but i think I've finally grown up!
Also managed 3 NSD's this week.
Debt total now at £42205.62 still a big number but in just few months that number will begin we a 3 instead of a 4 and when that happens I will really fill like I have accomplished a little goal.
Really struggling with budget this month, DD needed a new pair of trainers, also had DD birthday, had to pay out more than I was expecting on building materials for the kitchen, plus its half-term in a couple of weeks so will need to think of free/very cheap ways to entertain DD. Budget should be ok but will need to be super carefully and have lots of NSD for the next two weeks.
Have started health eating as I have been very aware of what I eat and the effect on my emotions, definitely feeling more optimistic than I have in a long while.
I have just been reading your posts and would just like to send my best wishes to you and your DD and to let you know that things may seem like an uphill struggle since the split with your OH but it will get easier. I have been in the same situation as you so I totally understand how you have been feeling. I have debt too which I am trying to get down so currently on the frugal living forum so you are not alone!
I am right behind you in your endeavours to get debt free! 😊
On debts front the total is now down to £41399, getting a little closer each time to being under £40000 which is the first mile stone I am working towards.
Just wish I felt a bit more motivated..................I think my problem is I want everything sorted quickly and unfortunately that not going to happen in any areas of my life but I am making baby steps. I asked ex to pick up the rest of his stuff from the house as I want to make it into my home rather than the constant reminders of the home we shared. Ideally I'd love to move but currently that does not make sense financially so will be staying put and I will making it the best it can be for me and DD.
Another positive thing is the kitchen is getting there slowly but surely, doing it on a very tight budget so no choice but to do a bit at a time, my family and friends have been amazing so I have not had to pay any labour fees and getting the kitchen for free, my dad has also paid for plaster board and new sockets, I'm saving for tiles and flooring, I feel very lucky to have such lovely people in my life.
This has led me to thinking why did I put up with my marriage the way it was for so long though?!?!?! If only I had been brave enough to call time on it earlier I would have had more years of happiness and a lot less debt! Herein lies my problem I think.................to many what if's and should have's, I know I can't change them but I just feel so overwhelmingly disappointed with myself.
I've stuck to the healthy eating with a few naughty treats, it does make me feel better and I now definitely know that eating is linked to my emotions, I'm a tad overweight but hopefully with counselling and carry on with healthy eating I will budge a few pounds as well.
I'm so hoping that I start to feel better sooner rather than later, I hate feeling like this.........
x