Time to turn things around

Babysquirrel

So, having been in debt all of my adult life and heading for late 30's..... it's time to turn things around.

I'm hoping that keeping a diary will spur me on. Apart from daughters birthday this weekend I'm aiming not to spend on anything but essentials this month to kickstart the year.

I haven't used a credit card since around august last year.... and am trying to draw cash out wherever possible as I feel this helps.

My short term goals this month are:
* Stop going to local garage for top up shops and spending/wasting way too much money.
* Dry January
* Pay cash when possible, leave debit card at home if I go out.
* Taking lunch to work
* No takeaways

I've started a tin for next christmas, hoping to put every £5 note I get this year in there

Starting off with the smallest debt, Next account (1 debt in 100 days challenge ) then hoping to move up to the bigger ones....
Will hopefully see some progress and continue to post here to track my efforts.

Total debt currently stands at around £13,000 :eek: so disgusted to see that amount.
Here goes! :j

[Deleted User]

Good luck on your journey, keep posting as it will motivate you x

Babysquirrel

Thank you Purplemum, I tried to make a dent in it last year but didn't get very far. Hoping a diary will be motivating :T

the_cross_rabbit

I'm sure keeping a diary will help you reduce your debt especially if you post everyday.
CRx

Babysquirrel

So today I need to work out what bills I have for the rest of the month, and see if I can make a payment towards my target debt (100 day challenge)
Still haven't spent any money on lunches, and still haven't been to the garage :j

Babysquirrel

£10.48 Paid off of Next account today.... not much but every little helps.
I get quite frustrated with waiting for things to happen.... when I want something done I want it done straightaway (one of the reasons I'm in this mess :embarasse

Hoping that once I get one out of the way I feel more motivated.... I know it's early days, but struggling to see the light at the end of the tunnel at the moment. Just want to get to the point where I'm not thinking about money every single day... and make it to the end of the month without a direct debit failing :mad:

Anyway.... one step at a time

SpekySquarehead

Good luck for the year ahead!

I think you've made some good decisions on what to do (or what not to do) in January.

Interesting, I operate slightly differently whereby my preference is to pay for everything by card, that way when I check my bank balance against my budget, all spends are traceable. If I spend in cash, without keeping the receipt, I might forget what I've spent it on. However I understand that handing physical cash over that you've worked hard for can be a deterrent .

I've subscribed and will be cheering you on throughout!

VadersDad

Good to you on your journey.

Babysquirrel

So I've not posted for a little while, what with one thing and another.
I have ticked a massive thing off my "to do list" for this year to improve myself, and I feel like such a weight has been lifted..... now I can focus on turning things around.

Bit peeved today to say the least, had to pay a £55 parking fine which I tried to challenge as it was for the sake of 3 minutes :mad: No success unfortunately, but it did delay it for a while. That could have been another £55 off my debt, but we live and learn I suppose :think:

Anyway, roll on payday! Only 3 more weeks :laugh:

Homegrown0

Annoying about the parking charge, but onwards and upwards.

How is your 1 debt 100 days challenge going?

SpekySquarehead

I too had to pay a parking fine recently (which I too contested and failed). One of those things I suppose.

Nice to see that you're feeling a bit better about yourself and hopefully things continue in that vein.