Keeping on the Straight and Narrow...
DancingInTheRain
Forumite 1.2K Posts
Well here goes, my first diary...After being an avid lurker both here and on the MFW boards over the years I have been amazed and inspired by the success of many individuals and the support of other forum members so hoping to do the same. So why am I here? In the 6 years since DH and I bought our home we have undergone many home improvements, got married and had 2 gorgeous little boys. Although all of this was planned, some costs spiralled and 2 spells of Maternity Leave in 3 years have proved a little challenging. At the moment our debts do not feel out of control, they just do not sit comfortably with us as we are naturally debt averse so we are looking to attack these as a matter of urgency when I return to work following Maternity Leave. No SOA just yet as, we have taken the decision that I will return to work on a part time basis so want to get to grips with that first. Current debt total is £13,636. No interest on these, currently have 2 x 0% credit cards and 1 interest free family loan. Back to work in July so June is about laying the groundwork. Wish me luck!
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Good luck with everything
Sounds like you’re in a good place getting organised with your money.
That’s a good idea saving up for your annual bills, something I’m working on!
The annual bills pot has definitely been a difficult one to stick with but proved its worth through the last few weeks when both our car insurances were due for renewal along with my MOT and road tax then our buildings & contents insurance! The pot has taken a battering but I guess that's what it's there for.
**Credit card debt free 30/06/10~**
MFW. Finally mortgage free February 2021****
"A large income is the best recipe for happiness I ever heard of" Jane Austen in Mansfield Park.
***Fall down seven times,stand up eight*** ~~Japanese proverb.
It starts with you, it starts from now. *** It is ok to be me.***
***Keep plodding*** Out of debt, out of danger. ***Be the difference.***
This weekends plans were scuppered by a migraine, just about getting back to normal now. On the plus side, a definite no spend weekend
Looking forward to tomorrow when the regular direct debits send standing orders update from yesterday.
No pay for me this month again as I’m on unpaid Maternity Leave. I am just going to make sure minimum payments are paid to the debt but any overpayments are likely to be small or come from any cash back clearing or survey money (need to work a bit harder on these, not had much time lately).
Slowly slowly for now but as long as progress is made then that’s a positive. The debt reached a peak of £17,000 this time last year due to overspending on home renovations but we’ve managed to reduce this by just over £3,000 so just need to patient until I start getting paid again at the end of July.
Hope everyone’s had a good weekend x
Last month I set up a separate account from which the credit cards will be paid as the DD's go out later in the month. £150 sent across to cover these payments this month and have arranged for Child Benefit payments to be paid here to cover future minimum payments.
Current thoughts are once I'm back at work my wage can also go in here and this can also be paid to debt and then, in the long term, used for holidays and savings. No holidays planned for the foreseeable future as the thought of packing everything needed for a 10 month old and a 3 year old fills me with dread. I have made a real effort to tidy our garden up this year so we have a lovely space to play outside and we're not too far from the sea so can head to the beach too for simple family fun while the boys are so young.
£620 left in the bank to cover food, fuel and everything else. This should be doable as next pay due to hit our account on the 28th.
So £51.42 paid off debt totals today taking the total down to £13,584.58
Current totals:
YouGov 905
OnePoll £2.50
Prolific Academic £3.85 (£1.00 pending)
Receipt Hog 1113
Shoppix 260
My phone camera has decided it doesn’t want to focus properly so I’m unable to upload any receipts to Receipt Hog or Shoppix at the moment, going to try a few fixes to see if this can be resolved.
You seem to have a real plan which will be great for when you return to work.
Thank you