TravelGirl84's DFD

TravelGirl84

Hi Alicia!
They really do add up! I'm surprised at how much money I have managed to 'find' in the last few weeks that I never realised was there!

Hi Fudgefund!
I think that does help if you're not easily bored haha, but needs must and all that!

TravelGirl84

Bit of an odd week this week. I had my first panic attack in 13 years I think it's down to alot of things and maybe it's bubbled over, but money is definitely stressing me out. Trying to find the balance between desperately wanting to pay off all my debts but also not stay inside and do nothing for the next two+ years and actually being able to have a life is quite challenging.
Does anyone else struggle with this?

DebtFreeMonkey

Yes! I had a similar thing a week or two ago. Not a panic attack as such but pretty hardcore anxiety!

The thing that helped me is having a plan and writing out small goals to achieve along the way. Like you, it's over 2 years until I'm debt free if all goes to plan (around 2 years, 7 months, ish) and it seems like such a long time if I think of it as a whole. Instead, I'm thinking goal 1, clear CC and then after that, I'll focus on the next mini goal and so on.

On top of that, I allocate a little money each month to 'fun' stuff and any money left over per week that I don't spend on groceries, I put either into my 'celebration' fund for birthdays etc, or put towards 'fun' stuff but I know I have to compromise, too. I can't do everything I want unless it's budgeted for so I try to top that budget up every month so I can do some of the things I'd like.

You got this. You're focused but don't be too hard on yourself! You're doing great

TravelGirl84

Alicia1804 wrote: »

Yes! I had a similar thing a week or two ago. Not a panic attack as such but pretty hardcore anxiety!

The thing that helped me is having a plan and writing out small goals to achieve along the way. Like you, it's over 2 years until I'm debt free if all goes to plan (around 2 years, 7 months, ish) and it seems like such a long time if I think of it as a whole. Instead, I'm thinking goal 1, clear CC and then after that, I'll focus on the next mini goal and so on.

On top of that, I allocate a little money each month to 'fun' stuff and any money left over per week that I don't spend on groceries, I put either into my 'celebration' fund for birthdays etc, or put towards 'fun' stuff but I know I have to compromise, too. I can't do everything I want unless it's budgeted for so I try to top that budget up every month so I can do some of the things I'd like.

You got this. You're focused but don't be too hard on yourself! You're doing great

Thank you. It's really hard isn't it I was so annoyed with myself for having a panic attack after such a long time, but I'm trying to be kind to myself and think what would I say to someone else. I think it also serves as a warning for me that I'm stressing way too much without even realising it.

For me there is so much I want to do. I know I need to make sure I plan in treats as well so I don't feel like I am completely restricting myself. Problem is sometimes the treats are more expensive than I had planned but I won't be doing them all the time so maybe I need another pot for the bigger treats. I like your idea about putting left over money from groceries in a fun fund. I was going to put it in to emergency savings or pay off debts but maybe I need a reward system as well haha.

DebtFreeMonkey

Yes. That sounds like a plan!

For me, I have an Emergency Fund which I pay into monthly, a 'celebration' fund so birthdays and Christmas spends get budgeted for over the year to avoid have times where I have minimal money, and a fun fund. This month, my left over money is going to the celebrations fund. I have a long overdue holiday at the end of this month which is my treat before Christmas stuff kicks in.

I think the trick is not to restrict but be conscious of not overindulging, too. With time, you'll find a balance, I'm sure

[Deleted User]

Just finished reading your diary, and super impressed by your honesty and candour - will be subscribing to see your progress

You've made lots of good progress on your 'easy' wins (which I think it diminishing it a bit, it's definitely a win!) so looking forward to seeing how you get on I feel for you with your pasta mishap - I've never been able to freeze it successfully, so tend to freeze the sauce part, and make a batch of pasta that lives in the fridge for a day or two (you can rinse it after cooking or spritz it with a little spray olive oil if you have issues with it sticking), and then just combine them in the morning.

You do need a treat from time to time to keep you going too - I've been trying to give myself treats in an indulgent setting - so I might treat myself to a nice coffee out, but at an art gallery, or a cafe in a nicer part of town, rather than a chain coffee shop. Just something to jazz up the experience makes it feel more expensive than it is - and more of a treat than just buying a coffee.

As Alicia says above, you're doing great!

FootyFanDan

TravelGirl84 wrote: »

Bit of an odd week this week. I had my first panic attack in 13 years I think it's down to alot of things and maybe it's bubbled over, but money is definitely stressing me out. Trying to find the balance between desperately wanting to pay off all my debts but also not stay inside and do nothing for the next two+ years and actually being able to have a life is quite challenging.
Does anyone else struggle with this?

This is me too haha, I get torn between paying off debt quickly and enjoying life as well. I guess it is about finding a balance you are happy with and running with it. Personally i know if i was very strict i would eventually just get fed up and debt payments would go off track, i am prepared to extend my debt journey that little bit to ensure i can still do things i enjoy and so far it seems to be working.

TravelGirl84

Alicia1804 wrote: »

Yes. That sounds like a plan!

For me, I have an Emergency Fund which I pay into monthly, a 'celebration' fund so birthdays and Christmas spends get budgeted for over the year to avoid have times where I have minimal money, and a fun fund. This month, my left over money is going to the celebrations fund. I have a long overdue holiday at the end of this month which is my treat before Christmas stuff kicks in.

I think the trick is not to restrict but be conscious of not overindulging, too. With time, you'll find a balance, I'm sure

I've got pots for birthdays and Christmas and the Christmas pot includes the usual nights out that are arranged plus I'm planning for a buffer. The birthday one is a bit more tricky though as I'm not always sure if there will be a night out, but I am planning an 'other' in the birthday fund and I might have to plan those nights within my spends that month, unless I know it's a big birthday which is all planned in. I've made a big spreadsheet (which maybe I'll do a separate post on another time), and this includes tables for birthdays and Christmas, what my budget is for who, what I've spent and what I've got left - I just need to stick to it. I love buying things for people so tend to go over budget but this will have to stop.

TravelGirl84

[Deleted User] wrote:

Just finished reading your diary, and super impressed by your honesty and candour - will be subscribing to see your progress

You've made lots of good progress on your 'easy' wins (which I think it diminishing it a bit, it's definitely a win!) so looking forward to seeing how you get on I feel for you with your pasta mishap - I've never been able to freeze it successfully, so tend to freeze the sauce part, and make a batch of pasta that lives in the fridge for a day or two (you can rinse it after cooking or spritz it with a little spray olive oil if you have issues with it sticking), and then just combine them in the morning.

You do need a treat from time to time to keep you going too - I've been trying to give myself treats in an indulgent setting - so I might treat myself to a nice coffee out, but at an art gallery, or a cafe in a nicer part of town, rather than a chain coffee shop. Just something to jazz up the experience makes it feel more expensive than it is - and more of a treat than just buying a coffee.

As Alicia says above, you're doing great!

Hi BlackCoffeeNoSugar :wave:

Thank you so much for your comment. I wasn't sure if I was just waffling on and looking annoying :rotfl: so I really appreciate it!

My pasta fail was so disheartening, but I like your idea about freezing just the sauce. I could buy some smaller pots than I have at the moment to freeze a few portions at a time.

I also like your idea about doing something cheaper but in a more indulgent setting. My Mum is really good at this kind of thing actually. She can go out, take a packed lunch and do something similar like an art gallery and have a great time! Definitely something to consider!

Thank you for the tips. I have found your diary and will catch up with it :beer:

TravelGirl84

FootyFanDan wrote: »

This is me too haha, I get torn between paying off debt quickly and enjoying life as well. I guess it is about finding a balance you are happy with and running with it. Personally i know if i was very strict i would eventually just get fed up and debt payments would go off track, i am prepared to extend my debt journey that little bit to ensure i can still do things i enjoy and so far it seems to be working.

Hi Dan :wave:

I think finding the balance between paying off debts and enjoying life will be my biggest struggle. I don't want to feel like I am missing out (major FOMO :rotfl:) but I know once it's paid I can do even more. I also try to remember that despite my debt I am still more fortunate then some with what I can pay and what I can save and I need to be grateful for that.

Have found your diary and will catch up with it! :beer: