Just starting out, Sept. 2019

beanielou

You are doing well. 

RelievedSheff

sassman said:

I've now shut down three cards which leaves three and of those, only 1 is charging interest. I've had to shell out on household white goods that needed replacing, some garden stuff and other bits and pieces but hopefully, by then end of 2020 I should have at a £14K balance. Can't believe it was £29K at the start of the this year!

Well done. That is a massive reduction in balances.

sassman

Ages since I posted here so here's an update:

Balance is now £6.8K which barring any emergencies will be paid off in September 2021. 

I have 2 cards with zero balances and have been using them for all food/fuel/shopping/day-to-day expenses and clearing them at the end of every month. I've found it easier to monitor spending and I'm pleased I've got into the habit of paying them off.

To be honest, I feel that my credit card war is close to a win and have now turned my attention to paying off my £94K mortgage in the next 5 years. 

Thanks for all the support here! This forum and it's members have been invaluable to me!

londoner2019

Just read your diary from start to finish - inspiring stuff! Going into your card debt head first is a mantra I've also followed. It doesn't work for everyone and people should certainly allow themselves that respite (the camera in your case) if they feel they really need it.

Keeping a close eye on everything is how I get through - not checking balances is how I got here in the first place.

Looking forward to your debt-free roll of honour soon! Would love to hear your advice and nuggets.

beanielou

Awesome 

sassman

It's been around a year since I posted and I'm now credit card debt free!

It's been a really tough journey; lots of mental pain and sacrifice but I'm so glad I shared all with my wife who was hugely supportive. For those reading this - the battle can be won - you can win. Just stick at it and don't be afraid to share with those you trust!

For a couple of months afterwards it felt weird, just weird to be debt free. The stress didn't subside until I made a decision to do something constructive with the money now available. The first to items of business to attend to were Wills and Financial & Health LPAs for us both via a solicitor. Overpayments of on the mortgage have restarted as well as UK holidays and weekend away without breaking the bank.

Now it's saving and investing. I reckon I have about a decade of working life left and I intend to make the most of it building out a financial nest without affecting quality of life.

So thank you to all those that supported me through this process - I cannot emphasise enough how valuable the replies and messages were. I'll certainly repay this Karma going forward by commenting and messaging others who swimming in the rough conditions of the debt ocean.

beanielou

Lovely news. Be proud.

LeeXenon

sassman said:

It's been around a year since I posted and I'm now credit card debt free!

It's been a really tough journey; lots of mental pain and sacrifice but I'm so glad I shared all with my wife who was hugely supportive. For those reading this - the battle can be won - you can win. Just stick at it and don't be afraid to share with those you trust!

For a couple of months afterwards it felt weird, just weird to be debt free. The stress didn't subside until I made a decision to do something constructive with the money now available. The first to items of business to attend to were Wills and Financial & Health LPAs for us both via a solicitor. Overpayments of on the mortgage have restarted as well as UK holidays and weekend away without breaking the bank.

Now it's saving and investing. I reckon I have about a decade of working life left and I intend to make the most of it building out a financial nest without affecting quality of life.

So thank you to all those that supported me through this process - I cannot emphasise enough how valuable the replies and messages were. I'll certainly repay this Karma going forward by commenting and messaging others who swimming in the rough conditions of the debt ocean.

Massive congratulations to you - I can't even imagine the relief you must feel and how proud you must be to announce that you're debt-free. This is the first time I've looked at your diary and you have come a long way since September 2019. Genuinely - well done!