Frugal, thrifty, make do, mend! Let this debt come to an end!

Elisheba

Urgh, no, just checked. Although they would be happy to offer me an account, they would not be happy to offer me an overdraft. That's really depressing. 

I really need to check my credit report and find out why it's so bad. Someone earning £35k a year, even with £20k debt, shouldn't have such a rubbish rating. I guess I did go over the limit on one of my cc's last month - total accident due to interest charges, and all the minimum payments had been met. Still, my credit rating used to be good, and now its bad, and I should probably find out why. I find it so depressing though, and it puts me in an awful mood and demotivates me. 

Queen_of_the_Hive

Yes I know your pain on the overdraft. I too opened an account with Nationwide a yr ago and they too wouldn't let me have an overdraft. In my case I wasn't too bothered but still I know it feels frustrating. In my current situation I'd love to buy property locally but my circumstances mean the only way I can do it is by saving the difference of money which is currently an eyewatering sum. I'm hoping my circumstances improve and I can access better savings and more funding but currently it's just keep money wise. If I could pull it off with minimum mortgage that'll be for the better. I'm hoping some magic auction property comes my way (fingers crossed 🙂)

Queen_of_the_Hive

Just a thought, I've not yet gone down the scanning shopping receipts apps. I was wondering if anyone had any referral codes as I've been asked for them. 

Elisheba

@clarissa62 I've just had a look, but none of them seem to give me referral codes, except Receipt Hog - but you would have to live with me! 

Elisheba

Morning all, 

I'm in a bit of a better mood today. So my credit rating is a mess? No doubt if I keep doing what I'm doing, it will improve someday. Although it could save me a bit of money, I don't really need it right now. It's just a numbers game, it's not a personal rejection. 

I need to remember that despite the fact I'm in £20k of debt and my credit rating seems to be shot, I am in fact very lucky. I have a stable, well paying job, I have a pension, I have good health, can afford a decent place to live, have clothes and food, and have enough money to live comfortably. I've got a good brain in my head, and a solid plan in place to manage and improve my finances. In all of this I am blessed (I think I'm paraphrasing Shakespeare there 🤔) .

So today, onwards and upwards. I've already checked my Internet banking, and that's all ticking along nicely. I need to stick to my food plan, and make myself go for a walk later - my back is getting sore from not enough exercise. Maybe tonight I can sit down and actually do some of my big pile of mending as well! So a day of little things, which I should work on appreciating and enjoying. Got to live the good life where I am now! 

Elisheba

Okay, so the figures are in for February!  

Debt payments for February: £822.72
Debt reduction for February: £554.26
Total debt reduction: £1074.60
Remaining debt: £20435.57

I think the reason my payments were so much higher than the actual reduction this month was a) interest was higher on all cards due to payments being moved forward, b) going over the limit on one of my credit cards meant I had to basically throw money at it just to stay even, and c) with the payments dates changing I am not sure last months interest payment was actually included on the amounts. From now on I will check on the 5th of the month or thereabout and that should lead to some consistency.

Still, one way or another that's me  over £1000 less in debt than at the beginning of the year! Without any over payments I should be down to under £15k debt by the end of the year, and from now on I should be able to make over payments.  I reckon I can over pay by about £2300 at least this year, which would leave me in about £12600 debt.  My figures could be wrong, unexpected things might stop me making those over payments, but fingers crossed!

Queen_of_the_Hive

Well done Elisheba, good figures. Your making good progress. Saw your note on the receipt app. Lol re location, maybe I could get my partner signed up though. 

Elisheba

Evening, frugalistas!

Today has gone well.  I finally seem to have the spare room office at a workable temperature, and can manage with only 2 pairs of socks, fur lined boots, thermal tights, leggings, two under-top layers, a long woolly jumper, a neck scarf and a shawl, as well as the radiator on full all day (I'm not exaggerating in the slightest!). I feel like I should be living in an ancient farmhouse with these problems, not a late Victorian red brick terrace!

I got a free 4 minute timer through from my water company, so timed myself with it in the shower this morning.  Managed in about 3 1/2 minutes, including giving the water some time to heat up - woo hoo!  Showering is a lot quicker now I have cut most of my hair off, and just use soap, a flannel and a shampoo bar.  In the past I couldn't have conditioned my hair in 4 minutes, never mind everything else. i also did without blow drying my hair this morning.  I'm not sure I like how its sits though, so I may just blow dry the front in future.

I remembered to boil the kettle and fill the thermos this morning, so I've been able to have tea all day without having to boil the kettle again.  That'll save a few pence, and help save the world at the same time.

I have to say that getting rid of paid Spotify, which I had had for years, really hasn't made much difference to me.  I put playlists on while I'm working, and barely notice the adverts.  It was definitely worth cancelling the paid service.

I went for a walk at lunchtime and thought I would try to get hold of some paracetamol as I'm out.  Oh, how the world laughed.  Four shops before I could get hold of any, and I got the last two cheap (ish) packets from Boots.  I suppose painkillers are at least a sensible thing to stock up on the Coronavirus.

When I was looking I found a deal for two packets of seeds for £1, so I bought £10 worth.  Just need potatoes to plant now.  I'll need to start planting this weekend - can't be lazy now I have seeds! I suspect I'll have to spend  bit more money on compost etc before I am done, but hopefully it will all pay for itself in the end.

DawnW

Just to note, I got 40l bags of compost for £1.99 at Lidls this afternoon

missymoo81

Hey Elisheba, well done that’s such a huge amount to have paid off your debt! I’m loving the idea of planting things. Might have to do that! And am wondering whether to cancel my Apple Music as you’re managing just fine on your free Spotify. You really inspire me to look at the little things which I would have previously ignored, thank you.