A return to MSE with a DMP so I can be debt free

pencakes26

delta13 said:

You're doing an amazing job, well done!

Thank you! 

pencakes26

Been poorly all weekend but feeling slightly better this morning - seem to have picked up a stomach bug randomly! Luckily I've been able to rest a lot. 

I'm pushing super hard with my debt at the moment whilst my outgoings are at a minimum but it looks like we're going to start going back into the office next month which means my commuting bill shoots up. I don't think we'll be going in everyday but I expect my train bill to be around £150 a month. It's made me realise I need to have a rethink with my budget and update it to reflect normality a bit more. I think it'll slow down my debt repayments but hopefully I can find a happy middle ground. 

My DMP payment for April has now cleared so I've updated my sig to show my shiny new total is below £20k for the first time in at least 7/8 years! It feels so good. 

rugbymadfamily

Well done on getting it below £20k, great news 👏 

pencakes26

There are so many things to look forward to when lockdown ends properly, but one thing I am really looking forward to is normal sleeping patterns! I think this is a common theme for many people but ever since last year my sleep has been all over the place. It seems despite my complaints I really am a creature of habit and like my routines.

pencakes26

Logging on to update my sig and add another 1% paid off. 

I've started to think about next steps - I know I'm a little way off being debt free but I want to be in a position where I don't slip back into old habits as soon as I've got extra cash again. I want to work out a good budget where I'm saving as well as enjoying life. I don't think I've ever really been in a position as an adult where I've had an income and no debt... shocking really! It's like I am going to have relearn how to just have a normal way of life with a normal budget... and no debt! 

i've never been that fussed about buying a house as it felt so impossible with house prices, but I would like to buy somewhere in time for my 40th birthday. That gives me 5 years ish to pay off the debt and save for a deposit of around £35-£40k. Feels like a lot but I am sure I can do it. 🤞

pencakes26

Happy bank holiday Monday everyone. The weather here is really trying to be nice but the rain clouds are looming! 

The ex has been in touch and wants us to try again. I'm not sure. I really enjoyed spending time with him, but it just didn't quite feel enough. I wonder if I'm being too picky but I think I need more in a relationship and he just felt like a mate. He wants us to go on a date, and there's no pressure but I'm questioning why I would if I don't see it going anywhere. I would like a relationship but I am quite happy being single too. 

Work is busy as usual and I've been given an opportunity to ask for more staff, a bigger budget and maybe a promotion - I basically have to put together a business case as to why I deserve it, and what it would mean for the business in terms of growth etc (we're a start up so it's a major priority). Need to get my head down this afternoon and work out a plan of action and what I need to say and do! 

pencakes26

Hey everyone, been keeping my head down as work has been so intense I've not had much spare brain power for anything else. The ex stuff rumbles on and it's making me question a lot about myself and why I am the way I am. I really struggle with commitment even though deep down I want a long term relationship. God knows what that is all about! 😂 
DMP has cleared for the month so at least that is ticking away in the background. I wonder if I am pushing myself a little too hard with it but I have come so far and I have just over a year left so it really is the home stretch. I just keep thinking of the feeling I'll get when I've finally paid it all off. 

pencakes26

Definitely not updating my diary often enough! I feel like I am busier than ever. My social life is on the up but it's becoming harder to manage my finances. I need to sit down with my budget again and just get a handle on things. It's not affecting my debt payments or normal bills, but I feel a bit more hand to mouth now and I don't like that feeling. 

On a more positive note, I am now due to be debt free in 1 year! Just one! Another milestone ticked! 😊💪

anjyeah

pencakes26 said:

Definitely not updating my diary often enough! I feel like I am busier than ever. My social life is on the up but it's becoming harder to manage my finances. I need to sit down with my budget again and just get a handle on things. It's not affecting my debt payments or normal bills, but I feel a bit more hand to mouth now and I don't like that feeling. 

On a more positive note, I am now due to be debt free in 1 year! Just one! Another milestone ticked! 😊💪

Yey! Thought I'd say welcome back and well done on your journey so far. I have just started reading your diary (and a fellow Londoner!) and really impressed with your progress so far. Really positive and encouraging like most of the forumites here. 

I am with you in having to reassess finances with lockdown easing and socialising on the increase, it's uplifting but cash stropping at the same time. But I'm sure we'll figure out something with the help we get on here. Good luck! 

pencakes26

Thank you @anjyeah! This forum has meant so much to me on my journey so far, it really helps me focus when I need it or when I'm struggling. There's so many lovely people on here too. Good luck to you too!