Hope_Street's almost there.

Hope_Street

OOO this is a little bit scary  but here goes ...
Hello lovely people, like many I have lurked for quite a while and have decided to decloak, as it where, and start my own little diary, A little bit about me first, I work in the NHS so not a very high earner lol.  Through bad relationship choices I found myself last June; single, penniless and in around £9k debt. The debt's were/are mostly credit cards and a 'loan' from my daughter for £3k, let me explain this loan. My ex husband was a drinker, I knew this but what I didn't realise (partly due to my poor mental helath at the time) just how much he spent on his addiction or how much I was funding it! My youngest daughter in her first year of uni loaned him the £3k, and I did not know . Fast forward to June 2018, well I basically told him enough was enough and he had to leave. Then DD2 drops the £3k bombshell, and like I have always done I agreed to pay her back monthly. The rest? well who knows? bad decisions on my part, it has taken a while to stop blaming others for my debts, I spent it (albeit mostly on the kids or partners) so I have to own it. 

Fast forward to today ... I'm not sure I had a LBM, maybe mine was a slow burner? August last year I was in a mess but relied on my cards to get me through. DS1 moves back home and the spiral starts again, he was penniless and I see now I was almost 'bullied'? into funding his lifestyle. DS moves out last December and it was then I realised that my life was now mine and so I HAD to get out of the absolute financial mess I was in. 

As it stands I now am just under £5k in debt. Yay go me!!  . 
That intro was certainly longer than I intended lol
BW
HS 

Blackcats

Hello Hope. Welcome.   It's bit scary starting a diary but everyone here is so kind and knowledgeable and supportive.  You've done well to bring your debt down.  I've had lots of good advice and encouragement and I'm sure the brilliant experts on this board will be along soon to support you.  

Hope_Street

well now I have got that over with! 
thank you for stopping by
This little diary is to 'think out loud', to check in with myself really and make sure I am doing all I can to kick this debt into the dust once and for all. I have set myself I pretty tight budget but I figure as I live alone (well me and the dog) it's fine. So here are some of the things I have been doing some frugal ... some probably a bit extreme (for me) lol

• moved all but one c.card balance to 0% - the one left is Aqua (grrr) all that is on here is the remainder of a balance transfer to a 0% card.
• I cook from scratch as much as I can, my grocery budget for the month is £35 (DS buys dog food and treats)
• meal plan, batch cook and search for the cheapest deals - I'm vegan which helps keep the grocery bill down
• Keep a very close eye on gas & electric use. I have a combined budget of £60 a month and so far so good.- layers, layers and then .... even more layers 
• sold the TV! sick of the rubbish on it and not had a licence for months prior to that. I watched Amazon & Netflix, now on my laptop.
• all non-essential direct debits/payments have been cancelled 
• if I need something I check with family to see if they have it first, or if I can improvise - absolutely refuse to buy anything unless I have to
• keep updated with all the fab advice on here 
• sold stuff on FB marketplace & Music Magpie - chucked proceeds straight onto cards
• explained to my kids, I'm skint, and will not be in a position to just throw money at them as and when. They are onboard, totally supportive and I couldn't be more prouder of them ♥

If I'm honest I have surprised myself just how determined I can be!! Looking at that list I'm impressed and that's something coming from me! 
well, DIL will be round in a sec to pick up some baking I did for them yesterday, I may not be able to help with money but I am learning I can help in other ways. 
have a great day guys 
HS 

Hope_Street

Blackcats said:

Hello Hope. Welcome.   It's bit scary starting a diary but everyone here is so kind and knowledgeable and supportive.  You've done well to bring your debt down.  I've had lots of good advice and encouragement and I'm sure the brilliant experts on this board will be along soon to support you.  

Hi Blackcats and thank you. 
Yes, very scary but cathartic at the same time. Reading it back I hardly recognise myself from the person I was this time last year, which is a good thing lol
When I get a spare min I will sort out my signature and work out how to subscribe to diaries ect. This is all very exciting   
HS 

Honeysucklelou2

That’s really lovely, you can help your family in other ways. Well done on starting your diary and good luck with the remaining £5k.