Finding a future after debt

AntoMac

Just had a read through @ceremony - Well done. You’ve done brilliantly. Almost halved your debt in just over half a year. 

Sarahwithlove

Ouch about dentist. Hope it doesn't cost too much. 

t2rry

Ah I'm sorry to hear Mr Ceremony has been sick, hope he recovers quickly.  And also re: your tooth, I hate having dentistry (and the cost!) but fingers crossed its a quick, limited cost and fuss free fix for you!
I think you're right about this lockdown dragging, I'm convinced the cold and dark weather is what's making it particularly bad this time.  I daydream of days we can open doors to the garden and even get out there in the fresh (not freezing) air....!

ceremony

Thanks t2rry. They 'saved' my tooth (and it was only band 2 as well!) but they're worried about the tooth next to it so I have to go back in a few weeks for them to have a closer look. Mr Ceremony is doing better now, just stir crazy with these last few weeks of lockdown.

I've been offline for a while, well, off social media anyway.  Still plugging away at the finances and making decent progress (I'll do an update in the morning), but otherwise just waiting for things to re-open. Husband and I both coach sports, and his can be outdoors so he's hoping to get back out and doing things at the end of March. I think I've got to wait a bit longer though.

At least the weather's better so I bet you've been enjoying the garden

ceremony

Sorry for not posting much. The dull weather and lockdown have really been getting to me so I've not been doing much online. Just lots of working, reading paper books, and going on the rowing machine in the spare room to burn some energy off.

The rowing machine was a £100 junk model from Argos about 15 years ago that we never got around to getting rid of. The seat's broken and it's barely usable, but it's been a life-saver! I think when we're debt free I might treat myself to a GOOD one because I have a new appreciation for it.

The business loan is now clear! That squeaked in just before their pandemic relief ended, so means we get away with not having to pay lots of interest. I'm really happy about that. I'm not sure what to focus on next. I'm thinking of trying to nuke the smallest payday loans. Our council tax bills should be coming soon, though, so I might wait make sure the council's happy with the repayment arrangement we have for council tax first.

Monthly Update:

Debt Jun 2020   Current

CT    5144    3230 (that includes this year's)
Rent    240    0 (arrears)
CCJ  445    0
CCJ    543    290 (monthy arrangement)
Three    40    0
Three    261    211 (has arrangement)
PDL   340    0
PDL    114    114 (need to contact)
PDL    200    180 (focusing on the business loan for a bit)
Washer    509    509 (need to contact)
Business    2200    0

Starting Total: 10,036    
Now: £4,534

Emergency Fund: £150

Overall, pretty pleased with the financial progress for February, but really enjoying the better weather the last few days. I just want to go out on a few nice long walks and relax for a bit next month!

mark55man

you're doing great!  - great money juggling. Even if its not the cheapest thing to do in terms of interest, how about a focus on clearing a few of the smaller ones, once you have secured your arrangements with the council.  would be good to cross a few more off and just leave one or two biggies on your target list.  Then there are all sorts of games - I like the 1% club where you draw up a 10x10 chart and every time you pay 1% off you color in a square

I have a rowing machine, and I know what you mean about the buzz, but ours is out of action at the moment as the garage is so full of junk I had to fold it in half

moneyonmymindsam

No need to apologise we are here for you regardless  good to have a break from SM I think.
I hear that some Payday companies are accepting 50/60% settlement offers so perhaps worth a shot when you get round to those. 
I would as you suggested wait for the councils nod just in case.

Sam x

ceremony

Just dropping by for a monthly update. I'm still really in a funk these days.

Thanks @mark55man for the ideas! The 1% club sounds like a decent motivator actually. I'll look at that properly later!

@moneyonmymindsam - I had an email from one of the Payday companies about a settlement so I've answered and I'll see what they say. I'm not going to pursue it too hard though. I DO owe the money and I CAN pay it back so I'd rather do so because it feels like the right thing to do. If I was really struggling still it would be different and I'd be negotiating hard!

The council sent out their new bill. Adding that on to the current total makes things look slightly depressing. They're keeping the current arrangement for now though so I'll whittle the payday loans away over the coming weeks.

Monthly Update:

Debt Jun 2020   Current

CT    ????    4499 (got it down to 3230, then they added 2021 bill!)
Rent    240    0 (arrears)
CCJ  445    0
CCJ    543    280 (monthy arrangement)
Three    40    0
Three    261    206 (has arrangement)
PDL   340    0
PDL    114    100 (want to nuke this next)
PDL    200    180 (need to contact)
Washer    509    509 (need to contact)
Business    2200    0

Starting Total: 10,036    
Now: £5,774 (including 2021 council tax)

Emergency Fund: £150

Interestingly, Aqua upped my credit limit from £300 to £1300 without me asking. That's 'nice to see' since it shows that I'm on the road to recovery credit-wise. I've been paying the card off in full every month and I'll continue to do so, but it's nice to have a limit that can be used for bigger purchases now.

moneyonmymindsam

Wow that's a massive increase on the card, certainly doing something right   
Boo to the council but don't forget you have paid down so much in such a short space of time. Got a good 12 months to sort that before the next one comes 😅

It's been a funny old funk of a year hasn't it but you certainly have attacked it with full force. 

Hopefully this will be a good year - not long now until we are "back to normal" 😂😁 what ever normal is 😘
Sam x

t2rry

Oh Ceremony, sorry to hear you're in a funk.  I've definitely been there this time around, it's starting to ease for me now with the hint of nicer weather coming.  

You're doing so well with this though and yes, hopefully some form of normality is just around the corner.  At least some more fresh air!