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I am the obstacle and I am the path (to debt free...again)

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  • DrCarrie
    DrCarrie Posts: 923 Forumite
    Ninth Anniversary 500 Posts Debt-free and Proud! Photogenic
    So I have been getting things in the diary to look forward to, it is lovely. Been back in touch with my yoga teacher about going back - but that really would make a hit on my budget for debt repayment. Dilemma. 

    I do, however, think that I will meet one of my goals, and perhaps 2 when the CC statements show up. And I have the starting of a 6 month plan, and a 3 year plan. I need a bot of structure and aims. Most importantly, to get my life back a bit from COVID and the break-up with GF, who has been with me throughout the pandemic. 
    3-month emergency fund (Cash ISA & PBs): £4744/ £6,000
    Stocks and shares ISA: £1497
    Additional pension contributions £0
    Overpayment on mortgage: £0
    Big Renno..£0
  • WinterWarrior
    WinterWarrior Posts: 6,102 Forumite
    Ninth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    Some people say no life while repaying debts and others say budget it in and pay them a bit slower...it’s up to you to decide what works best for you. I’m finding if I give myself an inch I’ll take a mile, so am trying to be quite strict 😬 If yoga makes you happier then it’s worth seeing if your budget can support it...or you could try some free on line resources and see how that goes? I know it’s not the same, but it would save some cash. 
    And plans are good, I do love a plan 😁
    Not all who wander are lost - J.R.R.Tolkien
    🌊 A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor 🌊

    My WW and friends diary is here 😁 … 
    https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6259606/must-try-harder/p1

  • Aspiration
    Aspiration Posts: 532 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 500 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    Sorry about the relationship but it sounds like it’s right for you which is good!!

    Yoga sounds like a great idea! Having the same debates about things opening up and spending a little more loving, a fine balance but yoga is great for your well-being so I hope you go for it.
    April 2020 - £102,222 Loans/CC’s.

    Jan 2022 - £0
    Cleared - £102,222

    Jan 2022 - Now time to build suitable investments and a business!
  • DrCarrie
    DrCarrie Posts: 923 Forumite
    Ninth Anniversary 500 Posts Debt-free and Proud! Photogenic
    Morning dear diary. 
    One of my CC direct debits is not working. It is frustrating, as I need to keep it in mind. I have tried to ammend it several times. It is very strange and annoying. 
    I have very much overshot the budget this month - but given the context of relationship breakdown, I am going easy on myself. 
    I seem to have met one of my goals...but have nothing left to treat myself with! Have plenty of food and should be all fine. I am going out for dinner with friends later, and I need it. Be with people and have a laugh. 
    This morning I got new contents insurance and saved £12 a month to boot. 
    Need to sort out my self-employed books and send them off to the accountant. 
    Still feeling a bit of a wreck, and drinking every day. Not good for the budget!

    3-month emergency fund (Cash ISA & PBs): £4744/ £6,000
    Stocks and shares ISA: £1497
    Additional pension contributions £0
    Overpayment on mortgage: £0
    Big Renno..£0
  • WinterWarrior
    WinterWarrior Posts: 6,102 Forumite
    Ninth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    Congrats on reaching a goal ⭐️
    Can you replace drinking with something? A nice coffee, hot choc or mocktail? I know it’s hard, but it doesn’t want to become a habit. 
    Enjoy your dinner. How lovely to have a meet up! 
    Not all who wander are lost - J.R.R.Tolkien
    🌊 A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor 🌊

    My WW and friends diary is here 😁 … 
    https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6259606/must-try-harder/p1

  • Ahhhh...I’ve been missing in action too!  Hard luck with your lady, that’s never fun to go through, and being by yourself even as things start to open up again - it’s hard without support so absolutely take it easy on yourself right now.  You’re doing your best and it’s good enough *hugs*
    Congrats on the payrise though, and meeting your goal!  That you did so at all is an amazing achievement.  
    I had the same dilemma today about restarting sports massages - our own wellbeing is important though...you know that.  It’s just a case of reworking the budget a bit so it all fits in.  
    Love and hugs to you, lady, and hope you have fun tonight!
    Short term
    CC 1: £0/£3491 (finished Apr 21)
    LOAN: £1698/£3408 (finished Jan 22)
    Long term
    Student loan: £7562.66 (finished July 25)
    Mortgage 1: £75,326 (low interest)
    Mortgage 2: £25,025 (high interest - snowball focus)

    Goals
    Slush fund: 1050/5000 21%
    NSD/total days: 0/1
    Meal plan: 0/1
  • DrCarrie
    DrCarrie Posts: 923 Forumite
    Ninth Anniversary 500 Posts Debt-free and Proud! Photogenic
    Thanks @Thelaughingcat its still quite tough!
    So I have royally messed up the budget for this month, and overspent - but the CC's had no action, I might have to dip into the emergency fund, but not sure yet. Annoying but at least it is there I guess. Emergency self-care and wine fund, for relationship breakdown. However, I was so, so tempted to just blow a load of money on my favourite skincare line, but that really will have to wait. 

    I am now at 28% of debt paid off, and that feels good. 
    3-month emergency fund (Cash ISA & PBs): £4744/ £6,000
    Stocks and shares ISA: £1497
    Additional pension contributions £0
    Overpayment on mortgage: £0
    Big Renno..£0
  • DrCarrie
    DrCarrie Posts: 923 Forumite
    Ninth Anniversary 500 Posts Debt-free and Proud! Photogenic
    Good morning dear diary.
    I am sorry I am neglecting you, the hurt in my heart reigns on and I am not on point. Far from it. Nevertheless I have sorted out my pots, and moved some money for my taxbill and the emergency fund over to the Pr3mium B0nds. 
    This years tax year excel sheet started - no profit yet. Not sure there will be, but we will see. But some tax relief will be there for sure. 

    I am on leave in June and into July. So have squirreled a bit of money away for that. Not much at all, it will be packups for lunch and making the most of my Network railcard. Three things are planned, that might be enough to be honest, and get to the beach and in the sea, do some sewing. Soothe my soul, and be gentle with my heart, try not to drink too much wine. Thats the main plan alongside, nurturing, getting outside in nature and nourishing my body. 

    3-month emergency fund (Cash ISA & PBs): £4744/ £6,000
    Stocks and shares ISA: £1497
    Additional pension contributions £0
    Overpayment on mortgage: £0
    Big Renno..£0
  • WinterWarrior
    WinterWarrior Posts: 6,102 Forumite
    Ninth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    Welcome back, we’ve missed you. 
    These things take time. Someone who is just right for you is out there, it’s always best not to settle.
    cheap days out to the sea sound wonderful. If you have enough for an ice cream it will make all the difference and a packed lunch will be fine! 
    Not all who wander are lost - J.R.R.Tolkien
    🌊 A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor 🌊

    My WW and friends diary is here 😁 … 
    https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6259606/must-try-harder/p1

  • DrCarrie
    DrCarrie Posts: 923 Forumite
    Ninth Anniversary 500 Posts Debt-free and Proud! Photogenic
    So I spoke to my accountant yesterday...waiting for the details. Had a NSD and submitted something for my PostGrad course. 
    Woke up feeling a little brighter...not going to hold that too tightly though. But I am committing to some wellness activities, that I hope will support my transition.

    1. My 3 'N's - Nurture, Nature and Nourish,
    2. Follow the Action for happiness calendar for June
    3.  the NST turtles challenge 'Jolly Simple',
    4. (at least) 20 mins of housework a day

    Action for happiness for today: Decide to look for what is good every day this month. 

    See you tomorrow. 
    3-month emergency fund (Cash ISA & PBs): £4744/ £6,000
    Stocks and shares ISA: £1497
    Additional pension contributions £0
    Overpayment on mortgage: £0
    Big Renno..£0
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