I spent all my money and to save Im stopping drinking !

[Deleted User]

Not your normal debt thread here but appreciate some tips. For the last 5 years Ive always had lots in the bank. With the stamp duty holiday, I decided to buy a house for my son. Thats totally wiped me out from £100k savings to minus £15k loan. 

I waste soooooo much on buying a bottle of wine a day and then all the crap I pick up at the shops buying said bottle of wine and most of that crap is wasted / fattening treats. So NO MORE trips to the shops! 

Im on day two of putting every penny Id usually spend on wine into paying extra on the loan. £5.50 a time - more at weekends when it could be vodka or brandy. Its bl**dy hard - I wont lie. 

Any tips ? Anyone done this before? 

RobM99

I'm doing similar - each day I don't drink at all, I put £5 in an account - saving for a small sports car! (Toyota MR2 Roadster). Over £1,000 saved in 2020!

newsgroupmonkey_

RobM99 said:

I'm doing similar - each day I don't drink at all, I put £5 in an account - saving for a small sports car! (Toyota MR2 Roadster). Over £1,000 saved in 2020!

Come join the MR2ROC (or the Facebook group). Lots of us about. Can give you lots of help and ideas.

sourcrates

Start a diary post in the diary section if you wish.

ryanm8655

How did the £15k loan build up? You must’ve had a healthy surplus to build up £100k, what changed?

I’m usually quite a big drinker, would go out 3/4 times a week. In lockdown I started drinking quite a bit to deal with stress, typically only 2/3 times a week but I’d drink quite a bit when I did drink.

I had my first drink after a 3 week hiatus at the weekend. I’ve really noticed how much money I’m saving on the little shops, which helps. I’ve also generally felt much better/sharper of mind. Going to do another month. Was always the plan but after Sunday’s hangover I’m even more keen.

The other benefit is the weight loss...

Maybe you could break it down into each week of no drinking equals x time off of your debt free date.

williewonder

I have problem with drinking especially due to boredom and coping strategies. I go to the shop at least 4 times a week and purchase 8 or 12 cans. This is £10/15 a time. Then comes the takeaway which is another £10/15. I have limited self control. 

Naomim

There is a thread "giving up/cutting down alcohol" on the diary section here. It's posters may be able to offer some tips to meet the challenge 👍

RobM99

williewonder said:

I have problem with drinking especially due to boredom and coping strategies. I go to the shop at least 4 times a week and purchase 8 or 12 cans. This is £10/15 a time. Then comes the takeaway which is another £10/15. I have limited self control. 

£100 a week in beer and take-aways?  

joshiesaunt

I would echo looking at the cutting down on alcohol thread - it's helpful to have the support and no judgement and great when you see the ££ going to good use.