Debt and Budget (Reset) plan

EssexHebridean

You might be in a fortunate position but you've worked hard to get there - don't underestimate that! 

LittleMissDetermined

shell16 said:

@enthusiasticsaver, really feel im on the home stretch now, I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.  I can honestly say hand on heart that I have never been so focussed on clearing debt and that once im out of debt I will never go back there!  I can also say I will take the positives of budgeting and planning with me throughout the rest of my life and I hope to build savings to enjoy in the future.

I think this is the most important message for me.  When we have worked so damned hard and sacrificed things to get out of our debts we never want to go back.  

Like @EssexHebridean said, you may feel like you are in a fortunate position but you have earned it!  I hope your story continues to inspire others who are facing a similar journey as an example of what can be achieved.
LMD x

shell16

Thank you so much @EssexHebridean and @LittleMissDetermined, your words have just brought a tear to my eye. 

Yes I hear what you say but I couldnt have got to where I am now if it wasnt for both of you.  LMD, your journey has been so inspiring for me personally, your grit and determination have really shone through, its good we can inspire each other and for me thats been so important.  EH, your straight talking has made me evaluate whats important - who this story is about and given me a much kick up the backside when Ive had my wobbles and cheered me on when Ive had success.  Thankyou so very much both of you!

Shell x

LittleMissDetermined

Agh all this emotion! I'm welling up now. 
I think this is a perfect place to find inspiration and pass that on to others.  It also keep you honest too!  If it weren't for you, I would never have gone back to my Prolific account... that's £488 you have personally helped me clear off my debts and I will be forever grateful
LMD x

shell16

Morning All

Im gearing up to the new year already with my newly purchased planner.  My treat to myself, sad I know!  2023 is going to be my year, looking forward to building savings and having alot more income in my pay which is not heading towards debt.  I have spent the last half hour or so just crunching the numbers and I really believe I can become debt free by April, thats just 126 days away.

I hopefully will have Virgin CC paid off by Feb, Lloyds CC paid off by March and finally Sainsburys CC paid off when I receive my April pay on 18th.  Yikes!  

My plan for the first half of 2023 is the following:

1. Continue to fund my accelerated focus pot each month using £275
2. Continue to fund my variable spending pots using £100 each month
3. Continue to send £50 a month to a saving challenge
4. Pay all debt off by April 18th
5. Using surplus cash from April and subsequent months to fully fund any remaining pots (yearly/Variable) 
6. Build Emergency Fund to £1000
7. Start a new Focus on an overpayment pot for my mortgage (This comes out of fixed deal in June)
8. Start a new savings goal for house renovation
9. Continue with surveys

Its starting to feel so real now, I just need to continue with focus and determination!
Shell x

MissPennySave

That's so brilliant! Roll on 18th April! MPS.x

enthusiasticsaver

Love the new plan and being debt free by April will be awesome. 

Keedie

I think you're doing brilliantly, and I will definitely make more of an effort to do things in cash for my food shopping. I get cash back when I spend on my card with Chase, so I have different sub-accounts that acts as my different pots. I tend to overspend on food shopping, so I am hoping to do this by cash and have leftovers too. But I think I need to get into a proper meal plan routine to make that work. 

It's a great feeling when another debt is paid isn't it? I think daily check ins are very good, and I need to do this more, especially in terms of what I have spent, instead of simply worrying over it all.

shell16

Morning All

Quick update from me.  A nice surprise in the form of my car insurance, I will be paying £120.69 less than last year!  This has to do with the legislation brought in around premiums with existing and new business customers? Better in my pocket!

Shell x

LittleMissDetermined

That's a great saving! excellent news  
Not sure mine can get much lower, it's currently £155 for the year fully comp   I am not complaining!
LMD x