Dreaming of being Debt Free

Debt_Smashing

Thankyou @enthusiasticsaver, it is a large percentage of my take home pay. And an even larger proportion after I pay all the bills.
Indeed it would be a very easy win if it was truly easy. And yes roll ups are cheaper, which I use. Unsure about vapes. I may have over priced how much I spend. Luckily I don't drink as well. Maybe a route I should look at in the mean time, vaping that is. But quitting is the plan, as I do want to. When I have before I've been in the right head space for it. But replacing the nicotine for a different type may not be a great idea.

Pollie

Our local surgery nurse will prescribe gum, lozenges etc free of charge and does not insist on you joining a group. Do you know if yours does?  I chose the cold turkey route and luckily was successful. Good luck if you try but I know you have to be in the right mindset.

Debt_Smashing

I'm not sure @Pollie, would be something I'd have to ask. I've only ever done cold turkey before with success.
But thank you 

Debt_Smashing

37 hours in now. Didnt say anything yesterday as saw still day 1. Feeling ok. 
And hopefully get paided Friday. 

Was anything else on the soa look outta place?
Or any other advice you could give me. Today I'm feeling kinda swamped by the mess I'm in.

Debt_Smashing

92 hours nicotine free now.
Still irritable, but still hanging in there. Insomnia is not fun either. Hoping it doesn't last much longer.
Also, I've dipped into emergency savings this week. £80. Feel rubbish for doing this. 
But pay day tomorrow. Pay slip is in and getting £100 more than expected.
Panicking I'll be in same position next month again. And really, I wanna get more traction on these debts. Got a horrible feeling.

[Deleted User]

Very well done on the 92 hours. Keep going. We are all here to support you. You will be successful.

Debt_Smashing

Thanks baron_dale. 
Well I'm 7 and half days in now. No longer counting in hours lol. 
Just put an extra £50 on the CC. Keep thinking I need to overpay, and not, so just did it.

Also MOT on car is this month. Defo needs work doing. But is it worth it? Was only a cheap car so I gamble and fix it, Or get another cheap one. Worst thing about being skint and owning a car.

joedenise

If it's not too expensive to fix then probably worth fixing.  Are you living in an area where there is good public transport?  If so could you use that instead of a car.  Not something I can do but if I lived in a city then I would and get rid of the car but really depends on where you live if you could do this.

Another car should be a last resort as it would probably mean another loan or going into your overdraft and paying nearly 40% interest again.

londoner2019

Hi, just jumping in to wish you luck on your journey! Yes, it’s a marathon, but this is why these diaries are great for support from the sidelines along the way.

quick one on your SOA - you say income fluctuates monthly - look to budget with whatever the minimum income is, and then any extra hours can be put to overpayments.

And you mention you cover bills etc, and your partner covers fun stuff? Sometimes fun stuff adds up considerably - if I don’t pay attention I’ve seen £250-300 just go on not a lot over a weekend. It’s worth ensuring your contributing equally to bills and fun (if that’s your arrangement). That’s where a quick look at some lifestyle spending can save a lot of outgoings.

I don’t smoke but I know people who do, so I’m aware that a week nicotine free is a massive achievement - well done!

Last thing to say is your debt is not insurmountable - so don’t stress too much.

[Deleted User]

How are things going? Looking forward to an update.