Single mum to 5, striving for debt free life

Jill12

Hello elbree, I opened a Monzo account today as heard all about the pots from on MSE. Think that could be budget changing and will be a massive help in allocating money for certain times like insurances. Think this is an area I need to makes changes in x

CL21, the car insurance got paid in full. The idea of paying interest on my insurance above the already hideous premium was almost a step too far 🤢, I ll just have to adjust my budget and start putting money by for next year. An unexpected £500 is silly on my part at this time of year x

Jill12

I have had another productive day. Worked until 5, took 3 kids for Covid jabs, dropped them at their dads, made some cereal for my dinner. I then attended my first step class in almost three years and loved every second of it! I am hooked, just ashame it is now finished until the New year 🤣. Then collected kids and now fell into bed ready to do it all again tomorrow. 

Money wise only spend £3.40 on my lunch. I have a few items to return to shops and I have realised I will need to save up for insurances through out the year and be better prepared to pay for them. Keeping a diary is helping me see where the gaps are in my budgeting and area that I might have to focus on more than others. 

Jill12

First overpayment made this morning! An unexpected payment of £60 landed in my account and £65 left over from my festive weekend just gone by. All in £125 to the Tesco loan. New total £818..... Delighted x

elbree

Well done @Jill12! That's a great chunk to pay off just before Christmas! 

lucielle

Hi
Just read your diary.  You're making great steps, well done.  I don't do them but I know a few posters do surveys and they can help.
L

Jill12

Thanks elbree, chuffed with myself! 

Lucielle, I have tried surveys in the past but not enough hours in my day at present to do them!

Takeaway last night for the 6 of us came to £40 which I was happy to spend after a very intense day at work. I have just went full time in the last month, purely to help with debt overpayments. I hope this will only be until the end of the year as I am totally committed to clearing this debt by Christmas 2022. Payment of £38.99 today to Tesco loan after a refund came through. Tesco loan now £776 as interest refunded too! Today has more Christmas celebration in stock so will be cooking for the ex inlaws! Its beginning to look a lot like Christmas! 

Tody is day 2 after exercise class on Thursday night..... It hurts to breath this morning so I am assuming I am a tad unfit 🤭

Honeysucklelou2

Well done on the overpayments on the loan.

Jill12

Thanks @Honeysucklelou2, I am making my way through your diary. You have had a tough time yourself so hope you realise how awesome a human being you are x

Celebrated Christmas with the ex inlaws yesterday and had a lovely day, very Christmassey! I spent £70 on food and alcohol yesterday but it was money well spent and far cheaper than if we had all went out to eat and drink. Pleasantly surprised myself with pulling off a decent Christmas feast which everyone enjoyed! I have not bought presents for anyone this year which has been anxiety provoking but a decision I am happy I stuck with. I have not had to deal with finding money I dont have to buy presents people dont want. I am happy I stuck with this decision so far but not sure how it will be on Christmas when the kids only have one present each. Slightly apprehensive about that but will be honest and let you all know how it goes......

I paid another £4.28 to my Tesco loan this morning and waiting for new Monzo card. Will be opening pots to save up for insurances during the year, so I ll never be taken by surprise again!!!

Jill12

Tesco loan £770.82/£943.82

Jill12

Wow so I have managed to make a large payment of £682.18 to my Natwest credit card and this has now cleared that card in time for Christmas. Truly believe that cutting back with presents this year is the only reason I have been able to do this. Totally worth every unspent penny and disappointed face!!!