Time to start a Fresh part 2, 2022! 5 January at 9:05PM in Debt Free Diaries 469 replies 23.7K views

BlueJ94

Hey all, 

I thought as it's a new year it's time for a new part to my Diary.
Part one is here if you'd like to have a read along - https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6231115/time-to-start-a-fresh#latest

At the beginning of January last year I decided I would start my own diary as I've seen so many people be supportive to other members and it made me think, "hey maybe the support would encourage me to pay my debts off a little quicker" Thankfully it did, 2021 was rough, I lost my grandad to Cancer. That was the biggest blow for me, but I know he would be proud of how far I've came so far!

My debts as of January 2021 stood at around 6.1K, to some this may seem little and others it's alot. Either way debt is debt and it wasn't going to pay itself. I seen the amount of encouragement from other diaries and weekly threads, challenges and it felt like people actually was at the same point in life as me, in a rut scratching at the sides to be free from this hell hole! I did however rack up a small debt along the way of £360 so I take full accountability and have added this onto my debt!! As of today I'm at 4.7K in debt, paying nearly 1.4K off isn't bad but this year I am determined to get it all gone! I started a second job in Sainsburys in October working 4am until 8am 3 shifts a week, with optional overtime. 

My plan this year is to pay my smaller debts off first, then attack the bigger debt at £1980. I plan on meal planning/batch cooking for work. No takeaway coffees or snacks from works vending machine. 

Debt's as of now

118 Loan - £1980
Likely Loans - £840 
Five Lamps £770
Aqua £400 (I think)
Vanquis £360
SafetyNet £360.71

I wish everyone the best in becoming debt free, it is doable! No matter the size of the debt, just acknowledging it is the first step! Thanks to all that has followed and supported me along the way!

elbree

Great progress so far! Good luck and well done for getting the second job. Those hours made me gulp! You can do it! 

BlueJ94

elbree said:

Great progress so far! Good luck and well done for getting the second job. Those hours made me gulp! You can do it! 

Thank you! Yeah it's crap, I work two Monday to Friday at my other job do two days the jobs cross so I start my day at 3am and done get home until 6pm! 

BlueJ94

Morning all, 

Tested positive on the LFT this morning so not in either jobs now for the next 7 days! I feel fine though, just tired. 

Today I plan on cleaning the bedroom properly, washing the dog as he stinks! and just doing some cleaning in general. I also plan on just watching Netflix in bed. 

enjoyyourshoes

Hi , excellent start.
Just an option to consider:-
pay off debts with the largest interest rate first (but still maintaining any minimum payments on remaining debt) This will ensure you pay off debts quicker.

or

are there any opportunities that you can use MSE site to identify any 0% interest CC you can transfer all the debts into, then look at which 0% has lowest transfer %age or charge, Then calculate how much you need to pay off each month to clear the debt within the interest free period?

keep up the great work..

BlueJ94

enjoyyourshoes said:

Hi , excellent start.
Just an option to consider:-
pay off debts with the largest interest rate first (but still maintaining any minimum payments on remaining debt) This will ensure you pay off debts quicker.

or

are there any opportunities that you can use MSE site to identify any 0% interest CC you can transfer all the debts into, then look at which 0% has lowest transfer %age or charge, Then calculate how much you need to pay off each month to clear the debt within the interest free period?

keep up the great work..

Hi, 

Everything is on PP so no interest is added

beanielou

Happy shiny new diary 

BlueJ94

beanielou said:

Happy shiny new diary 

Thank you! Feels like a fresh start again

BlueJ94

Evening all, 

Not much to post. Tested positive for Covid this morning. Sick pay for the next 7 days on both jobs. But I feel fine, managed to clean the house and do all the washing. 

Parkyp

Glad your feeling ok and fingers crossed you stay that way. You made great progress last year and you’re going to smash it this year, well done 👏 

gymgirl11

Hi Jade, came across from your other diary!

Sorry to hear you tested positive, I'm glad you're feeling OK.

Good luck with the debt busting! Hoping it's a positive year, money wise, for you