Debt free diary starts today at £16,763.08

tagliatelle

Work from home day today which is always good because I don’t tend to spend any money! Also have an exercise class tonight which is covered under my gym membership - the membership is cheaper through my employer and comes straight out of my salary so this is something I want to use more of while I’m cutting back on other things. Will hopefully help with my mental health through all of this as well. 

Few watchers on my camera but no major interest. Finishes Monday so still have the weekend to include. 

Luckily our MOT is being covered by the manufacturer due to a bit of a mistake they have made when we bought the car last year! So it’ll just be the tax to pay and I’m hoping other half will agree to monthly on this occasion. Not feeling as down in the dumps as I did on Monday night! 

Have done a few surveys on Swagbucks. I’m about half way to a £5 PayPal payment… But this was only with about an hour of free time yesterday so not terrible!

tagliatelle

Today has been a no spend day PLUS I just found about £19 of Boots points on my account - totally forgot about them. Ordered a new foundation that should have been £15 which was completely free So I’d like to say I am technically £15 up today  

enthusiasticsaver

I love finding Boots points on my card.  I always forget to use them and then get a surprise if one of the counter staff tells me how much is on there. 

sunshine_raincloud

Love paying for things on points! Definitely a win! Glad you're feeling brighter 

Mumoffourkids

I have just read through your diary and was going to suggest prolific as well. It’s the only survey site I do as the surveys pay reasonably and are a little bit more interesting than the usual ones on other websites. I made just under £50 from prolific in May and have already cashed out £10 in June so it is well worth signing up when you get a chance.

tagliatelle

A little weekend update. Only spent £8.30 out of my own personal money since I finished work on Friday. This was on 1 drink and some chocolate and at an extremely overpriced venue! But it was pre booked and the tickets were a gift to me so I didn’t feel so bad. Spent yesterday walking the dog, gardening and just lounging about. 

Todays plans are: 
- Get as much as possible on eBay. I have piles of clothes everywhere! Also fill up a charity bag with the things that won’t be worth listing. 

- Meal plan for the week ahead. Plan on doing the Aldi shop at 8am tomorrow before work. This includes lunches for work. I’m only in 2 days a week but I spent nearly £10 on 2 office lunches last week

Getting closer to payday where I plan on making a real fresh start! Need to start really budgeting both with my sole account and our joint spending account. I have never really made the effort to budget before. Please send me any ideas or tips!!

pennywisepoundstupid

Hi, just wanted to say you are doing great and well done.

Also i have started using the vinted app for selling clothes it's much better than ebay as there is no fees to pay.

Keedie

Your laser focus is admirable @tagliatelle and you'll be debt free before you know it. I'm also going to be having a clear out and will list items for sale online. It's mainly my son's clothes, his dad gives him designer hand me downs that never fit him, so I'll make the most of this!

I'm going to try and get to grips with meal planning and batch cooking to help with my debt free journey as well. I think with regards to your camera, if you brought it as a passion or a hobby, would you not miss it when it's gone? Or was it one of those purchases where it was a good idea at the time, but you've not come to use it? Good luck with all. I've subscribed to cheer on your progress. We have a fairly similar amount to clear as well. x

tagliatelle

pennywisepoundstupid said:

Hi, just wanted to say you are doing great and well done.

Also i have started using the vinted app for selling clothes it's much better than ebay as there is no fees to pay.

Thank you for your kind words. I have heard many things about Vinted but have never used it - I will definitely check it out! The eBay fees can be a real pain. Thank you  

AntoMac

Stuff that I know is coming up, such as dentistry and the cost of Christmas I save ahead for in separate accounts. I have another separate account for saving for car expenses having found out the hard way. None of these things are really ‘unexpected’ so why was I always surprised when they came up? I also save for my football season ticket so that it’s paid for in advance. 

There is often some unexpected cost or bill that crops up, but I try to plan for as much as possible whilst still being far from perfect. Holiday is another one I save regularly for, as well as overpaying bits on the mortgage whenever I can.
Nothing really groundbreaking or earth shattering here really, other than to say I have found putting money aside for these various forthcoming costs has been a good habit to form.