Advice/Tips on Debt Management

TheAble

Not much to add other than you seem to be heading in the right direction. Carry on as you are and you should be clear of it in 18 months. Trimming a few costs here and there and you should be able to make faster progress.

MorningcoffeeIV

CheerfulIntrovert said:

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Groceries - yes, it's slightly high but it also includes eating out (currently we only do so like 4x max per month). 

I wouldn't describe 4 times a month as 'only'!  

If you can get your eating out and trinket buying under control, you'll be able to make massive inroads into your debt.

But do make sure everything is accounted for in your outgoings.

CheerfulIntrovert

Thanks everyone for the comments & support! 
In the coming months, we will try harder to buckle down and keep unnecessary expenditures to the minimum! I'd really hope we can pay off everything by the end of next year. 

RAS said:

Are you on the electoral roll in the UK, do you have utility bills? Once you are here for 6 months, it might be worth a soft search for a credit builder credit card costing less than 22% and using it lightly and repaying before the month end. 

With stable employment and a good credit history, you may be able to convert some that Japanese debt into 0% UK debt.  

Already on the electoral roll. Getting a UK credit card is not within my plans, but could be worth considering as I would need to build credit history. Dilemma dilemma...

Anyway, don't really understand the last bit regarding converting debt into 0% UK debt. I don't think I can transfer debts between countries... 

kimwp

I agree that eating out four times a month is not a small amount - any eating out or takeaways is a luxury, so definitely on the axing list for someone serious about getting out of debt. It's the kind of thing that can feel normal and a right, but there are people who eat two meals of beans and rice every day.