My Intentional Journey to Debt Freedom

Cara_

I’ve been reading along and wanted to echo others thoughts on how well you are doing. Excellent news on the 0% transfer card – it’s like all the pieces are dropping into place for you. I wish you well with your money saving journey.

Less_Talk_and_More_Action

I couldn’t agree more @Cheery_Daff. For me, part of being intentional was the decision to start this diary and commit to posting every day because it is helpful in sorting out my thoughts.  The credit card is a really tangible result but everybody who has posted has helped me in ways that they probably don’t realise 
I definitely have a way to go and, of course, this is about being consistent over time and changing habits but really pleased with my progress in three weeks.  

I love reading about people’s lives, thoughts and unique approaches to life.  I’m a bit of a strait- laced person in the real world as I manage a lot of processes in my working life and that spills over a bit, so I am really appreciate different views as I can let my approach lead to inaction sometimes (eg the credit card) even when it’s detrimental.  

Thanks for popping by @PennysIntoPounds.  Lesson for me in not thinking I know everything 🤣. 

Mr L has cracked open a bottle of red from our Christmas stash - unbelievably there is some left!  I’m off to have a big glass. 

L x 

beanielou

Hello 

Happy shiny new diary.

Like you I am overweight & in debt.
It happens to the best of us.
What matters is that we are dealing with it.
Keep plodding 

Sun_Addict

That’s great news about the 0% card. You can find some brilliant tips on these diaries. You’ve made some fantastic progress since you started this diary 👏

Less_Talk_and_More_Action

Thanks go thanks for popping by @beanielou.  You are so right about plodding on.  When I think about it (and this diary is making me think about lots of things) I can be a bit all or nothing - if I can’t lose 5lbs a week it’s not worth doing for instance!!!   On the finances - cut everything to pay something off really quickly in an extreme way.  That doesn’t sound too bad on the surface but no budget or thought means out comes the credit card as soon as some unexpected bill appears and off we go again.  

So here I am - making slow progress in both ares but working to change my mindset to value the small wins and identify additional really small steps that I can add and turn into something sustainable.  

I’m gradually catching up on several new diaries and they are inspiring me as well - this MSE space is quite life-affirming isn’t it?  There’s such a lot of negative stuff around and the news is always bad and so many people struggling at the moment that the generosity of people on here with their advice and tips has given me a warm glow.  I don’t do any social media at all - nothing.  Whilst generally I think that’s a good thing for me, doing this diary has opened me up to the views of others and that’s been really beneficial.  

L x 

Less_Talk_and_More_Action

Thank you @Sun_Addict.  I’m really pleased with progress so far.  I think the CC is a really big win but I am now expecting to settle into the more boring bit and to keep doing the small things.  This is where the risks are for me - my attention can wander a bit!!   But just recognising that is a new thing for me so I am gradually feeling a mind shift.  

I try to think about how I will feel in a year if I don’t do any of these things - this year is already going so quickly- and that keeps me moving forward as well. 

L x 

FacelessNumber

Great news on the card! And a really nice reminder of why this forum works so well.

I completely forgot to bookmark you last time I commented so have just caught up, your doing much better at posting on your diary than I am, I'm going to have a little finance catch up this morning and will post them. Ideally want to do this twice a week but this week has been a bit manic, and the next 2 don't quieten down much either!

jwil

Brilliant news about the credit card!

Less_Talk_and_More_Action

Good to see you @FacelessNumber 😁.  I decided I would try and post daily when I started my diary.  Whether anyone else looked at my rambling thoughts is, of course, something different 🤣.  I have enjoyed it and I think that the frequent posting has kind of focused my mind on a regular basis.  It’s been great that people have popped by with advice or just to offer encouragement.  My aim to be intentional extends to the posts - I don’t always have much to say but looking at the long standing diaries it seems to be a good mixture of notable actions and (more importantly) day to day small actions- the habit I am working on. 

L x 

Less_Talk_and_More_Action

Thank you @jwil. I am unreasonably pleased at such a great step forward 😁. Mind you, you could teach me a thing or two about the benefits of the small amounts adding up.  I am always impressed at those small PADs adding up.   For the first time I now have our mortgage on an app so I can track it.  Once the higher interest CCs are gone that’s where I am heading next.  I feel I have had a personality transplant- I am excited 🤣🤣. 

L x