Paying off £37065 unsecured debt by July 2027 while continuing to travel this amazing world

Nintud

I have edited my signature to focus on the main debts that I am focusing on. Progress is slow, but progress has been made.  The - figures are from additions to the debt. These will be repaid when child maintenance arrives on Friday. I will also pay another £12 off Very to bring my debt reduction there to £200. If budget allows, I will pay £55 off Very to bring it down to a round £700 owed.

The boys weren’t collected yesterday. I had forgotten that my work pattern was disrupted by half term and I had arranged to keep them for an extra week so that my child free weeks match the week I work more from home. I need that travel free time to clear up the mess they leave!  That means two more mouths to feed this week than I had planned for.  Fortunately I have plenty of food in for this week, but fridge/freezer/cupboards will be bare when they are next back with me on the 10th. That is 5 days before pay day, and not the best time to have to do a big shop.  I’ll have to be careful with the child maintenance if I’m to steer clear of credit cards. There are no snacks here at all so I’m going to pick up some caster sugar and golden syrup and make biscuits, cakes, and flapjacks. I have all of the rest of the ingredients for these, so it should cost around £2 for a week of snacks and desserts. Other than that, I just need fruit, bread and milk (10 more pints required as I have 5 left.

I have £6.48 left of my overdrafts and a £20 note in my purse. I’m going out for dinner with colleagues tonight. Not something I can get out of, I’ll pick the cheapest thing on the menu. I’ve already dipped into the EF, so only £5 left there if needed. Lots of bits to send to debt and savings pots on Friday, but I will do this.

Must put my mileage expenses in as I’m going to need to put petrol in before pay day. Putting in £10 at a time is a pain. Full tank going in on pay day, as it’s getting too cold to fill up in dribbles!

19 days until pay day. All DDs paid.

Nintud

I’m going to add up all the interest I have paid on debt this month. It’s the wake up call I need as I’m already begrudging the penny pinching life. I think watching the interest fall each month will be just as motivating as watching the overall debt go down.

Nintud

A starter and a Diet Coke will cost me £10 tonight. I’m happy with that as we’ll be eating later than I usually do, and I want to be able to sleep tonight. I’ll have to add a bit for a tip, but I think i’ll have enough of my £20 left for the little bit of grocery shopping I need to do.

I had forgotten the £15.50 in Vinted sales that are due any day. That’s a little bit more breathing space.

stymied

Have you already told your colleagues about your debt busting efforts or is splitting the bill based on what you have the norm? It might be a big relief to others of them not to have to spend big too x

BudgetingBelinda

I’ve just read your diary, I like your attitude to travel and living life and attempting to get to grips with debt. Definitely inspiring and I wish you the best of luck. I’m striving to get to be able to travel after such a long time in debt with dependents. Keep up the good work, hope your debt comes down and your travels are great!

katsu

I'm glad my thoughts on the white goods insurance helps. I think it's unlikely that you need new appliances every year. Ways to save money include local electrical charity shops and Facebook. Look at eg what a new hoover costs in Tesco for eg. 

Maybe look for local appliances repairers? 

It's all about what works for you.  I just feel sad when I see people in debt paying for insurance as I feel it's rare to use it. My parents insured their washing machine and fridge and it made me so sad as they paid more than they benefited. 

Good luck on your road to freedom! 

RelievedSheff

I'm another one who doesn't insure white goods. The cost of the insurance is very rarely worth it when compared to the cost of replacement appliances.

Nintud

stymied said:

Have you already told your colleagues about your debt busting efforts or is splitting the bill based on what you have the norm? It might be a big relief to others of them not to have to spend big too x

Thanks for dropping by.

I could not tell my colleagues. I’m responsible for a budget of millions of pounds in one of my jobs, there’s no way I could have it known that I struggle with my own finances. It would be frowned upon at the very least.

I made my excuses and skipped the meal. A fair few others didn’t go either (much to my relief), I don’t know their reasons.  I came home to a lovely roast chicken dinner, with enough chicken left over for a curry and chicken & veg soup.

lilian1977

Hi

Just dropping in to say I am a fellow travel addict (Norway next month, Denmark in January, Algarve in March!) so I feel your pain. I'll subscribe and follow with interest

stymied

Nintud said:

stymied said:

Have you already told your colleagues about your debt busting efforts or is splitting the bill based on what you have the norm? It might be a big relief to others of them not to have to spend big too x

Thanks for dropping by.

I could not tell my colleagues. I’m responsible for a budget of millions of pounds in one of my jobs, there’s no way I could have it known that I struggle with my own finances. It would be frowned upon at the very least.

I made my excuses and skipped the meal. A fair few others didn’t go either (much to my relief), I don’t know their reasons.  I came home to a lovely roast chicken dinner, with enough chicken left over for a curry and chicken & veg soup.

Yum! That sounds like a much nicer evening x