OK, here goes...

C1aire

I've been sort of flitting around this site for a while now and dipping my toes in here and there - usually the OS board when I get really skint and need an alternative for something I can't afford. I'm 25 (soon to be 26) and really would like to start saving for a deposit on my own property, but saving whilst in debt is stupid, right?

I've been really lucky recently as I have landed a decent P/T job and got funding for a P/T MA, so just for once there is a light at the end of the financial tunnel. Last year I had a low-paid F/T job, but ends just about met. If I continued to live to that budget, I could make a big dint in my debt.

I always start these things though and never see them through, so I thought I'd be brave, bite the bullet and post on here. I'm hoping you guys will give me the rocket up the !!!! that I need. I'll start with the SOA....

southernscouser

C1aire wrote: »

I'm hoping you guys will give me the rocket up the !!!! that I need.

I really musn't respond to this! :silenced:

spud30

southernscouser wrote: »

I really musn't respond to this! :silenced:

No, you mustnt :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

Welcome to DFW Claire :beer:

crawley_girl

southernscouser wrote: »

I really musn't respond to this! :silenced:

LOL! Hee hee!

C1aire

Ok, not really the a rocket up the !!!!. It's my job to get on with sorting it out, but unless I have somewhere to check in and see how I'm doing/get hints and tips from others, I just don't bother.

Now I've posted this, I feel I have to do something about it, otherwise everyone will see how crap I'm being and other people aren't as easy to ignore as the little voice in my head....:embarasse

tealady

Right here comes the rocket.
You need to list all your outgoings (see southernscousers sticky at the top).
What are the APRs on the debts please?
STOP DIPPING YOUR TOES AND TAKE THE PLUNGE!!!!!!
Oh and welcome, were not as mad as we sound (well not all of us)

findingmyownway

welcome

now wheres that SOA you mentioned??

see... we can be a perseverent lot when we put our mind to it!!!

linniestorm

Welcome Claire! I'm in much the same boat as you, although I haven't managed to get on the MA course I want yet, (waiting till after the debt's gone and savings are in place first, so it's not like that time round at uni!) so I'm well jealous of you! Look forward to seeing your SOA!

happy_chick_3

Good to have you on board C1aire - new year, new start and all that!
I'm doing the same thing as you - aiming to get the debts paid off and get on the property ladder.

Get your SOA on here asap and you'll get loads of fantastic advice and have your own place before you know it.

Good luck!

C1aire

Ok, SOA...

Outgoing per month (based on December 07)
Rent - 520.00
CC minimum repayments (0% but will end soon) - 40.00
Pet insurance - 16.33
AA - 13.52
Phone - 30.00
SL - 60.00
Mum (so I know she's ok) - 50
Petrol - 20 (unless I have to go home, then more like 40)
Food - 80 (for me and the cats)
Commuting - £60

TOTAL = £889.85

Incoming per month:
Wages - c.1250.00 - the taxman seems to just take what he feels like...

Incoming per quarter:
MA funding - c. £1k

The Halifax account is a student OD that I am paying off, so I don't take cash out of it if I can help it. The interest rate is (from what I can find online) 1.24%.

I am also into my OD on my current account and the interest is 1.375% per month. This is currently at -£453 and I have about 25 days till the next pay day.

I just feel like I'm never out of minus money . Looking at my statement, I don't know where the cash dribbles away to. I seem to be taking out tenners here there and everywhere. I guess there's another NY resolution there....

linniestorm

I think a Spending Diary would help you keep track of where it's going. I tried one a few years back and didn't stick to it. Over the last year I thought I'd got much better at that kind of thing, but I've started keeping one again over the last few weeks and realised I'm not!! Lunches being the main culprit! So you might find that helps.

Also, you've got petrol and commuting? Do you have a travel pass as well, don't quite understand that!