High interest mortgage

foxgloves

Hello Marie, Oh my goodness, what a rollercoaster of a time you have been having. You have come to the right place for non-judgemental support. You said that going forward, "If I can't afford it, I'm not having it" & that there is the key sentence. Pretty much all of us on these diary threads have been been in debt at some point, seen the light (for whatever reason) & begun a different, more positive relationship with money. I know I have, & like a lot of people am out the other side having learned a valuable life lesson. I'm just popping on here to say try to stay calm so you can think rationally & take decisions in the right order, rather than react to them because you are so stressed. Remember that Martin Lewis says he's never seen a debt problem that can't be solved (or words to that effect, I can't remember the exact quote). And I agree with you about car finance. I never intend to take out car finance again either, let alone these wretched schemes with the big deposit, horrid balloon payment, etc. The monthly payments can just be so big, can't they, when/if our circumstances change or we are dealt a blow.... & then we don't even own the damn thing at the end of it until we've lobbed them that balloon payment on top of everything else!
Anyway, I just wanted to add my voice of support - I can see you've had loads of good advice already - & send positive vibes for beginning your turnaround. Take care,
F

EssexHebridean

I love the challenge of keeping grocery spending as low as possible by using up stuff we have in. It’s so easy to build up stocks in freezers and store cupboards, and then I know I find myself feeling reluctant to use things sometimes because “what if…” but it makes complete sense to use things then replace as needed, as after all there needs to be some “rotation” to stores or we risk things not being eaten at their best. 

A few of us have been trying to keep spending low for the last month having realised we had full freezers after making the most of the Christmas goodies - leftover Turkey and ham, or yellow stickered items - and I for one plan to continue it through February too, as we still seem to have plenty to be working through! 

EssexHebridean

They'll get used to it/over it/...or not, and just keep moaning...! At least you're not spending AND lowering expectations, both of which are useful! 

Working_Mum

I am self employed MarieQG and chasing monies owed is a thankless task. It irritates me when people don't pay grrrr

You sound like you're making progress and that's great to read. I feel sure your children will soon get in the groove with your new approach to money, waste, food etc! 

Make sure that you recognise and count your wins - no matter how small - it can really help motivate you when times get a bit tough.

Good luck!

((WM))

in_need_of_direction

i wish even one room in my house looked as good as your annexe!

EssexHebridean

Oh wow that looks amazing! Not surprised the bookings are flooding in - well done you guys for thinking of that! 

Working_Mum

I think your Annexe looks wonderful MarieQG - it is so lovely to see you embracing you position and moving forward.

Well done 

((WM))

Debtfree2026

I agree!  Looks amazing!