Let's get this sorted then!

rachmac3

Thanks everyone. It's very much appreciated.
The busy week at work last week and the stress of everything else caused a bit of a flare up health wise so I have been resting/sleeping as much as possible. I feel like I've turned a corner this morning at last. I have a long drive with a difficult passenger today, overnight in a guest house I had no say in, sharing a room, and the same long drive back in the morning, so I am trying to do what I can to make sure that doesn't set me right back.
I tried the shoes dress and bag on last night and I love them. Probably not quite the traditional look for the event, but a version that I feel comfortable in. Enough effort to look special, but on my terms.
The cost of the shoes still makes me feel sick, but they are comfortable and classic (although not black!) and I do tend to hang on to shoes like this for many years so I am just going to get over the discomfort and think they are an early purchase for my future debt free life where I have spare cash for treats. Manifesting and all that.
So yeah, just hanging on at the moment and doing damage limitation in most areas of my life, but everything should look better by the end of next week

rachmac3

Ok, I have done my figures again. I might have spent far too much and had to take money out of the house and emergency fund, but my minimum payments have been made so my debt has still reduced. My credit card utilisation is down to 70% overall. For the first time in years my uni loan has gone down not up! I know it doesn't really matter and I shouldn't pay too much attention to it, but I still check it once a month just so I'm not ignoring it. I pay more interest on that than any of my other debts, including the bank loan. 
I tried to send back the second pair of shoes (I ordered 2 pairs) but both post offices in my valley were closed. Annoying. I really need that payment to be reimbursed ASAP as I'll be needing fuel to get to work for the rest of the month. 
I am looking forward to next weekend when I can start thinking about getting back on track. No more costly events for a couple of months (possible holiday in September if I can save enough). 

LzzyIsGod

You know i love an analogy, well this month is just a speed bump in the road! It doesn't stop us, just slows us down a little bit x

Cara_

I hope the drive and overnight stay went as well as it could. 

If you love the shoes then they are an investment.

We all have s*d it moments so perhaps you could put some money aside for the next one and then you can have guilt free take aways etc and it won't affect your budget.

Even though you had a blip, you didn't bury your head in the sand and your debt has still gone down - I'd take that as a win.

jwil

That's great progress, even with a little blip.

rachmac3

I'm starting to think this month is trying to kill me. Just had another unexpected expense of £230 (I had expected £50). My wages are gone, my food and fuel credit card maxed (£500). The house fund and emergency fund are almost gone. I've still got a few direct debits to go out. My fuel light is on. £100 should be cleared on my credit card by the end of the week. I'm trying to remind myself that it's all a learning curve and I still haven't gone further into debt at least, but it's starting to look like I might have to increase my overdraft slightly to last the month. I'll have a better idea on the weekend so I'm just trying to hang on til then. It's so scary how quickly months of hard work can start to unravel. I'm trying not to do anything too hasty in panic, but get through the next few days and re-evaluate the situation on the weekend. This stress is really not helping my health. I think I might go find a quiet mountain and scream 😂

PennysIntoPounds

Ouch, that's most unwelcome indeed Rachmach!
But as you say, it's fantastic you've been able to draw all your resources together to cover it, that is a genuinely brilliant achievement.
There's one week and one day left of the month, I'm sure you can do it- get some listings up, do some surveys (especially the ones that pay out more quickly), and have some 'interesting' meal combinations from what you've got in. They're definitely not weird, you're just channelling your inner Heston Blumenthal

FootyFanDan

Wow, this month is certainly throwing you the odd curveball, I can totally relate to how much that can cast a shadow on what your doing but to have got through with out adding to the debt shows the amazing progress you’ve made. I hope the rest of the month is kinder to you 

Middle_Aged_Guy

Hey rachmac3,
Recently read your whole diarie and i think you are doing amazing!
As other have said here, the fact you are managing to deal with life hiccups without adding more to your debt is truly fantastic. 
One day you will be able to read back on your diarie, debt free and be so proud of how you dealt with these bumps in the road!

Bookmarked and rooting for you.

M.A.G.

LzzyIsGod

Ah matey I'm sending a big virtual hug. The universe should really make sure these things don't all hit at once.

Not panicking is a good idea - rash decisions don't always end well and you never know a better idea may pop up in a couple of days time.

Chin up chick xx