Small steps clearing debt with paws by my side

teacats

OopsIdiditagain1 said:

Hello teacats, it's a big step to share your story so that is a big win. I also have pets on which I spend a large proportion of my income, but they are my family and I have to make debt management work around them. They are a great source of comfort and a distraction from troubles.

I think the suggestion of gamifying goals is good. I have recently started using a free app called Finch. Basically you have a little critter to take care of and you set daily goals - anything from just getting out of bed to having a conversation with a stranger. When you tick off your goals your critter grows and you get rewards. There are daily affirmations and other "quests" to also boost your confidence. 

Sounds a bit childish and I have never been into things like that, but I'm finding it quite motivating to become more focused and present. I lost my sense of playfulness when I was a child and I think it could be therapeutic to get in touch with that again.

On the financial side, I would recommend completing an SOA for your own benefit. You may find it helpful to set out a realistic budget you can stick to, to help you feel more in control of your money.

OopsIdiditagain1 said:

Hello teacats, it's a big step to share your story so that is a big win. I also have pets on which I spend a large proportion of my income, but they are my family and I have to make debt management work around them. They are a great source of comfort and a distraction from troubles.

I think the suggestion of gamifying goals is good. I have recently started using a free app called Finch. Basically you have a little critter to take care of and you set daily goals - anything from just getting out of bed to having a conversation with a stranger. When you tick off your goals your critter grows and you get rewards. There are daily affirmations and other "quests" to also boost your confidence. 

Sounds a bit childish and I have never been into things like that, but I'm finding it quite motivating to become more focused and present. I lost my sense of playfulness when I was a child and I think it could be therapeutic to get in touch with that again.

On the financial side, I would recommend completing an SOA for your own benefit. You may find it helpful to set out a realistic budget you can stick to, to help you feel more in control of your money.

Hi thank you, I do feel a bit better having got it out of my head. 

Yeah that’s it, my pets take quite a lot of my income too - particularly my dog as he’s a large breed. But like you I see them as family. And I’d cut out a lot of things before I’d ever consider cutting their costs or god forbid rehoming them (nothing against rehoming for any reason, it would just absolutely break me). 

Oh actually I used to use finch but I forgot about it (story of my life lol). I remember it being helpful - will re-download it today and give it a go. I completely relate about losing your sense of playfulness as a child. I’m glad you’re finding it helpful. 

Yes I think an SOA would help. I’m wanting to use this month as a sort of ‘test month’ to see how much things are costing while I’m making a conscious effort to be frugal. Up until now I’ve kind of been sticking my head in the sand so been spending quite a lot (nothing big, just not being careful - like easily going to get a latte if I’m out somewhere). I obviously know how much bills are etc but it’s the variable costs like food that I’m unsure of. 

twiggy86

Do you have any hobbies that would keep your brain (and your hands!) busy to help curb the cravings/ boredom?! Like knitting, painting, colouring etc. Not encouraging you to go out and spend money but maybe you have a long forgotten hobby with bits already in the house! Even if it's just a notebook that you pick up and doodle when you need to distract yourself! 

OopsIdiditagain1

I can understand that, it's difficult to put numbers into an SOA if you are not sure if they are accurate enough to base decisions on. There's no rush, give yourself the time. 

I am with you on our beloved pets. It would break me to rehome mine and I hope to God it doesn't come to that. 

The surveys are a good idea. Every pound will help.