Making 2026 a debt busting year

RedLipstick

Sounds exciting, well done, you will get a lot of visibility! It's also a great leverage for a pay rise/promotion.You never know about the outfit, it may give you the extra confidence. It may sounds super silly, but two years ago, I bought myself a very expensive lipstick (Herm3s, satin series), something I absolutely never do, and I hardly use any makeup! I needed an extra confidence boost for a round of virtual interviews for a job I really wanted, and thought it will pay for itself if I get the job... I got the job 😉 I run workshops with senior stakeholders as well, and always use it now! 😆 Good luck with the project, looking forward to hear how you're getting on! xx

YORKSHIRELASS

Thanks @RedLipstick I am sort of half nervous half excited, it's going to be a great experience and I am sure I will learn a lot even if nothing else comes out of it. I just have to try not to put too much pressure on myself. It sounds like you have done really well, funny how little things can give you a confidence boost! I will definitely report back.

YORKSHIRELASS

So, Sunday morning. I have been feeling a bit fed up about our debt situation which on the face of it is weird because we are financially better off than we have ever been. However this means that it's hard not to think about what we could be doing with the money we are earning if we have didn't have the debts.

This train of thought is pointless of course, we just have to use our earnings wisely to get rid of the debts as quickly as possible whilst saving for bills and emergencies so we don't get into debt again. I also have to continue to work on the mindset that having the right stuff does not make me happier, more likeable or more successful.

Small actions and small steps are what matters now I guess.

ThriftyPrincess40

the feeling will pass don’t lose your focus. You’ve got this 💪🏻❤️

YORKSHIRELASS

@ThriftyPrincess40 thank you so much, that means a lot, I am changing the habits of 35 years since I got my first credit card and it's not going to be easy.

DH and I went to the big out of town shopping centre this afternoon. We need new sofas and a lounge carpet but we are going to work out the cost of what we want to do and save up. It's embarrassing but we have never done that before, usually it would just go on credit. Paying off the debts is still a priority of course but I am also starting a lounge refurbishment fund.

ThriftyPrincess40

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81865580#Comment_81865580

that’s a big step 💪🏻 and brilliant idea ❤️

RedLipstick

I don't have a sofa since November renovations, and I still have internal doors just there waiting to be done. It was a little embarrassing initially to have friends over but I'm prioritising reducing debt and increasing savings, so chairs will do for now. I know how hard it must be for you, but remember you're doing a great job and your future you will thank you. It's a slog but you will get there, and every pound towards debt now, is a pound extra you will have for yourself in the future!! Look at your first post how well you're doing xx

YORKSHIRELASS

Thanks @RedLipstick x

Well, we could have a spanner in the works. Our house shares a septic tank with 3 other houses and one of the houses is up for sale. A survey has revealed that the septic tank needs money spending on it. We have no idea how much the cost will be, I suppose the only good thing is that the cost will be shared. Our neighbour is going to pop round on Thursday to discuss it with us.

Otherwise all is good, it's been a no spend couple of days and I have been too busy with work to think about shopping.

YORKSHIRELASS

Well, the septic tank situation is worse than we thought. It needs replacing with a modern system urgently. We have been told that this could cost £20,000, or possibly more. My carefully crafted financial plan is about to be shredded and scattered to the wind.

The only positives? We are both working full time with no children to support and no mortgage. We do have debts but we can borrow if we need to, and we will need to.

I need a bit of time to absorb this, we also need to get some proper quotes.

amber03

Sorry to hear this, always seems to happen, you try to get in a good place financially and then you get hit hard with the unexpected.