My DMP diary - 2026 (year 1)

Makingabobor2

When we started ours we hoped to have it all paid before I retired, as I am older than my DH, but due to me getting made redundant for 2nd time, that never happened. We managed to get a few F&F deals, but everytime I try for one now they just refuse them. These are with L*nk & C*b*t. We did manage to get some good deals with M**cr*ft, P*A and W*esc*t though. At our present rate, it will take about 9 more years & no way am I letting it drag on that long.

But like you say, we are now living life without constant stress, although I am desperate to get it all paid.

ArtyJ931

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82173026#Comment_82173026

that is interesting. I have tried to gauge how frequent settlement offers are accepted but have struggled to find that information unfortunately.

Makingabobor2

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82173265#Comment_82173265

I don't think there's any rhyme or reason to it TBH. Just depends how the mood takes them I think

ArtyJ931

Week 31 update

Debt things

• No letters, calls, texts or emails this week.
• Still no update from the FOS re: affordability complaints
• One of the credit reference agencies said my V CC had defaulted but I've checked and it hasn't. The same one then said it was delinquent not defaulted! I swear they make this more confusing - still only 3 defaults.

Other money things

• Payrise still hasn't gone through. Only going to be about 40.00 a month but still
• Prolific have invited me to have an account! Woohoo. No surveys showing yet though but will keep an eye. Spent ages completing all of the questions
• Time off this week plus birthday celebrations means that my budget went down the pan big style this week. Sigh.

Baileys_Babe

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82178793#Comment_82178793

Can your budget be tweaked so you have a pot of money for celebrations, socialising and when you have time off work?

ArtyJ931

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82178987#Comment_82178987

I’ve just started a new pot for this which I’m putting £10 of my weekly spends in to see how it goes. I’m still at the stage of finding it tricky to say no when asked out for celebration meals etc. it’s not very often thankfully

honeybee1234

40.00 pay rise - it may 'only' be 40.00, but think of it in real terms, what is that going to be able to cover that frees up money elsewhere? Part of a weekly shop, petrol for work, even your pot you've just started for going out, it's going to work for you in your long-term plan which is great!

Your weekly updates are a really good method for accountability and awareness, do you find them helpful?

ArtyJ931

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82183600#Comment_82183600

I’m hoping the posts are helpful for others rather than myself - I would have appreciated seeing exactly what happened in this process if you know what I mean, as it felt very unknown.

I will be rejigging my budget in the next month as I have saved up for some annual costs which are about to renew (effectively paying twice at the moment as I have been saving for the annual costs whilst also paying the DD) which will free up around £100 a month. £40 a month will be swallowed up instantly by the massive increase in fuel cost and not cover much else. It’s difficult when costs of everything are rising so quickly and pay isn’t keeping up. As we all know!

ArtyJ931

Week 32 update

Debt things

• Very quiet week on this front - no letters, emails or calls. No more defaults. Nada.

Other money things

• Been in survey heaven. Done a handful each day and have about 40.00 ready to cash out tomorrow. In 4 days. Yee haw
• Purchased my first annual insurance out of a saved up pot (house insurance) and can cancel the direct debit so that will be twenty quid a month roughly I can move to a different pot.
• Budget much better this week. Also rounding up payments into my new 'when I'm off work or there's a special occasion' pot. Feeling more in control this week.