The absolute last time

Tunnocks

I'm chuckling as I write this as it's nearly 10 years since I last logged in here. My last diary was titled 'One Final Push' but needless to say it wasn't. I have been in debt continuously since I was at University. Since the fateful day I turned up at Barclays and asked them for an overdraft which was never fully repaid and in time turned into loans and credit cards. Over the past 20 years I've been in varying degrees of debt but I've never had savings of my own which is quite depressing when you're in your 40s.

Anyway, this is my third DFD and I'm determined to finish what I've started this time. I currently owe £1525.42 to Barclaycard, which is on a 0% balance transfer. I am also £400 overdrawn.

My finances aren't dire; I have a very sensible DH who manages most of the household finances and takes 50% of my wages when I get paid for the household bills etc, and then £300 for joint savings. This leaves me with £820 after my mobile phone bill and a few other small DDs. My plan is to put £255 to my credit card per month, as well as any other money I make, until I am debt free. I will also try and reduce my overdraft by £100 a month but this is a moveable target. I am due £200 extra in my wages next month due to overtime, and I may request a savings break from my tyrant of a husband (joking) to meet my target. We shall see how I get on.

Honestly I never thought in a million years that I'd be 43 years old and still in debt. It's actually absurd. I am hoping that going full MSE will give me the laser focus I need to kick this once and for all, before I find myself carrying debt into my retirement. I get paid on Friday, I've worked out that if I aim to pay £100 off my overdraft this will leave me with £400 to live on. This may seem doable, but it will be a five week month for me and I've got quite a few things on. I've also got to get into work once a week and a couple of birthdays to pay for.

I am basically praying to the Vinted gods that someone will buy some of my misshapen cardigans.

Sardine82

Good luck with your journey. £400 sounds like a lot doesn't it? But then it just goes. I am in the process of working out where mine goes 😂. You will get that paid off in no time. I am rooting for you!