Joining in at last ........... !!!!

determined_new_ms

Hi debbie, just read through your diary and wanted to say hi! Keep going at it you will get there. It took me and my oh several years of trickle trickle paying our debts and then in 2010 we decided that was it and went for it hell for leather. Its hard when you've got dependents to keep on top of things. It really is worth it in the end so keep your eye on the prize. Good luck x

debbiedebt

Well that's another Christmas over and I'm pleased to be able to say that I didn't go over budget on either presents, food or drink - a fantastic feeling.
We are still eating what we bought before Christmas and I'm going to get through January by just buying fruit, veg & dairy everything else from freezer or cupboards.
I have just signed up for the clothes challenge and have allocated myself £250 for the year so I will have to lose some weight!!!
I am also going to be stronger willed where my DD is concerned and not treat her to bits and bobs! This is going to be the hardest challenge for me.
I'm feeling incredibly positive for the coming year so let's hope it lasts and the debt shows a good reduction.

debbiedebt

Still feeling positive!!
Had a NSD yesterday and hopefully again today. Won't be able to overpay much on cc's this month but will make all minimum payments plus small PAD to my MBNA which is my main target for this year.
Going to spend time cleaning & tidying today when I can tear myself off this website.

JoeyGrey

Hi Debbie, well done on keeping up the good work. The progress you have made is brilliant - from the first posts where you were struggling to feed everyone on £120 per week to now where you're trying £50 per week. That's amazing!! Will follow with interest :T

Standingtall

debbiedebt wrote: »

Well that's another Christmas over and I'm pleased to be able to say that I didn't go over budget on either presents, food or drink - a fantastic feeling.
We are still eating what we bought before Christmas and I'm going to get through January by just buying fruit, veg & dairy everything else from freezer or cupboards.
I have just signed up for the clothes challenge and have allocated myself £250 for the year so I will have to lose some weight!!!
I am also going to be stronger willed where my DD is concerned and not treat her to bits and bobs! This is going to be the hardest challenge for me.
I'm feeling incredibly positive for the coming year so let's hope it lasts and the debt shows a good reduction.

Hi Debbiedebt, well done. Not treating my daughter is also my problem - she is so beautiful and gorgeous! She has just gone into a size 6 (she is 12 years) and so can start looking at some of the more suitable Topshop clothes. She got some skinny jeans from there and was so excited:j I wish I had all the money in the world so we could share the pleasure of the next 10 years or so of teenage fashion. Oh well, never mind:( At least she will learn the value of money and that is a much greater gift to give her:T

debbiedebt

Joey thanks for your kind words.

Standingtall - my DD is 20 and working but I still love buying her treats!!

I'm rather excited as I've just put in my first order with Approved Foods!!! I've paid with PayPal which was in credit so I haven't actually spent anything.

I've been proper thrifty today and made lovely soup with all the odd bits of veg in the bottom of my fridge and a pasta sauce with a withered red pepper, chillies, tin of value tomatoes & garlic. :A

Tonight I'm making mushroom stroganoff to use up mushrooms & cream.

debbiedebt

I feel I need to record in my diary my aims for the year ahead.

1. Lose some weight for the sake of my health and to help me on the crazy clothes challenge

2. Not to waste any money. This will be difficult for me but I will do my very best.

3. Get rid of everything in the house that I don't want or need

4. Embark on MSE decorating

5. Be a lot more organised especially with budgeting and meal planning

There are more but these are the 5 I am going to make my priority.

Happy New Year:beer:

debbiedebt

Starting the day taking down the decorations and I will throw away any that are tatty or broken.
Other things to do:-
Check online banking and pay odds to MBNA card
Clean where decorations have been
Cook for tonight and prepare meal for tomorrow when I'm back at work.
Make packed lunch for me & DD
Look through myo knitting pile & decide which project I'm actually going to finish

I think that's a start!! ::)

debbiedebt

Back to work today!! This enabled me to have a NSD. Went for walk at lunchtime for some fresh air but left purse in the office.
Hope to the same again tomorrow.

Rounded down my bank by paying odds to MBNA

debbiedebt

Very excited my first Approved Foods delivery is arriving today. :j

Going to aim for a NSD today.

Have taken homemade pasta sauce from freezer for tonight's meal.

Blimey I'm organised!!!