My new pay a debt off before June 16th challange

helliecopter_2

Hey Beckseven

Well done on your diary, as you're doing really well. I'm sure you'll find a way to have a great holiday on a budget - let us know any tips you pick up. Whenever we go away I always do a search on the net 'free things to do in xxxxxx' and it always brings up plenty to do. I've found with very small children (3 & 2) some of the things can be a bit dull, but add a picnic and a football and you can make it a good day out.

I've read your diary with interest as we have a very simliar amount of debt to get rid of. I think it's a great idea pickling a date to aim for and I thought I'd try to get rid of my loan and credit card by 16th June. Hope you don't mind me 'tagging' along and dropping in to see how your doing.

Good Luck with your challenge. xxxxx

beckseven

Thank you so much helliecoptor. You are doing really well as well it's surprising howmuch calmer you feel when you've taken control isn't it? I am looking forward to my holiday and am going to try as hard as i can to keep costs down. I've always got to keep my hubbie in check though as he is a nightmare! I've got my tesco voucher for Exmoor Zoo which going to be almost a free day out and I've bought most of our food for the week and I am going to make us packed lunches each day. I'll definitly check out free things to do on the net too! I'm in worry mode at the moment worrying that I won't get through the month without getting out the dreaded CC but trying to be positive and frugal! Thanks for joining me on my challenge-good luck!

GirlRacer_2

Hi Beckseven well done on the Capital One balance, its coming down lovely, try not to worry too much about spending too much, I find when I constantly think about it I tend to spend more. Its good to see your taking your own food, it'll save you a fortune.

helliecopter_2

I love the tesco clubcard! I've just ordered a magazine sub for me & 1 for DH using £20 worth of points. It's saved me a fortune especially as we now live in Germany and the magazines are so expensice here. I've got about £15 worth of points left and am going to use them towards a family day out at legoland next time we're home. I'm gutted there's no Tesco out here, but in the long run it's better for my shopping budget!

beckseven

Well I'm back and I've got a feeling that I have spent too much money-not that we were extravagant but it's just the day to day spending that gets you. I'm going to do my sums and then will come back with the damage. beans and water for us this month I think. Have just remember that i'm meant to be going out for a meal with the girls on Tuesday as well-arrrgh-I really can't afford it but haven't seen them for ages. I can't really cried off either as I've already pretended to be ill to avoid going out to another meal due to lack of funds-oh pants.....

beckseven

Hello! Well things are going to be a bit tight this month but we'll manage. I'm going to meal plan today and go shopping tonight so hoping to keep it low. I was disorganised this morning and had nothing to make lunch with today so bought lunch at work but that is the last time this month! Lock down on finances now. Panicking a bit that I might not make it. It would kill me to have to put my figures up again.

shopaholic2008

well done your doing really well i think i might do something similar as youve really inspired me i have problems spending money on silly stuff like snacks at work so im keeping a diary and then next month no where im going wrong
Good luck and look forward to having one debt done and paid

beckseven

Thanks for the support shopaholic-its nice to know that I inspire someone! I don't feel very inspiring at the moment as the month as I have to get to April 23rd. Last night I went to Asda and spent £59.78 on my weekly shop which wasn't too bad especially as I have the ingrediants now for a massive fish pie that should last us as while. Tonight however I am going for a meal with friends which could be expensive. We split the bill four ways which is fine by me but I may be a little more frugal without appearing tight by drinking tap water and not indulging in a dessert. I'm trying to lose weight anyway so don't mind and if me stinting brings the meal total down and my share of it down-it's fine by me! I've got to pay for DS swimming lessons tonight however which will be about £37 so more money pouring out. Never mind-he always comes first and will never do without because of my past stupid spending-not to the ridiculous point of running round in designer togs though or buying him loads of toys when it's not birthday or Christmas! I pulled myself back from the brink of stupid spending today-nearly bought a Nell McAndrew DVD from Amazon cos panicking about looking fat at my uni reunion in May! However I stopped and thought that I have 4 perfectly good DVDs at home and am going to text my friend to see if she wants to do a swapsie on one!

GirlRacer_2

Hi Becks, you seem to be doing well, I'm sure you'll get through the month OK. If it was just me I'd live such a frugal lifestyle, as it is with kids it's not possible is it?

Hope you enjoy the meal tonight.

beckseven

Thanks Girl Racer for your support. I paid out £48 for swimming lessons last night but hey ho-he loves it! I spent £26.75 on my meal and thankfully it was gorgeus-no dessert or wine for me either-see my halo! We had such a laugh that the evening flew by. Dont need to spend anything today-phew!