Valentines SOA Massacre

Gemmzie

I think that's a pretty good SOA, it's not worth overpaying the loan if it'll cost more in penalties. Just save enough to cover MBNA so when the 0% ends you can pay it or most of it off.

saffronflowers

Thanks Gemmz - we are going to keep paying the Barclay loan as is - when we get the PPI hopefully they will put it against the loan and it should alter everything quite a lot.

SFx

chevalier

Just to mention that you sometimes get cookers on freecycle. Would not be new but would be new to you.

I think you have hit your comfort zone with regards to paying off these debts. I personally would not be doing the things you do with such regularity if I was worried about the debt. But if you are comfortable paying off these debts over the time period they will be repaid over now, then that is up to you.

I personally would grit my teeth and trim the going out/cinema (thought that was going out but there you go), for a few months, and get it paid off sooner

good luck
chev

saver03

Virgin 3 - £45 - for broadband, xl tv and phone

We are on virgin and get the same for £30 per month. We called up and threatened to leave then they bent over backwards offering us deals!!

Maryjane_4

I think you sound like your doing fine. I'm really new to this but think if you are happy with the amount of money you are spending on going out and eating etc then there is nothing wrong with it. I imagaine it might be quite hard to tell the kids why they wont be getting there usually treats.

saffronflowers

Saver 03 - we have an extra set top box in our room.

Am starting on the reclaiming of PPI - from Barclays Egg and Barclays loan. So if that happens in the next 12 months should net us about £1500, though we are not counting on this money to pay off MBNA it will just be an added bonus.

Trimming down our food shopping - am going to try and spend £200 this month for 2 adults and 2 teenagers and three dogs.

SFx

saffronflowers

Well seem to be on track with the Grocery Challange but Weekly spend went out the window badly due to my pup being spade and it cost more than we were anticipating - hey ho glad that it has been done and she has recovered brilliantly.

Spoken to my pet mechanic as my car is due its MOT and great tip as my headlights are clear (they have a whole in one) all I need to do is put sellotape over the whole and bob's your uncle it complies. Wahoo. Saves me about £50.

I am aware that I could trim more off our debt but I know myself to well, that if I am too strict it will all fall apart. Also have the nagging voice at the back of my head "this is not my debt".

OH is still pants with money - but that is nothing I can do but not allow him near it!!! Not very grwon up on his part but is working for us as a family.

SFx

LilDevil

How about family nights in - get popcorn/drinks and play card/board games - my step daughter loves playing Monopoly (as long as we let her win of course!)!!

A few Xmases ago, I sent a Monopoly game to my friend in Bulgaria (before MSE) and he says it's the best thing they've ever had as they spend more time together as a family!

Or, a film night, you can usually get quite long free trials with LoveFilm (mine was 3 months!), also buying own popcorn/drinks!

RAS

Hi

Re the o% loan, rather than a standd high interest account, open an ISA. You can both do one each year, som e have very decent interst rates and you do not pay tax on them.

See martin's article on the savings fountain or what ever he calls it.