Starting over...

cobragirl

Thanks, I know you're right and that's why I'm trying extra hard to clear it asap. I'd also love to be able to give up work for at least a year and go back part time.. Cloud Cuckoo Land? ! ! That's what everybody wants isn't it. Oh well. Thanks for the advice MO3. Take it easy.
x

cobragirl

I haven't seen much point in posting until now as I haven't done much of any interest!
I have, however, cancelled my Virgin card (woo-hoo!) and will be rid of A+L in 3 months.
I've just snowballed and it calculated 61 months and £6030 interest. My personal challenge is to half the time by serious budgeting and card swapping. All pay rises will go on my debt. I don't think I can apply for any 0% cards at the mo so have to stick with what I've got.
Is this possible or am I mad?

xx

cobragirl

12th Feb ........................................................15th March
Student loan 3786.56 ........................................3700
Barclaycard 1277.24 .........................................1100
A+L card 224.35 ................................................130
MBNA card 5868.09 ........................................5860
HSBC card 3902.00 ..........................................3858
Virgin card 129.87 (will pay in full and cancel this month) GONE!!!!!
Halifax card 4278.12.......................................... 4242
HSBC overdraft 850.00 .......................................650
total 20,316.23 ..................................................1 9,540 (and pence)

On second thoughts, I won't pay off my A+L, I'll pay more off MBNA as the interest is ridiculous.Still haven't been able to stop my student loan, but hopefully that won't take too long.

Any suggestions?

neverdespairgirl

you are going really well!

cobragirl

Thanks! I'm trying really hard but it's so frustrating because I'm really impatient and just want it done. I'm also a bit obsessive and my OH is getting really narked with me always doing surveys and searching for deals, freebies and goodies. He says I'm addicted to the laptop.
I say it could be worse, I'm doing something constructive and not messing around on Facebook!!!!
He might have a point though, he's been out since 9 and I've been on and off this thing the whole time. I have got a bit of housework done though!!!

kizzykizzywizzy

Hi there cobragirl, you're doing really well, it doesn't hurt to be obsessive about clearing debt, I think you really do need to be dedicated, & I know I've had a really rubbish year trying to clear just over £7000 of debt, but I personally prefer that to having it drag on forever.
I have to agree with Mum of 3 it's so expensive having children, & my debt definately spiralled from around £1,500 - £28,000 (due to having to give up work as childcare costs too high, & buying lovely things for the baby) which i put on the mortgage then another £20,000, which is what I have now almost cleared!
BUT, I'll also say, don't miss your chance to have children, they are the best thing in the world & if you actually totted up how much they cost, you'd say you'll never be able to afford them!
Have you tried the free bingo sites yet?? I made £77 doing that, not a huge amount, but it all counts.

SortingIt_2

Hi Cobragirl,

Just been reading your post and wanted to wish you lots and lots of luck! I too really want to have a child as getting on a bit but have far too much debt. I have had to go down the route of a DMP as had over £60K of debt (very long story including helping out people and not getting the money back!) and was struggling to meet all the payments. Anyhow with the DMP set as it is it will take me about 6 years.....too long!! So my aim is to half this for say 3 years, although I wish it could be sooner!!

Will def be keeping and eye out on your thread and well done for what you have done so far! It is hard work and becomes all consuming, my OH thinks I think about it too much too but I just can't help it!

Take care xx

cobragirl

Thanks KKW and Sortingit, it always cheers me up when I see someone has replied. I haven't been able to post for a while as my work has blocked virtually everything and I can't click on any threads on this site any more without being told I'm being naughty! (Trying to cut down at home for reasons already mentioned!)

Day off today though, so I'll be checking on everything and catching up with surveys etc. I haven't tried bingo yet, I don't really know how it works and I know my OH will definitely not approve. I also don't feel I can justify spending the money unless there's a pretty good chance of some winnings. It's like the lottery, I always want to do it but in ten years of playing intermittently I have only won £20!!!!!!

Have a great long weekend everybody!
x

Lizalu

I think the Bingo KKW means is free bingo, they give you £5 / £10 worth of credit and you can win with this, no need to play with any of your own money.
Here is some info http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showpost.html?p=8141889&postcount=743

And well done on your progress so far, it's very impressive!

cobragirl

Ah. I'd forgotten about those! Should give it a try then. Thanks