How has MSE and DFW helped you the most?

poorandindenial

For me there are a few things that have really helped me.

1) the people - you are all amazing and there are some hugely inspirational people on here (I did start writing a list of people that deserved a special mention but it got REALLY long):cool:
2) the challenges - for me, especially the pay £20k in a year challenge - it has really focused me and I really think I might make it:T
3) the reality check that I took after I found this site, it really made me wake up and realise how much money I was frittering away on utter crap instead of frittering it away on paying back my debt .
4) the addictiveness - my social life is suffering because I am on here so much and I never go shopping any more because I am on here so much - saved me no end of money:rotfl:

silverbullit

MSE has helped me to be generally more conscious about personal finance matters. I have received lots of really helpful advice on such things as insurance, bank accounts, savings etc. I first found out about cashback and Quidco on this forum and have managed to save hundreds of pounds since.

I gave up smoking last July - when the smoking ban came into place in England - and found the thread on 'giving up smoking' and the people who contribute to it very helpful and supportive; i used to visit the thread very regularly to keep up my motivation; it worked because i haven't had a cigarette in over nine months!

In more general terms, so many people who visit the forums do so with a view to helping others, whether that be by offering advice on financial matters or on personal issues; there's a warmth and positivity about the board which ensures i am, and will continue to be, a regular visitor!

SmellyOldSock

Hello all

well mse for me has become a 'must' in my life. I check in everyday, sometimes more than once for guidance, advice and just to see how everyone is doing.

Since joining I've reduced our council tax banding, got cheaper car insurance, lowered our grocery spending, and am claiming PPI back!

Thank you all for your support and most of all friendship and guidance without judgement.

best wishes
Charlotte

Gemmzie

Financially, it's saved us a lot month to month, stopped the household running up debts at the previous rate (which appears to be £25k-ish for 2005/2006 :eek:) and we've got the debts under control and coming down. We might even be able to manage a holiday sometime next year!

Psychologically, it's saved a marriage and everyone's sanity.

gargrave50

Sanity, had several lightbulb moments just been whacked on the head with the entire light so ready to start taking this seriously. This site has already saved me £££££, given me hope and some ways of making extra cash and i've only been playing at it so far.:j

cat4772

DFW has helped me to stay motivated to pay money off debts
MSE has helped me make my money go further (old style cooking/ budgets/ shopping challenges / shopbots and shopping around for renewal of insurances[car, buildings & contents]) and make new money (cashback from quidco, mystery shopping etc.

I know I'm not alone, people have been in my place (deep dark hole) and dug themselves out and are now debt free; this gives me something to look forward to. I'm also now in a position to reply to newbies about my experiences and what I've found that works in the hope that it might help them a little bit!

Most of all, it's knowing how supportive everyone on the site is.

Cat.x

MissShoes

I love that I'm honest about my financial situation here and can see how the steps I'm taking are having an effect on my total/DFD. There are no friends/family to whom I am as honest as with my DFW buddies. They're always full of suggestions, support, ideas, words of wisdom or jokes to keep me going through this journey. You can always lean on them or pick their brains or run something by them.

Gotta say I LOVE MY DFW BUDDIES. Mwah xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

hunny

MSE and DFW has helped me stay focused. I no longer spend on things I want, I only spend on things I actually need. I actually work out how much money I have to spend each week now where as before I would spend all my money within a week of being payed!
Reading other people's debt stories makes you realise you are not alone. The advice and support people give out is genuine and extremely helpful. Everyone always makes you feel welcome, no matter how silly you think a question might be there is always someone willing to provide aN answer it for you.

Hunny
X

Claw_back_money

The site has made an enormous difference to my attitude to money. We used to spend more or less all our income, sliding further into debt without really thinking about it. I'm still thinking about my salary before it comes, but now I'm planning what to pay off, and spending doesn't enter my thoughts at all.

Also, being part of a community where having and spending isn't the priority, but being responsible with money is, is incredibly supportive. The majority of the people on here are great, and share experience/comp answers and freebies with unbelievable generosity. I think I've learnt more about finances in the last couple of months than in my entire life. Although 'good at maths' at school somehow that didn't equate to an understanding of interest rates, bank charges, and just how to let banks and utilities work to your advantage. And I'd never heard of Quidco, Pigsback, and couldn't be bothered to shop around for gas etc, or to list things on ebay.

And as others have said, all the time you are on here you can't be out spending money.:beer:

Thanks all
Cbm

WorkingHardDFW

I've got to say, and I know it sounds corny, but its changed our lives.

Its helped me by:

• Giving me perspective on other peoples situations. Its funny I am sure many of us are surrounded by really good friends who probably don't have a clue about the situation we are all in. Somehow having a conversation about not having any money is not done! Its wonderful to read the inspiring stories of so many of you who have turned it around and come out the otherside.
• Its having MSE friends who understand what its like and what the pressures are whether its saying no to the kids or whatever
• Its understanding what is realistic. Like spending £500 on food for a family is a little excessive. I now really consider what i am buying and I know the price of things so when I'm somewhere and I see what looks like a bargain I know if its a bargain or not!
• Its has so stopped us overspending. Our bad habits we'd had for about 10 years. In the six months that we've been proper DFW's we've knocked 20% off our debt which we couldn't have done without the support from here.
• Getting support on the down days. Some days its great and I feel so positive and occasionally its all too much and I just want to get off. However coming on here which I now do daily keeps me going - goodness that sounds corny.
• Giving support to others. Whilst all our situations feel awful to us because they are relative its nice to be able to give back when someone posts needing help
• It makes me laugh

Finished now - no more :rotfl:
As i said it really has changed our lives (thats the royal we since OH only gets the we are doing this or that as recommended by Martin!!) - LOL