Can I join ? Debts exc mortgage e47k but at least mortgage arrears cleared this year. All from years of paying massive childcare costs, paycuts, tax increases, some definite over spending (holidays & weekends away to escape debts/reality). DH & I have had rows over last piece of cheese in the past. Never able to save an emergency fund so had to rely on family for anything like car costs etc. always seems to be something extra due every single month! Trying to finally build a small cushion by cancelling consultants appointments etc.
Until now have been living on below poverty levels to pay for groceries etc but this year childcare will decrease giving us a bit extra every month.
I want to put extra into debts but realise I should start spending a bit more on groceries (in a good cook can stretch a lot !) & clothes for all of us plus treats the odd time. (Eg cinema, going out). But still looking at about 5 years to clear short term debt during the best years of our kids lives :( most debts built up before we had to kids through just bad planning mainly. Finally have a good budget just need the strength to stick to it & not be tempted by a(cheap !) weekend away for the kids (guilt from working FT).
Last christmas was unbelievably tight but we used the grocery budget to buy them bits every week (and argued amongst ourselves over the cheese) :D
Never go out together as can't afford babysitters, family cover work childcare when we are stuck.
Unlike me my kids will grow up knowing the value of money after hearing us talking about making e20 stretch for a week !
I know all the tips I need to stick to them :D
If I had one months debt repayments as said above I could do so much with the house which is falling down around us :(