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Original poster

Debt Free 2007?

551 replies

Flamesparrow · 28/11/2006 17:42

Keep thinking about this since yesterday...

Am thinking that my aim for 2007 is to be in a decent(ish) money situation next Christmas BUT I don't wanna take the swing out of the budgie's cage completely...

I need to work out how to save money, pay all the bills, but still be able to have the odd treat here and there.

I thinking:

  • Decent food budgetting/planning
  • uswitch (I think I am on the cheapest anyway)
  • s/o for savings AND a s/o for treats
  • Work out the birthdays that will be coming across the year and make sure I put aside enough each month to cover the hell months.

What else should I be doing?

OP posts:
AlwaysTheMummy · 30/01/2007 13:04

hey all, I still haven't completed the budget spreadsheet but thought I'd tell you my woes, lol.

I'm not expecting to be debt free anytime soon, we have 30k worth, but it would be nice in about 5-7 years or sooner if it happens, but I think 7 years is a good guess and not putting too much strain on things iykwim.

The things that I'm gonna put into action is:
Meal Planning - my friend does this and she keeps telling me to but I forget.
Keeping spare silver coins and possibly moving onto £1 & £2, we already save coppers and 5p coins.

We are better off than we were last year, we managed to pay off £15k when we sold our house and hubby used to spend £20 a week on petrol but now uses about £10 every 2 weeks. We have consolidated the £30k so at least it's all in the same place but it would be lovely to make a dent in it and get it paid off, we would love to build an extension to turn our 2 bed into a 4 bed but with lots of debt its impossible and we really need those bedrooms for when we add to our family, we only have 2 ds at the mo.

Well thats me, lol, hello to everyone xx

AlwaysTheMummy · 30/01/2007 13:06

sorry I meant 1 ds

AlwaysTheMummy · 30/01/2007 13:15

fao ska,

you said earlier in this post that you make your dc a bag for when you go out, what do you put in it, it sounds like a great idea xx

Original poster
Flamesparrow · 30/01/2007 14:56

I spent whilst I was out today Only about £3.50, but sooo annoyed with myself!

Hiya ATM - I'm still all inspired by the pay off your mortgage programmes - you can do it

OP posts:
FatFikAndFugly · 30/01/2007 15:24

I had to buy dd a new radiator at the weekend (could have lived without that) although shoes have now had over 170 hits, so hopefully I might get a buyer.

charliecat · 30/01/2007 16:45

Alwaysthemummy, did you see the mortgage pig thread? You could have a 30k debt pig...
here

AlwaysTheMummy · 30/01/2007 17:38

cc the debt pig is a great idea, we have a large piggy bank already so at least we're a step ahead on that one.

I'm the one with the spending habit so will need lots of support and motivation through the year from everyone

I'm determined to do this but I know it will be hard. xx

Jelley · 30/01/2007 18:52

Is it worth cutting my Sky from £21 package to £18? I don't think anyone would notice, but it isn't going to save us much.

Jelley · 30/01/2007 18:52

Is it worth cutting my Sky from £21 package to £18? I don't think anyone would notice, but it isn't going to save us much.

charliecat · 30/01/2007 18:56

We are making pigs tonight, paper mache ones 5 so far...hmm...fab free pressies

nikkie · 30/01/2007 19:41

£3 a onth is better than nothing and if you do it over the phone and waver a bit they may offer a deal.

Jelley · 31/01/2007 07:18

I'm going to ring and reduce the Sk today.

But I have good news The Co Op have just refunded the bank charges I was claiming for, after the first letter!

charliecat · 31/01/2007 08:06

Yayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy

nikkie · 31/01/2007 18:46

Great news Jelley

I did my weekly shop for £26 today after loads of F&V bargins and I already have a full freezer!(think it was mainly cheese I spent on )

charliecat · 31/01/2007 18:47

F and V? im sure it obvious but what???!!!

nikkie · 31/01/2007 18:53

fruit and Veg

charliecat · 31/01/2007 18:55

ah

Jelley · 31/01/2007 18:55

I couldn't work it out either.

GreedyGecko · 31/01/2007 19:22

Yay Jelley. Good news there.

I found a F&V shop near my docs that is a lot cheaper than the one near me. (about 25% cheaper )

Today I have:

Paid off Capital One card. (OK it was only £43, but it's still 1 out of the way)

Received letter from Barclays confirming they've received my letter requesting bank charges & will reply before 20th Feb.

Sent 2 old phones to envirofones . Am getting £10 for a 2.5 yr old LG & £23 for an 18mth old Nokia. Neither work, so done well.

GreedyGecko · 31/01/2007 19:26

Actually I've just changed it to Argos credit as I need a new stairgate,a nd am getting £11 & £28. So even better.

Original poster
Flamesparrow · 31/01/2007 19:40

I am suddenly realising how much I miss wine

OP posts:
Jelley · 01/02/2007 03:32

I include a £2.99 bottle in my weekly shop (I'm really not fussy and can usually find something drinkable on offer). Could you manage a cheap occasional bottle? If you deprive yourself of everything, you will lose motivation totally.

Jelley · 01/02/2007 03:35

I'm not spending my extra money - it has gone in the saving account, as dp will get a taxbill next year. (Usually he is owed moneybut he's not paid much this year and I know he will get a big bill.

charliecat · 01/02/2007 10:51

Flamesparrow I got merry on a bottle of lambrini the other night!! I didnt buy it, dp did and I couldnt not drink it, done the job.

Original poster
Flamesparrow · 01/02/2007 12:27

Its the taste of good wine that I'm wanting though, rather than the getting drunk aspect iyswim

If I budget well we should be able to squeeze a bottle in.

OP posts: