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Getting out of debt

6 replies

bluestar22 · 02/06/2026 11:23

Hi
i wonder if anyone has been in a similar situation and has a positive story to share.
I accrued a staggering £25k in debt (credit cards). Mainly for being completely financially irresponsible and just spending it on myself (expensive clothes) and some of it on my children’s stuff, house stuff, etc. I pay all the minimums and I am paying extra on top so have taken it down to £19k in the last few months. After paying the minimums and about £200 extra on top I’m left with almost nothing so while I do have an ok salary this is draining me in a really bad way. While I know I can repay it, there is something not clicking in me yet. I find myself having the same impulsive behaviour of seeing some nice clothes and wanting to buy them and for the last few months I have and returned most of it after regretting it. I have read a couple of books which have been really good. I have used all the tricks (moving to a 0% card etc) and not interested in speaking to organisations. Anyone that was able to stop the cycle and get out of debt? How has your life changed for the good? All the tricks please! Thanks x

OP posts:
Cherriesandapples1 · 02/06/2026 13:37

Are you asking more for advice on the impulsive behaviour or for budgeting/debt advice

redskyAtNigh · 02/06/2026 13:41

Is it online buying or in person?

If online, remove bank details from the sites and put your bank card somewhere that it's annoying to get to. Another "trick" is to put items in the basket and never buy them at once; come back the next day and only buy them if you actually need them.

If in person, then don't go in the shop unless for a very specific purpose.

Bjorkdidit · 02/06/2026 13:55

If you've reduced your debt from £25k to £19k in a few months, that's really good going, and means you should get out of debt relatively quickly - couple of years or so?

Hopefully you'll be able to keep the debt on 0%, if any offers run out, just transfer to another - if possible without a fee, they're often available, but in any case, avoiding interest is key.

Have you minimised all your essential expenditure (broadband, mobile phones etc) to maximise the amount you have left for everything else?

Are you being sensible with groceries and other spending so you don't risk not having enough to pay your debts?

If you've been spending on clothes and household goods, do you have anything you can sell to recoup some of the cost? You could allow yourself to spend some of the money you make on things for you so it doesn't feel like you don't ever have anything nice.

If you need any motivation, look at the money you're paying off your debts each month - once you're out of debt, you'll have that money available to save or spend as you wish and will feel much more financially comfortable.

Are you able to increase your income at all, either by getting a higher paid job, doing overtime, or taking on extra work, eg exam marking or whatever you are qualified to do.

bluestar22 · 02/06/2026 15:50

Hi

Thanks everyone for the advice that’s really helpful and there are some things I will try.

I guess I am asking more about how to stop the cycle of getting into debt, it is almost an addictive behaviour but I only do that with clothes, I live quite simply otherwise not going out or big holidays etc. While I am happy I have made some progress, I do not trust myself enough to think I won’t be making an absolutely silly expensive purchase and trump all my efforts!
I have looked at all my expenses and I can’t really cut anywhere else, and I am sensible enough to always make sure I have at least the amount to cover the minimums, never missed a payment.

I am buying online which is the issue I think. It’s just so easy! I am on maternity leave so perhaps being at home more has contributed to that. Sadly unable to increase my salary or hours at the moment since I have two little ones otherwise I would be working as much as possible.

OP posts:
Bjorkdidit · 02/06/2026 16:01

I've just realised that what I didn't say in my previous post about selling clothes and using the money to buy more is that I meant both selling and buying on Vinted. So you don't actually buy anything new, but if you sell things, you can use that money in your Vinted account to buy things on Vinted.

bluestar22 · 02/06/2026 16:43

Thanks for clarifying. Yes that is a very good strategy as long as I only use my Vinted balance!

OP posts:
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