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Original poster

Debt Free 2009

119 replies

grouchyoscar · 31/12/2008 11:35

Anyone fancy doing one this year?

I've found it rather helpful/inspirational TBH. On the last day of 2008 I've managed to stay in the black and squirel a tiny bit towards 2009.

I can see things being much tougher in 2009 so lets pool our tips/idea/etc togther and get through it on mass.

Even a credit crunch can't get Mumsnetters eh...well HTH

OP posts:
FAQtothefuture · 02/02/2009 22:33

it's nice, discovered today, from the neighbour, that it's been empty for 6 months. Hence the horrible damp/musty/cold feeling to it.

Had the heating on almost constantly since Saturday - just to warm it through and try and get rid of the smell.

Really need to start getting it sorted, virtually no furniture moved upstairs yet, what is up there is in bits (dismantled beds etc) and everything else is either in the garage on dumped in the lounge and dining room.

I'm sat on the floor with my PC LOL.

I'm hoping my HB will kick in by the end of this month, which means I can start my proper debt clearing in March. In the mean time I have to stick to minimum payments on stuff or I'll risk not having the money to pay the rent at the end of the month,

Jas · 03/02/2009 17:57

Oh, our house had been empty for a long time before we moved in, to. We had the heating on max for days, but have never in ten years needed it that high since. Once a place gets really cold and damp it takes alot to warm it back up.

Flamesparrow · 04/02/2009 16:12

Our house is just bloody freezing atm anyway. There is no insulation in the loft we discovered Some bloke came to do an energy assessment (a tenants rights scheme or summat) and was horrified. Haven't heard anything since though so no idea when/if it will be sorted.

FAQtothefuture · 04/02/2009 17:07

yeah it's getting there now - but of course not helped by subzero temperatures outside at the moment.

Still hopefully will soon be able to turn it down, and in the meantime I'm taking advantage of it being on high for ages by trying to catch up with a weeks worth of washing LOL.

Jas · 05/02/2009 22:29

No insulation at all. Can you call them and see, you might be entitled to subsidised/free insulation.

I have been fiddling with our finances today and may have reduced our monthly expenses by £100/month
That will make a huge difference to us.

Frasersmum123 · 07/02/2009 07:54

Hiya everyone.

Im trying to clear my debts of £2200. I have found that 'snowballing' really help - see www.whatsthecost.com . It really helps! It also means I can add all the little payments I have paid, and keeps me motivated!

Good luck to you all

Flamesparrow · 08/02/2009 10:44

We have inspection coming up soon so will be firing our questions about insulation then. We know it is going to be an issue as there is piles of cr*p in the loft - no idea if it is theirs or previous tenants!

Flamesparrow · 08/02/2009 10:45

Off to asda to do week's shop (less meat), aiming at £20, leaving me about £15 to do the meat tomorrow, and we will be £10 under the budget.

Flamesparrow · 08/02/2009 13:11

Arse £25.01

Jas · 08/02/2009 14:13

£25.01 is still quite impressive. Mine was £40.37 today, and that won't last all week.

Flamesparrow · 08/02/2009 18:59

Mine are smaller than yours, and DD is having hot lunch at school paid for by mum. Will let you know the totally total when I have meat.

Flamesparrow · 08/02/2009 18:59

Oh and one less mouth to feed!

Jas · 08/02/2009 21:10

DD2 has school dinners, too.

I need a detailed list and menu plan

I thought I was doing really well, but looks like I should be much better.

Flamesparrow · 08/02/2009 22:01

Wait til the end of the week and see how much I actually spend

Jas · 11/02/2009 21:38

Another £10 on bread and milk so far. We get through so much milk, it is shocking.

Flamesparrow · 14/02/2009 13:21

We have spent £39 on food this week - we had £45 budget Very pleased with myself. Plus the new car is saving a fortune on fuel

FAQinglovely · 14/02/2009 13:35

well my debt free 2009 will start properly very very soon, I've got my housing benefit award through (well money arrives next week) - I do need to spend some of the money I have saved on a new fridge and freezer as there's only really space for undercounter ones in my new house - and my (massive) fridgefreezer is totally in the way.

However once that's done it will be onwards with the clearing debts

Jas · 14/02/2009 20:48

well done both of you

I think I have things under control until April. We've got money coming from car insurance, selling a car, overpayment of council tax and I've cashed in my endowment. I should be able to pay off the cc and other debts and put some aside fr the next gas/elec bills

Jas · 16/02/2009 23:38

Total food shop for last week was £60, but have only spent 10 so far this week, and have most meals planned/in stock

Would have been better if dp hadn't got a £35 parking ticket this week though

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