Have I ruined my life?
Discussion
confused2014 said:
Hi,
Can anyone offer any help or advise? Other than calling me an idiot.
Yes, I will offer some advice.Can anyone offer any help or advise? Other than calling me an idiot.
Do not use credit cards ever again.
Do not get loans (except a mortgage that costs no more than your current rent) ever again.
Start thinking in the following way about every new financial deal you make:
(1) Ask yourself "What am I going to stop paying for to enable me to pay for this?"
(2) Every time you earn more (regular or one-off) save or pay down debt with half, count this as an essential payment when considering leeway for (1)
Based on previous contributions, I'm not expecting these to be overwhelmingly popular, but here are some blogs that have some interesting / alternative spins on money management, debt and frugality. I've found them (and others) useful in developing how I think about and interact with money, be it earning it, spending it or saving it. Doubtless not usual PH fare, but it's offered in good spirit and humour.
http://www.raptitude.com/2013/04/how-much-of-your-...
http://earlyretirementextreme.com/frugality-is-not...
Both contain numerous links to other useful / interesting / hippy / communist* blogs
Commence the flaming...
'*delete as applicable
http://www.raptitude.com/2013/04/how-much-of-your-...
http://earlyretirementextreme.com/frugality-is-not...
Both contain numerous links to other useful / interesting / hippy / communist* blogs
Commence the flaming...
'*delete as applicable
Hi All,
An update for you,
The last few months have been quiet but I feel happier and not feeling like I have to look over my shoulder, Things are more controlled and I've spent much less the last few months.
I have done as much overtime as I can but this is a little hard to come by. I've had a chat with the landlord i rent the room from and he's very kindly agreed to lower my rent if i do some household chores for them. I gladly accepted this.
It's a long road but I actually feel happy for the first time in a while.
An update for you,
The last few months have been quiet but I feel happier and not feeling like I have to look over my shoulder, Things are more controlled and I've spent much less the last few months.
I have done as much overtime as I can but this is a little hard to come by. I've had a chat with the landlord i rent the room from and he's very kindly agreed to lower my rent if i do some household chores for them. I gladly accepted this.
It's a long road but I actually feel happy for the first time in a while.
confused2014 said:
Hi All,
It's a long road but I actually feel happy for the first time in a while.
Good on you. It's a long road but I actually feel happy for the first time in a while.
Nice to hear that you are turning things around.
I would encourage you to continue to post updates. Many people who might be a similar situation will find this thread, and they could well gain some positive motivation from your efforts.
Keep at it OP, I've had bad debt in the past which admittedly wasn't as much as yours but it felt pretty unmanageable. Got rid in the end and felt much better for it. You'll get there, and you'll be chuffed when you do.
It's a bloody nightmare trying to save money in those shops, way too much cool s
t to tempt you whilst saving money on beans. Always costs more than tesco!
iwantagta said:
.
Shop at Aldi or Lidl.
Dear god don't do that! Shop at Aldi or Lidl.
It's a bloody nightmare trying to save money in those shops, way too much cool s
t to tempt you whilst saving money on beans. Always costs more than tesco! Edited by AlmostUseful on Saturday 24th January 19:38
AlmostUseful said:
Dear god don't do that!
It's a bloody nightmare trying to save money in those shops, way too much cool st to tempt you whilst saving money on beans. Always costs more than tesco!
True for some things, not for other things. Bit of time invested comparing will be worthwhile. And you'll learn about market dynamics!It's a bloody nightmare trying to save money in those shops, way too much cool s
t to tempt you whilst saving money on beans. Always costs more than tesco! Edited by AlmostUseful on Saturday 24th January 19:38
Mate i was once in the same situation. all i did was graft solid and paid every penny extra towards the balance. i also spoke to the credit card company and sent them a income an outgoings and what i could offer but also if i earnt more i would put it towards monthley payments. they offered to stop intrest payments too and as i owed 10 grand they said when i had payed 7 thousand and kept to the agreement they would call that full settlement. took 4 years but what a weight off. i spent months avoining letters and calls... big mistake. .. i could have felt at ease months earlier if i just spoke to them sooner. now debt free , rent free and self employed having turned my hobby into a full time job.. i do special fx and fx make up. there is light at the end, just take the help available, talk to partys involved and come to an agreement and a fixed term repayment plan.
also , i now have just a plain current account can shop online and use atm's etc but i have it set with my bank i can only use what is in there. no credit no overdrafts etc.
takes discipline with spending but there is light at the end.
also , i now have just a plain current account can shop online and use atm's etc but i have it set with my bank i can only use what is in there. no credit no overdrafts etc.
takes discipline with spending but there is light at the end.
Gassing Station | Finance | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff