I used to log in every day, but I don't usually do that any more. I now check if I'm going to spend money, and then make sure the balance matches what's on my spreadsheet when it clears.
I only check the bank every day for peace of mind - as would hate to go into the red n end up with those dreadful charges.
It just keeps me happy knowing its all balanced n everything has gone out as it should & nothing has been taken that shouldnt be!!
Final IVA payment made in April 2013, never ever thought we could do it or get through it but we did! X
An IVA.co.uk Mentor is someone sharing from their experiences of dealing with debt
I usually log in on payday to see what has been paid in as we don't always get our payslips on time.
I check in again after the 10th of the month when I know there are only two DD's to come out after that - the Union and Council tax, so I know how much I have left.
Sharing from experiences of dealing with debt
The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively.
Bob Marley. http://kallis3.blogs.iva.co.uk
Thank you all for your help.....My wife and I have just sat down with a brew and read the lot...I think its driven home just how much we are going to have to change and how things are going to be over the next 5 years.
Gary
learn to cook, find your faith, never say die, money isn't everything, look for the small things in life, never ignore a sunset - and listen to Melanie (never have I put so much faith in someone who scares me so much -thank you-)
It will be changes for the better in the long run Gary...just think no more credit cad bills [:)]
Another tip -from January buy an extra item of grocery with your weekly shop, put this away in a box. Come Christmad you'll have a boxfull of items you normally buy, freeing up money for some niceties.[;)]
You may find you enjoy doing the budgeting - I love having money (not at lot though!) left at the end of the month.
That's an excellent tip Julie.
Sharing from experiences of dealing with debt
The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively.
Bob Marley. http://kallis3.blogs.iva.co.uk
I save 1p, 2p and 5p coins in bags and every so often I go to a Coinstar machine and cash them in.
Sharing from experiences of dealing with debt
The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively.
Bob Marley. http://kallis3.blogs.iva.co.uk
I can't take credit for the food tip - the diy hamper idea is something my Mum has done ever since I can remember. She does 2 boxes though and gives one of the "hampers" to an elderly neighbour [:)]
Sharing from experiences of dealing with debt
The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively.
Bob Marley. http://kallis3.blogs.iva.co.uk
we're lucky the local Sains has just re-opened after having a re-fit and has a great range of TU...also hubby works in a large store too. Mmm just need the money to spend there [:)]
I had a wander around Next and was very disappointed with their range...unusual for me too.
I must admit i also have a bit of an obsession with checking my account by online banking everyday.
It's taken us quite a while to find a system that works for us, we tried taking all the cash out for food one month, but it all got spent a bit too fast - we're hopeless with cash,if we have it we spend it.
So now we do a meal plan for the month and always write a shopping list, and don't buy anything if not on the list, unless there's an offer on something we use lots of. Once i've written my list i go on the my supermarket website (compares prices of 4 supermarkets) to make sure i don't overspend. We do a monthly supermarket shop and freeze ham, cheese and bread (we still top up with milk, bread, fruit and veg etc each week).
We also go to the butchers once a month and buy all the meat we need - it saves us quite a bit, compared to what we used to spend on meat at asda, plus it's better quality.
We try and cook all our meals from scratch - the slow cooker is fab for that! Also we bake our own cakes etc, usually at the request of our 3 year old! But its certainly cheaper than buying them
We started putting £20 a month on an asda christmas savings card so that we could that for christmas presents and any treats (although we had to use it for the food shop last month after a few unexpected bills, but was so glad we had it.
We started buying christmas and birthday presents in may, i wait till i find bargains then buy them, that way you're not stuck with loads of presents to buy in one go.
I really enjoy budgeting now and it's like a challenge to spend as little as possible, i also love not having an overdraft, even if that means i only have 50p in the account - it's all ours lol.
We have a local Sainsbury and there was 25% off all clothing until tomorrow, I bought a t-shirt for £3.00.
Sounds like you've got the budget sorted Cath.
IVA final payment left the bank on the 26th January 2013...looking forward to a debt free future.
& nothing has been taken that shouldnt be!!
