2 years to be debt free

It is a long time but it sounds like you have done amazing so try and focus on that
decri nisi - freedom of sorts x

It took me about five years to pay off my Access card in the late 80's as we had to use it to buy food when the mortgage interest rates shot up, I do feel your pain. I'm getting my pension in 2023, do you have anything to look forward to that year to block the debt thoughts?

I didn't use a credit card again until my husband died five years ago, and whilst waiting for probate ran up debt on my Barclaycard. I discovered MSE and the '0% interest'' credit card transfers, and transferred the debt to HSBC. It took two and a half years to pay off.

Thank you ?
Well in two years I'll be 56 and altho I'm medically retired now, I do live within my means just about, I'm pretty low maintenance as don't smoke and drink little but enjoy art classes and writing poetry, walks and swimming with grandchildren etc
I've nothing particular that I know of yet happening in two years but I always do things with my two daughters and 5 grandchildren so I'm sure they'll be something.

I write down every penny I spend Neen, I am hopeless with money and far too generous.

If you can squeeze just a few more pounds out of your weekly budget towards the debt you'll feel even better.

Yes I know someone with a book who writes everything down and I mean everything. So I am intending to do the same. Good advise

Congratulations Neen. 2 years must seem like a long time to go but the end's in sight.

Yes Neen it does seem a long time but you can get there. My first husband left me with debts when he left and I had a very hard time paying them off but I got there. When you look back you will see it as a huge achievement. I also wrote down absolutely everything I spent, which helped.

Took me 10 years to pay off post marriage debts. At times, £10 a month was all I could afford. It took forever. The CCJ's came off my credit reference before I'd finished paying the debts!

If some of your debts are due to what you think may be unfair bank charges, then do gather the evidence and send it to the Financial Ombudsman.
They are still considering cases and may still order banks to repay their extortionate charges.

Apart from a mortgage (long paid off) I ve never been in debt I suppose that sounds as if I m bragging but it’s just how I am I can’t not pay for things I have a credit card for emergencies but I ve never used it
I m not mean in any way I just prefer to buy or use what I ve got it’s not saintly it’s just how I am My mum and dad never owed any money to anyone and I guess that brushed off on me
My husband left me with his debts when he went too (what is it with husbands) and I m proud that I paid them all off alone

Pressed too soon You ll feel so good in two years time Neen and we’ll done x

Neen, try reverse thinking, for instance how quickly your GC have grown up in the last two years. How often do we say time flies? You seem to be doing a sterling job in what you're already achieving so hang on in there and try to think of your particular pot of gold at the end of this specific journey. I'm impressed with your staying power and so glad you have loving family actively around you. Well done!

Thank you everyone. I certainly see a difference in each grandchild in a two year period. Time does fly indeed x

Been there, Neen. You'll make it and you'll look back and wonder how you did it but you will! Time marches on. Good luck

Neen two years flies by and then those debts will be gone.
Well done, you’re doing marvellously... just hang in there.

Is there any way of celebrating the milestones... the 6 months point, then the 12 months ... 18months and then the big debt free day? Then you can mark them in your calendar.

Of course I am not suggesting anything costly but something that acknowledges the achievement.

Neen
Before you get to the stage where you write it down, think: do I really want this, do I really need this.
When doing any shopping online: put the item in the basket, leave it there for a day? and then go back to see if your really want/need it. It’s surprising how many people change their minds.

Well done you!! Hope you have an interest free credit card?
There is a wonderful organisation called CAP Christians Against Poverty. They have great influence in reducing/cancelling/rearranging debts. Worth contacting them-they’re not only for Christians btw-I’ve seen what they can do-impressive!

Newquay. Thank you very much .
And everyone is so positive .

You’ve done marvellously so far, Neen, well done.
Two years might seem a long time now, but it really isn’t and it will be here before you know it. Some good suggestions from other posters, too, so I hope it’s given you a bit of a boost.

MerylStreep

Neen
Before you get to the stage where you write it down, think: do I really want this, do I really need this.
When doing any shopping online: put the item in the basket, leave it there for a day? and then go back to see if your really want/need it. It’s surprising how many people change their minds.

I do that too. Leave things in the basket overnight, and it is amazing how many pairs of shoes, dresses, jumpers etc I have decided I don't want when I look the next day. Also, quite often, the online companies will email and offer a discount to entice you if you wait a couple of days!

GillT57

MerylStreep

Neen
Before you get to the stage where you write it down, think: do I really want this, do I really need this.
When doing any shopping online: put the item in the basket, leave it there for a day? and then go back to see if your really want/need it. It’s surprising how many people change their minds.

I do that too. Leave things in the basket overnight, and it is amazing how many pairs of shoes, dresses, jumpers etc I have decided I don't want when I look the next day. Also, quite often, the online companies will email and offer a discount to entice you if you wait a couple of days!

I do this also and many a time when items left in my basket I will receive an offer for half price postage along with reduction of the item price I only order items I really need though.

Well done on taking charge of your life and getting back on your feet Neen. 2 years isn’t so very long really, one day you will be looking back at all you have achieved.

There is a 'Time Until' app which gives a day by day countdown to a date you can set... just a little light at the end of the tunnel, but it helps..
You can do this... look how far you have come already... be proud of yourself and hang on in there!

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