Introduction post

[jamethiel]

Are you sure that you will never, EVER be able to save anything? Do your debts inspire you to hyperventilate and you don't know where to begin?

That's what this community is for.

We aim to provide a non-judgmental and nurturing environment so that you can face your financial demons and start getting your shit together. None of us are financial professionals. We're ordinary folk from all walks of life with a range of incomes and circumstances. We're here to provide advice and handy hints. So, WELCOME. This is the first ever post. Post in the comments! Introduce yourself, tell us your best and worst financial habits, what kind of post you'd like to see in this community. Say hi to others!

As a note: I can't crosspost to the LJ community of the same name automatically, but I'll do it manually. All posts will be mirrored both here and there from now on.

Comments

[red_trillium]

I've been in debt for decades. I have credit cards and use them. I used to live off them but since I get paid more now than when I was in college it's not as bad. I still put too much on them though. I've got a student loan and we have 2 hire purchases we are paying on & 4 cards between 2 of us (3 credit, one store credit).

I have long term goals. Sometimes though when I'm down it seems like I won't ever be able to save and then blow my budget and go a bit crazy. Which takes me back to square one. I want to get better though. One of my long-term goals is a medical one. I don't foresee every really being able to save enough for that plus the down for a house. Both are equally important to me and both are pretty major expenses.

I do the bills for my wife and I, try to do the budget and try to save. I give us each a little spending money and lunch money and I think this has in general helped mostly. My biggest stumbling block is that sometimes I don't do the books when I should and then have to take money out of our small savings to cover what we did spend. I want to get better at it this year.

I've also made myself an "I'd Like" post so I can try to better plan what I spend instead of going crazy and getting stuff. I've got a bad memory and sometimes will buy stuff because I've been wanting it for a long time and keep forgetting what it was, so when I do remember I try to get it all. And I figure that might help me stay focused and plan better, I can save my fortnightly spending allowance for the "big-ticket" items.

[jamethiel]

Hi there! Welcome to the community!

I completely understand about stress spending. I do it a LOT. Things that might help you:
I wrap a picture of my goal (in my case, my ideal house) around my debit card in my wallet. Just helps remind me that every time I take it out for something frivolous that's not planned, that's what I'm taking a bit longer to get to. (I find I need some frivolity or I go nuts. But I try and limit it and have the greater part of my disposable income going towards my credit cards.

I also carry my "Wish list" in my wallet. I want an album? I buy stuff that's on the Wish list first. I don't buy anything that hasn't been on the wish list for a month, and every month I review it to see if I still want stuff.


Good on you for trying to get on track! It's really hard. I hope that you'll be able to pick up some useful tips.