Fabulous Fifties

Well, I can cross another goal off my list - I've reached the fifties!

Honestly, although it's been a struggle and I've had to re-organise my entire lifestyle, I cannot tell you how happy I am. Even at $58,000 worth of debt, I am in a better place. Everything is so much more manageable.

I have savings! SAVINGS!!

I wish I could take everyone who is in debt and show them how to manage it and get out of it with your sanity intact. It was really, really, really hard at some times, but taking small steps and thinking things through got me to the other side. And that is really where I feel I am. On the other side.

I've paid off more than $73,000 worth of debt and it's the most empowering thing I've ever done. Women say natural childbirth is empowering, well, a sister should try some debt repayment!

I feel like I can achieve anything now - and this last bit of debt repayment is going to be as simple as .. well ... Simon.

Cash Cow Part 2

I ended up paying the cash off the MA loan over there and, lookee, lookee, I'm down to $1800! Hopefully by the end of the year that debt ceases to exist.

I updated the balances of my debts and am happy to see that I'm almost in the fifties.

Cash Cow

Because things aren't as dire as they once were on the work front, I've had a few opportunities where I've been paid in cash and haven't had to bank it.

Obviously, I don't want to spend it, but neither do I want to pay for or off a payment that can't be claimed, in relation to tax, at a later date.

So, what to do with it? I suppose I could pay the MA loan over there - that loan isn't associated with anything I can claim later on, so there's an option.

Someone mentioned the other day that they change their cash into foreign currency for countries to where they think they might travel. If I was thinking about travelling to the US maybe I might consider changing money to the US dollar, if I was thinking about travelling to the UK, I might consider changing money to the UK pound.

Sadly, I am going nowhere. But, I wonder if changing money now, when the exchange rates are so good is worth it? Probably not. I don't have enough cash to play the money exchange game, and I'm definitely sure I don't have enough experience.

Best I stick to the plan and pay off the MA loan. What do you do with your cash?

Credit Card Bling

Of course this would come to my attention AFTER I cut up and destroyed all my cards.

While some of them are incredicly tacky, a keyring would have made a nice reminder of how far I've actually come.

Holidays & Gifts

Lookie, lookie! I can go on holidays. And buy gifts. Without going into debt.

I feel alive!

I remember

Champagne Fashion - Beer Budget

This article made my heart race.

THE most ill-fitting accessory in a fashionista's wardrobe is a tight budget but, thanks to several online services, it is now possible to look the part without the exorbitant price tag.

Simone Marshall's job with Tony Bianco shoes takes her to social soirees in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne, as well as dealing with fashion editors daily, so she can't be seen in the same dress twice - tough when you're on an average wage with a mortgage.

"I always have to be in the latest look, but my bank balance doesn't afford me the luxury of buying new dresses," she said.

Instead, she is a regular customer of indiangiver.com.au, an online store that allows you to hire the latest look from designers like Willow, Kirrily Johnston and Camilla and Marc at a fraction of the price.

"Last week, at our function in Sydney, I wore a fabulous new purple Willow dress that retails for around $800 _ and I hired it for $120," Ms Marshall, 34, said.

"If I buy a dress for $600 to $700, I know I'm only going to wear it a few times, so I can hire six new dresses for the same money."

She uses the service monthly: dresses are booked and couriered to her for the big occasion and picked up on the next business day.

Vivienne Cheng, 30, is an admitted fashion addict.

"It's a big part of my spending life," she said.

But, thanks to thewardrobestore.com, she has an enviable handbag collection - Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Dior - for which she paid a fraction of the retail price.

"I bought a Gucci bag for $800 and I just love it - it retails for $2000," she said.

Last year, Ms Cheng paid $700 for a limited-edition Louis Vuitton bag, only seen on the arms of celebrities, then on-sold it to an envious friend for $1000.

"I don't know why it was so cheap in the first place," she said. The store buys and sells barely worn designer clothes, bags and shoes.

Imagine a pair of Prada shell shoes for just $190, or a pair of pink suede Manolo Blahnik heels for $200, and you're in the picture.

The site also has aCBD boutique in York St.

Working mother-of-three Libby Hayes was thrilled to spend $300 on three tops and a skirt there.

"I got a yellow skirt I had admired in the shops months ago, but it cost too much - and I just bought it for $60," she said.

"I've never bought second-hand clothes before, but I have bought products I never would have gone near before because of the cost - I'm loving it!"

If designer bags are your weakness, you can borrow the latest Chloe or Gucci bag from milaandeddie.com.au, a subscription-based business that lets you to keep the bags or swap them as long as you are a member.

Source.