Oh dear - my money troubles have got slightly out of hand. I owe about 3k in the next 2 months. Mum is going to help me with 1 grand of it, but it's still a lot of money.

I do have some savings, and i feel happier about using the savings for part of what i owe (money for two holidays)..but i just don't like debt and i don't like owing so much money.

It's understandable given my family's history. And also understandable given that'll i'll be a single girl on my own (no one else to help out).

I know that i also have a bad habit of spending more than i really should. I have a copy of Ms Money and i have decided that i am going to keep a much closer track of everything. I've also made the first step into looking for better rates on my accounts by applying for a smile card. The rate is massively better than my HSBC one, and i should be able to get 0% rate for the first 6 months (need to transfer by the 30th though, but the guy on the helpline said that i had started my application "in good time") but even if i don't, the rate is still a lot better. And i get cash back too.

My next step, after moving, will be to change bank accounts. I definately need something with a better interest rate.

Actually doing something positive about debt makes me feel a lot better. I had a lot of ideas about things i wanted to buy for my house, but i think that they will wait. Yes, a widescreen telly would be lovely...but i have a good portable one. TIVO? I have a decent video recorder. Redecorating? It may not be to my taste, but it's got carpets and wall coverings.

I can and will cope, i'm young and resourceful.