How much is ok??

dananddaz

Hi im new here. Finally decided that its time we sort out our debt problem. Im filling out our expenditure form at the moment and have come to the food cleaning etc part. And what i was wondering is how much is ok monthly for 2 adults and 2 children as we havent really taken notice before now.
I will be greatful for any help or advice anyone can give.
Thanks
Danielle

immoral_angeluk

Before my husband and I split up we spent £50 a week on food and household stuff. That was for 2 adults, a 3 1/2 year old, a nearly 2 yr old and cat.

Karmacat

Hi dananddaz
Welcome to the dfw part of moneysavingexpert! As far as food etc is concerned - its a bit of a guess at first! Thats the truth, but you can help it along a bit. Do you pay by credit card? Can you hunt out a typical monthly bill? Is there a stub in your cheque book? Then you refine it next month, when you've been watching more closely what you've been buying.

As far as what people spend who are already on here, its anything from £100 upwards - newbies come in spending £500 and are encouraged to gradually cut down - shifting supermarket, shifting to supermarket's own rather than brands, bulk buying two for one, discount offers, making from scratch, cheaper cuts of meat etc, you name it, we can do it! Put in a good guess and work on it, basically.

Good luck, and keep posting!

Honky_tonk

Hi,

Somewhere on here there is an "official" govt. listy thing (which I cant find! Sorry!) When I spoke to CCCS they suggested I allow upto £350 a month! To me seemed high but hey ho.
Not a lot of help but there it is, if I find that "listy thing" I'll post it. Or someone else will pretty soon.

HT

dananddaz

Thanks you so much. We seem to spend any amount at the mo. but will get the statements out i didnt even think of that!!
thank you.
And the list thing would be great i did try hunting around on the site for a while before i posted but couldnt find any thing.
Danielle

LilacPixie

i try spend £250 per month maximum for 2 adults 2 year old toddler and 4 month infant and that is for all nappies and formula as well as food.

scaredy_cat

i use mysupermarket.co.uk to make my shopping list. Why not try it and make a list of what you need to buy each week for a month or so, you will then see how much you are spending, and also keep a spending diary for the extras like the coffee & bun when you meet someone for lunch, etc.

Nichelette

We usually spend about £40 a week which feeds my dad and us three grown up kids (including my brother who eats a LOT). I make most of our meals from scratch though, which is probably why it's quite a low figure. Oh, and I'm veggie so we probably save a bit on meat as my dad and sister aren't too fussed about not having it, and will often eat whatever I'm having.