Spending Spreadsheets

Kittikins

Hello, I'm a newbie (well, I've been lurking for AGES and reading the boards avidly - I have taken lots of advice into my daily life and am so grateful to my brother for telling me about MSE).

Sorry this message has turned into a bit of a saga....

I'm *lucky* :j in that my only debt is my mortgage, but unlucky in that my husband walked out on me and our tiny DD 5 months ago :eek: and contributes the bare minimum to DD's upkeep as his salary is very small and I've found a full-time job and consequently a full-time nursery. The mortgage and nursery fees are both extortionate and I have to account for every penny if I want to stand any chance of being able to keep the roof over our heads. My current mortgage deal runs out at the end of July and my salary won't multiply sufficient times to get another deal - basically I had a far better paid job 2 years ago when I bought the house....*sigh*

I've read that some of you have amazing spreadsheets that work out your tax/NI/benefits/how much you're spending etc and wondered if you found them online or have created them yourselves. I'd be really interested in finding an easy way of tracking every penny in a meaningful way. At the moment I write down everything I spend money on (other than the main bills) but apart from at the end of each week thinking 'ooh I've spent a lot more than last week' or the opposite, that's about all I do with it!!

I've downloaded the budget organiser sheet from this site and keep on thinking that if I shave a little bit of this and that area then I'll have more *spare* cash to go towards emergencies, but think that I'm probably kidding myself...

Can anyone share their spreadsheet with me or point me in the direction of something all singing and dancing?!?

Kittikins :A

gilly41

Hi
Welcome to the boards! I am really quite new myself but I have just posted my SOA today after buying Martins book and working from the sheets in that!! Mind you mine is a bit long I think!!
I am sure someone will come along and help you.
xx

Xbigman

I've found most spreadsheets are pretty individual but there are commercial packages, like microsoft money, that are pretty good. If you are interested look in the budgetting and current accounts board. However, have you looked at the old style board? There are lots of threads there on cutting back, meal planning and cooking from scratch. Its well worth a visit.

Mortgage wise, will your current provider do you a new deal when the current one runs out? C&G do, plus some others. Its worth asking.
Regards



X

bank_of_slate

Hi Kitty!
Lordy, you've had to put up with so much. But rather than rely on credit you have faced the situation up front which is fantastic.
Look around for the cheapest utilities and make sure that your tax credit details are up to date! Get every penny that you're due.
Are you still on amicable terms with your estranged husband?
I would write him a letter explaining the situation and request that he pay a set amount each month. That is more than reasonable.
Also, does your employer do the childcare vouchers? That can be a much cheaper way of paying for child care.
Keep posting hunny, you'll get lots of support and advice on here,
remember, we're here to help, not judge!
...Linda xx