I think I'm having our lightbulb moment...

suzieq

I've lurked here for a while, trying to figure out what to do - and now I'm ready!!

I was very much on top of our (my and boyf's) finances before my baby was born, and since then, I've found it very difficult, we've been going up to, or over our limit each month, and I've had enough. I was also diagnosed with post-natal depression a few months ago, so doing the washing up was hard enough, let alone balancing the books!

Our 'baby' is now 11 mths old, and we need to start planning for the future. The only type of savings we have (if you can call it that) is £25 p/mth into an acct for our first service on our car, which we did coz Renault services are apparently pricey!

We don't have shedloads of debt, and I think we can live ok on what we have without too much rejigging, but it scares me that it might not be the case, and that I've lost control. I've asked OH to go through it all together tonight, and then we can get an idea of exactly what our position is. I've also asked him to take more of an active role in this, so I don't feel under so much pressure to look after it all on my own.

Although I'm apprehensive, I'm excited too, and wondered if anyone can give any helpful hints as to how we should go about everything?

Thanks so much in advance

Suzie ~xx~

P.S: It feels really good just writing that down!

skintchick

Hi!

You and hubby need to do the full budget planner at the top of the page, including non-monthly debts such as car tax/ins/service, holidays, Christmas etc., and then look at what you can cut back such as utilities, food, going out, Sky, phones, internet, etc.

If you want to post it here we will help with that too.

REally you need to make sure your budget includes everything you ever spend, and then you will know where you are and what you need to do next.

Good luck!

sanfrancisco

Just keep calm Suzie...you can only do one thing at a time, and just achieving one thing is great for someone with pnd.

Youve made great progress posting on here.

It will be important that your partner is upportive. It will be alot easier to get back in financial control TOGETHER.

Try and put all the imformation you find out tonight in 1 spreadsheet, and work from that. Put your budget on it etc etc. Keeps everything central and you and hubby can refer to it.

Good Luck. Deep breathe....remember its only money!

suzieq

Thanks guys, I'll get onto that tonight, and post an update here tomorrow, no doubt with more questions!

Suzie ~x~

suzieq

what's our next step? Is this the same as a SOA? We could be worse, but after everything, we have about £150 left over per month. This is without changing anything, which we will be doing, so we'll be better off then.

Basically, we spend on silly things like buying butties once or twice a week, when we could make them like the other days, and buying bottles of coke, when we could drink squash. We just need to be stricter on what we spend.

Can someone point me in the best direction to look at how to generally cut back on costs, or is it a case of searching the whole site?

Thanks!

Suzie ~x~

ohdear_4

Hi, well done for getting this far!

Have a look on the mooney saving old style board. Great people on there, even though I only tend to lurk as I still have lots to learn, but just by reading their advice I have cut our outgoings down loads, just by being careful with food shopping etc.

Goo dluck.

suzieq

Thanks ohdear, I think that's one of my downfalls too - going mad in Asda on things we don't need. I need to set a realistic budget, as well as sticking to our meal planner. I'll go have a look on the board now!

[Deleted User]

I sometime use this website to find the best supermarket bargains - it's useful if you ahve the choice of a few supermarkets

https://www.fixtureferrets.co.uk

Hope it's useful

D

ms_london

At least you arent spending above your means & still living within your salary (i.e. not on credit!!).

Cutting down on bits & bobs is the hardest part, but it feels so good when you get to the end of the week & still have the same £10 note in your purse - it means that you can treat yourself on something you want rather than wasting it!!

Could you do your grocery shopping online? It might be easier, especially if you have a baby? You can often grab some discount codes - checkout the "Online/Offline Discount Codes" section on this board. Also check out the "Oldstyle" section...

If you post a SOA we can advise you where we can - you might be able to save money without realising it!!

xx

Murtle

Please please please, post on the boards ask questions on each one that affects you, ie mortgage board, savings board, family board, old style board, telephone board and all the others, gosh they do seem to keep growing!! We only learn by asking and letting others help answer our questions and there are so many helpful people around! On the otherside of that, don't think that your opinions don't count we all have life experiences that are sooooo beneficial to others. You might not think it, ohdear, but even by posting and saying you lurk but don't post there you have just helped at least one person, quite likely many more!! Take the plunge, there is no going back now I'm afraid, you'll soon be wondering what you were spending all your money on!!!

Good luck and hope to see you on the different boards!!

x x x

serena

How about keeping a spending diary? I use a diary that came free with a magazine, and try to note down every single penny I spend. It has been a real revelation! With three teenagers, my cash just evaporates. :rolleyes:

If you post an SOA here, there are some really talented experts who can pick up all sorts of things that seem over expensive.

I wonder if you would feel better if you built up some savings? How about starting with the £2 Coin Savers Club? I have already managed to squirrel away £22 in about six weeks. Okay, it is only a small amount, but it will grow!

Have you invested the money for the Child Trust fund for your baby? There is an article on this site somewhere.

You could also try getting in touch with the National Childbirth Trust,

http://www.nctpregnancyandbabycare.com/nct-online/

there should be a branch near you. Most branches have a programme of social events, as well as trained supporters/counsellors/teachers for breastfeeding/antenatal/postnatal. Some branches but not all have Post natal depression support groups. It is a membership charity, which means you do not have to become a member to go along to the events or receive support, but obviously if you like what they do and want to support them, then becoming a member is the way to go( I have been a member since I was pregnant with my eldest, now 15). Most branches also hold Nearly New Sales, sometimes twice yearly, and there are some great bargains to be had, of really good quality baby and children's toys/clothes and equipment. I usually sell enough to more than cover my annual membership.

Good luck!

Serena.