Budgeted but still spending

Time_for_a_new_start

At the end of last month I was determined to sort out my finances after using the tools on the site and realising I should have £500 left after paying all my bills and was spending it on taxis, useless food shopping (going to the supermarket a number of times for things I didn't really need when once a week should be enough).

I bought a book where I wrote down all my spending and had a colleague sign it every week and hoped by having to note down what I spent it would deter me but I've still taken out £250 from the ATM this month so far with very little to show for it and spending seems just as out of control.

I know it's my fault but I just don't know how I can control this and stop myself spending on silly things as well as keep a tight grip on my spending in general.

I have a budget sorted out but need help how I can sort myself out!

Time_for_a_new_start

Please any help will be much appreciated.

Natti_A

Take out your money as soon as you get paid (sticking to your budget) put it in seperate envelopes for food/petrol etc and then give your debit card to a colleague or family member to look after.

That way you have no choice but to look closely at what you spend and live to a strict budget.

missm29

Avoid going to the supermarkets for just a couple of bits, and if you have to don't get a basket that you will fill. I have found it easier to do my shopping online and meal plan, then i review what i'm buying again and think do we really need that. I always get a free delivery code and use all the supermarkets, so when you don't shop for a couple of weeks they email some good money off codes and if i need to spend more to be able to use the codes i stock up on nappies etc. If we run out of something i pop to the co-op if its really needed, it may cost a little more but i don't end up buying other things. I use card for everything and note what was spent, tried the cash thing but ended up with too much change, i mostly shop online anyway.

Always take drink/snacks when you go out to avoid buying them.

Avoid the clothes shops, sell things on ebay, then you can spend neutral at other shops using paypal.

Do you really need to get taxis?

Can you not set yourself small targets to reduce your spending each month/week rather than trying to reduce it by a huge amount in one go.

ray123

Open a regular saver, eg with halifax, and set a standing order to come out of your account as soon as you are paid.
If you have less money available in your bank account, this should help you to control your spending.

tori.k

give yourself a set amount of cash each day and leave the plastic at home...that and a lot of willpower,
money on paper never equals money in purse, but a set amount works if you can stick to it

cocktail

ok just some suggestions
1.open a regular saver account /or an online saving account and dump money that you do not need/can save as per your budget when you get paid.
2.shop once a week, essentials which run out--bread,milk etc can be bought from the corner shop.
3.dump your wife (if you are male)--maybe this should be no. 1

a7man

Work out how much money you can get away with each week - this has to be sensible, you dont want to live like a scavenger.

Then take out cash weekly on the monday (always better monday as its after the weekend) then stick to that budget & be strict with it. Weekdays are generally a lot cheaper.

Also get a hobby that doesnt cost anything, this will take up a lot of your time & stop you spending. I go to the gym 4-5 times a week.