Need some advice

Katie-Kat-Kins

The others are right about posting a statement of affairs. It is the best way for you and us to understand how you are spending your money.

You need to start a spending diary too so you really KNOW where every penny is going.

In the meantime some easy savings can be made by comparing and switching your utility bills and insurances so read the MSE articles on this.

Go through all your expenses and ask your self if they are NEEDS or WANTS, get rid of anything that is a want and get the best price for the needs. Ditch the sky for example, check whether your milk is a good deal or could be bought more cheaply from the shops. Does you need the time out club or could you make do some other way?

Check whether you might be entitled to any help with your solicitors fees, if not ask your solicitor about payment plans that may be more favorable.

The old style board will help you with meal planning and shopping on a strict budget.

Fire_Fox

There is no child benefit on your list? You don't need three telephones for two adults, and you surely don't need a £40 mobile contract for work? O2 do a very reasonable SIM only deal (£100 cashback), or renegotiate what you have. Insurances: you are spending £160 a month or £1900 a year just on this!! Use a price comparison site and switch via a cashback site. Another £160 a month is going on telecoms.

You definitely need to look at the Time Out Club as this is one of your largest outgoings at £12.50 per day. Could your ex, a family friend, relative or schoolfriend's parents care for your daughter for a modest fee? Could you or your partner work flexi-time so you only need to pay for the morning/ evening part of the club? Is it possible to extract more maintenance from your ex - his payment doesn't even cover this after school club.