KP's Another year older another year wiser?

shaun40400

hi
have to agree here ...esp with the ages
we will go for 1 major present for es 6yrs,,,,prob lego,,,and 5 or 6 small ones,,,a dvd,,,pj's,,,a book,,,creative kit made up from tescos range.paper glue,paint eth
baby will get a few ,,not thought his trough yet
spend will be
£50 for each small child
£15 for big kids
£10 for each adult
still work out at £200 + £60 for food.....luck-ally we dont drink,,,so 4 bottles of wine for guest is us covered:o
that £200 will have to come down by 50/60

In_Search_Of_Me

I reacon I will manage the whole of christmas for less than 50...and thats a generous 50; 20 for wool; 10 mums stocking and 20 food - mum will add some for food and away we go...the best Christmas ever- no stress, no feeling physically sick and friends getting gifts they love cos they know I made them with love in every stitch...

Keeping_Positive

WOW they are good budgets. I usually spend 500-700 around this time as there are birthdays as well. I dont have time or skills to do home made at the mo. I have spoken to Sis today and were are going with just buying for the kids which is enough with the 8 between us! Oh and 4 kids and 2 adults having birthdays between end Nov and beginning of Jan.

My kids are older now so I cant get away with cheaper stuff. They would be happy with just about anything at worst they would count the number rather than the value . DS would be easy and poss DD2 but DD1 is out of "toys" now.

Good news is DD2 really wanted a keyboard for christmas as she is having lessons at school. Today my Sis has given her a full size keyboard that her DS hasnt used in a few years :j so thats one thing off the list and alot better than we were going to buy for her.

Sis's elsest turns 18 jut after xmas ans she told her Mum she wants nic e jewelery which is great I can use my Tesco Vouchers at Goldsmiths for about 4 good pressies for £50 in vouchers. I also have the same nieces xmas pressie sorted.

I have also miscounted months so really I should have £750 for the xmas period. Next week is the start of the budget, plan and execute as much as I can in one week plan. Ill work out the budget and stick to it. Aim is not to have to spend the £750.

Ref todo list we have pretty much done the kids rooms which was a mare but so worth it. Still no DSs though:( . Still have our room to do and the kitchen needs a bit of attention/declutter without even thinking of the front room :eek:. I heppy at the mo just to move forwards a bit.

In_Search_Of_Me

sorry I cant persuade you to spend less...your budget and your life but I'm really worried for you...re the kids and not getting away with cheaper stuff can you not use that to your advantage, explain to them that you have no money and that you love them to bits but Christmas will be a small affair this year? I'm not being a party pooper but just really concerned that despite the threat of bailiffs you are still spending...enough said and I wont say it again but please rethink.

Keeping_Positive

Thanks but dont worry.

The bailiffs are OHs problem not mine. The impact will for me is whether they take his car. Its not too bad for me I just need to stick to budget or my debt increases really easily like the 2k over xmas last year where I was unwell and trying to be super woman. It is manageable now but not if I increase it. Im going for a slower pace of clearing so we still can have some nice stuff just not tons. Believe me I would never let things get to the stage where bailiffs were after me short of some really really bad luck.

In_Search_Of_Me

wish I could not worry but I cant....but I do respect your choices and as long as I've been a good friend, expressed my worry then I can let it go. I do understand the dilemmas and the struggle - I usually give my goddaughters loads but theyve been prepared that they will be having a small knitted present because I'm skint...one of them asked if I had enough for food...bless!!

Keeping_Positive

Yes you have been and are a good friend. If things were really bad ie a DMP needed then I would cut back. Im not going to go mad but I willspend a fair bit I guess. Numbers do add up. I have sut out Sis and BIL, have pressents ready for Mum and Niece as will use Tesco vouchers where possible so all that will add up. I have £30 in Argos vouchers and still woking on surveys, bingo and quidco all to get extra bits. Oh and if needed we still have some Homebase vouchers that can be used towards something for MIL and FIL.I will be MSE as possible.

Ill know more next week when the XMAS prep week begins.

Down side today is I had to spend £25 on new shoes for DD2 and new shoes and trainers for DS. Wasnt planning on that for anohter couple of months. Flaming kids keep growing!!!

Keeping_Positive

OH DD1 was excited earlier about saving to get a lap top so I think I might just help her rather than stretch to buy it. She will feel extra proud of it and herself. Both girls used their money towards some Halloween costumes so they do know everythng aint free - a bit reduced thanks to Mum and Dad but not free.

beanielou

Great idea on laptop.
My DS paid for part of his netbook.

In_Search_Of_Me

Do the children earn pocket money for chores? May be a good way of incentivising them to help out and appreciate money more? ie tidying room!!