May benefit challenge - not going to make it

Emmzi

Thanks elona.. not going so badly,but I'm sure frustration will set in once ot stops feeling like a 'game'.

Right.. ten pound budget for Lidl for weekend shop.. b/f back from travels, so would like a reallly nice dinner and some wee treats for him... report back later.

vixxen

**purpleprincess** wrote:

I might try this benefit thing in June. Need to think of some way to free up some more cash.

Think I could do with trying this too. Great idea guys!!

Emmzi

Ok.. budget as at this morning = £135.

Shopping for weekend (for two in reality)

Essentials:-
Shampoo (on BOGOF)
milk
bananas
mushrooms
peppers
potatoes
chick peas
cheese
bread


treats
honey (mm toast and honey)
choc buttons (just a wee pack!)
chewing gum
diet cola (but own brand!)

Total £11.68

Amount left £123.23

Total spend so far week one (not going out this weekend) £16.77 against budget of £28 (5 week month).

Mates staying over tonight, hopeful they will bring spare cider :-)

If not, have a little voddie left to have with own brand d/cola, ice will numb my taste buds a bit!!!

Emmzi

Heh, fab mates did indeed bring nice booze. Had good evening watching old movies.

Running mates to airport in a bit, then home to cook

elona

Are you still managing to keep up the momentum?

Emmzi

Hi Elona - thanks for asking! Not doing too bad, most of food today from storecupboard.

Took b/f to farmers market and spent £5.50 at nice olive stall and £1.50 on cake. Resisted buying nice bread because I make nicer bread cheaper, same with soups etc. Taking that as progress as I'd usually spend £30 easy... however I did stock up at yogurt su-pplies shop (for home made, works out cheaper) which was another tenner.

£123.23 less £17 is £106.23.. so still on track! Also let b/f buy his own beer. Should only need 3 or 4 quid on veggies this week, and gone 2 days with no ciggies.

Let's see if I get really bored week two...

elona

Well done and good luck when you meet your colleague who may be able to "network".

sammy115

Bored or hungry LOL. Well done Emzi you are doing really well. I am struggling as my daughters needed trainers at the weekend. One pair was £40 and one pair was £55 but darling daughter put £20 towards hers.

At least the trainers should last a while. I couldn't have bought them at the moment if i had been living on benefits. I am not sure how all these reality stars on tv manage to clothe all their children in designer gear. I am now paying out over £50 in childcare, which is not something I would do if i wasnt working.

Am going to stick some of the babies clothes on ebay tonight, see if I can't recoup some costs that way.

Broken_hearted

Emmzi wrote:

Thanks elona.. not going so badly,but I'm sure frustration will set in once ot stops feeling like a 'game'.

Right.. ten pound budget for Lidl for weekend shop.. b/f back from travels, so would like a reallly nice dinner and some wee treats for him... report back later.

It's not a game some people have no other choice.

Emmzi

Broken_hearted wrote:

It's not a game some people have no other choice.

BH,

didn't mean to offend, sorry. I think what I meant was, at the moment I have a choice,and know I can 'opt out' if I choose. In a few months I might not have that luxury. So free will plays a part at the moment. I could have phrased it better, though.

E