housekeeping charging???

Sunshine_and_Roses

Sorry if this is on the wrong discussion site, but I need some expert advice.

I live with my partner and his two adult sons. We have a joint account which all bills are paid from (we also have current accounts), but how much housekeeping money should the lads be paying?

I have read these pages with interest, and just worked out that I spend over £400 on supermarket shopping alone - which was scary.

At the moment the boys pay £30 a week, this covers all food, toiletries and bills. Is this reasonable, as we seem to be skint?

What is the 'going rate' now for adult children to pay, I am so new to all this and do not want to get into money troubles, but also not be unpopular in the house!

Thanks for any advice you experts can give me.

MCBIRNIE25

Hiya Clareski, i moved out of my mums last year, but amongst all my friends, the going rate is around 50 quid a week, plus contributing to any extra sky packages etc.

Hereward

You can charge them what ever they are confortable paying. If the earn a decent wage you should be able to get approx £200 per month each.

Sunshine_and_Roses

Thank you so much for your quick replies. I thought that I was asking too much at £30, but working out that our bills come to over £1,500 a month, now is the time to really start looking at where I can save.

I have taken lots of ideas from MSE on board already (value tinned tomatoes rule!), and now looking at switching gas and leccy providers.

Also started using Quidco, and got a new mobile with £30 cashback with 12 month line rental through the site, so I am grateful already.

Will be coming back with loads of questions while I am learning to be a budgetter!

southernscouser

I pay my mum £250 a month (yes I still live at home :doh: ) and I take home just over £1,300 a month.

Used to pay £200 a month but she blags inflation and all that! :rolleyes:

This covers all my food, leccy, gas. I pay for my own internet and all toiletries and that.

Bagpuss741

I pay my mother £30 a week plus 1/3 of the electric and phone bill. I also pay half of the sky bill with my brother as it was us that wanted it.

Sugar_Coated_Owl

At the moment I pay my Dad about £200 per month.

bargainbetty

Hello,

My mum used to take 20% of my net pay for housekeeping, which covered my share of the utilities, food, household purchases, and something towards the mortgage. She did the same to my brother. It didn't cover clothes, and would only include the toiletries she purchased for her own use. E.g. I could use her shampoo, but she wouldn't pay for the flash one I liked....

When I complained the first time she asked for it, she sat me down and showed me all the costs of running the family home, and showed me how over 80% of my parents income went on the household.

She pointed out that, barring me getting a phenomenally well-paid job and choosing to live in the shed, it was the lowest household spend/percentage of income ratio I would ever enjoy! :rolleyes:

I paid up without question after that, and every time I got a pay rise I upped the direct debit to keep paying the 20%. If you are earning, you should pay your way wherever you can - your parents aren't responsible for you forever!

Just be honest with them. It shocked the life out of me, but it made me pay.

Devo

When I was living at home still (approx 5 years ago) I was paying £50 a week. Due to inflation etc etc I would say that £30 a week is very cheap - especially with all those inclusive perks.
Tell you what... you kick one of them out (whichever isn't keen on paying more) and I'll move in. I'll give you £75 a week, providing this covers all food, toiletries and bills
I'm 24 and house trained... :cool:

Sunshine_and_Roses

You could even use my tresemme shampoo and conditioner for that! Can you wash and dry up???

By the way - the £30 a week seems to include me doing all the cooking and most of the cleaning too. Think I need to have serious words.....

Sugar_Coated_Owl

I want to move in as well. I'd love to have my own room.

I think I should get a discount on my housekeeping if I don't have a decent room/space.