Best plan for averge earner who wants to think about her future (living in London!)

katherineemma_2

Hi
Thanks for this - I'll try the budget tool. Yes I guess the other £200 goes on what not - presents, travel home to see ma and pa, the odd haircut here and there. I've been really good with not buying clothes - but it kills me plus I'm getting to the point where I need new jeans rather than want them! Ha! Now you've set it up I'm going to try to stick to £80 food shopping and £100 going out and see how it goes. I'll also up the cycling and running. I guess I may lose some weight too. Haha. I can't take on more work as I'm working full time but also doing a masters part time so my free time is pretty slim for the next year 1/2. I've done the bills stuff recently - we've changed suppliers but I'll get on with nagging my housemates about heating and lights etc.

Fire_Fox

You need to know exactly where that £200 a month (£2400 a year!) goes so consider a spending diary. Can you do the travel home cheaper? £1 Megabus tickets, or cheap rail tickets if you book weeks/ months in advance or split the journey. You might join the 'Crazy £100 Clothes Challenge' over on DFW - lots of people buying from charity shops, clothes swapping sites, eBaying decent old stuff and using the money to buy 'new' again on eBay. Remember if you can save £20 in five areas that's another £100 a month or £1200 a year, 20% more than you are saving already or a whole year off your five year projection!! :beer: