Pinky's Happy ever after diary! 2010

Jo_R_2

We spend about £60 a week for 5 of us (that would be me, OH, DD1 age 6, DD2 age 3 and baby aged 1.) That includes packed lunches for OH and DD1. Can't remember if I mentioned but we're mostly veggie (well, me and DDs are, OH definitely isn't LOL, and baby is somewhere inbetween:D) so I do buy some meat but not much really. It also includes cleaning stuff.

Honestly I struggle on that - I keep blaming OH's penchant for at least two packets of crisps in his pack up and umpteen choc bars as I never used to buy them before he moved in:eek:

So if you come in under let me know your secret!:D

Pinky15

Jo - yes will let you know if doing tit this way helps - I also find as soon as I buy stuff its gone my 3 little ones never seem to stop eating. Dh isnt too bad as long as he gets a good tea lol! Will update when I have priced my meal plan!
Well we are scraping th bottom of the barrel food wise - just trying to get too Friday which is payday yey!! Am going to get my shopping delivered on sat. We are then having a few days away but have got the cost of the activities saved and then we have vouchers to reduce the costs on eating etc - just need to pop over to vouchers board and see if we can get some more!
The tax credit wasnt an overpayment but we were paid on a diff day which is great as the next one is nearer the end of the month which is easier for childcare. So have £100 to pay off Next/credit card bill - prob Next which is higher rate of interest! This should leave me about £20 which I will give to mum towards the money I owe her. So at least thats sorted and have the final award for the year so can sort out budgetting.
My sealed pot is getting really heavy now so will be full ready for summer hols and this will be used for treats, ice-creams etc - yum!

Pinky15

Well off tomorow for a few days by the sea in a friends cottage so really should do some ironing and some packing. have the money saved to pay for cottage and spending money also budgetted for. I have printed off vouchers for saving on food and have some to take with us. I just hate the packing and unpacking part
On the money saver front - food planner up, groceries delievered and put away. Tea at mums today. I have set up direct debits now for credits cards so if I cant afford an overpayment I wont need to look at them when they come.:D
Electric bill sorted we were in credit and they have reduced to £45 - however I am going to change this to £65 to be sure.
Tax credits all sorted and I have the next payment date.
After everything is paid this month I should have £200 ish over but I need to put some aside for Mum and Nieces bd so prob about £140 after this. This will cover anything over for what we need - fingers crossed.
Must go and start getting organised - hope everyone has a fab bank holiday!!!!:)

katieclampet

Hi pinky

hope you have a fab holiday, wrap up warm it (might) will be cold at seaside. Where about are you going? Emjoy yourself, I have to work this weekend, off today, working sun and mon. Never mind, the extra money wil come in handy for my next holiday,

love katiex

Pinky15

Thanks Katie- we are staying near blackpool but wont venture far from the beach really. I am dreading all the packing and unpacking and mainly washing lol! Am hoping the weather stays dry really.
Not much to report on the money front - but on the shopping front this is what I have spent so far
Fri - Asda £85
Sat - Co-op £12
Take-away £9 so current total is £106 this leaves me the challenge to only spend if needed £94. I think this is doable - or I hope at least it is. All meat bought so this money is for fruit/bread and fresh veg!

mummy2mygirls

Hope you have a good time away - Enjoy x

katieclampet

have a fab time and hope the weather is kind!

katiex

Jo_R_2

Hope you're having a lovely time!

Pinky15

Hi girls - I am back:)
Thanks everyone we had a really nice time and the weather was fab although a little chilly on an evening.
Putting my money saver head on we worked out the break cost in total £200 this includes accomodation, food and activities - which I am soooo pleased with. Usually we spend £3000 going abroad so if I look at it this way I am £2800 up heheh.
We did lots on the beach, barbies ect and planned what we were eating. When I asked mum to guess how much we spent she guessed £500:eek:
LOL how times have changed - she was really impressed.
Just been over the grabbit it thread and spent £30 on 20school t-shirts, 3 trousers and an england top for DH. I hadnt budgetted for this but thought is was such a good bargain so went for it.
Food wise still on budget and working with my meal planner. Hopefully will have a NS day tomorrow.
Have 4 hours overtime and some more bits to go on ebay.
Hope everyone is well and had a nice half term!!! x

katieclampet

Well done pinky, :A I bet your mum is so proud!! Pleased you had a good holiday, hope you feel refreshed and ready to get back to work.

katiex