How to survive on what’s in the store cupboard (plus a little money)

lil_me

www.ilovefreegle.org see if anyone has some reusable nappies in your little ones sizes or soft towels. Cheap sanitary towels (I think supermarkets do them for about 30p) can help all nappies last longer inc disposables. 23 month old might be a great time to start potty training and that will save you on day time nappies (ok maybe will need to do a little more washing) Use flannels that are washed instead of wipes for bottoms, better for them too.

Come back here before the next month starts and try the DFW board to try to get yourself a budget/priority plan so it doesn't happen again

Good luck x

Domsmummy

Thank you all so much.

Im now trying to see this as a challenge instead of a problem to help me stop panicing. We shouldn't need to many nappies mayb just for my baby as i have alot for the toddler n am considering starting potty training him so why not start now.

Off to count my fruit n breasts.

Domsmummy

Were usually fine but this month had a few unbudgeted bills, if it had all happened over even 2 months it wouldn't have been an issue. Usually the budget works out fine with some left over but what was left over last month we used to buy son presents ready for his birthday.

lil_me

When your little girl is 2 you'll probably do as I did, buy her something very small. Simple reason everyone else spoils them and they don't even notice it. All the way up until they were 5 they got one small thing from us. Christmas wasn't expensive either after I learned my lesson.

Good luck with the potty training, ping pong ball tends to help little boys with direction control

It might be worth keeping record of all the unexpected/unbudgeted bills, these catch everyone out, we have now a set amount put away each month over the year just for that (scary mine averaged at £160 a month!!) I also have a birthday pot which I put money into each month so it's all budgeted for.

Penelope_Penguin

Have you seen this thread? It might give you more pointers

I'll merge this later once you have more replies.

esmf73

Doms mummy - don't worry - you'll be fine - with the friendly people on here you'll be fantastic. Will have a look through your shopping list later and let you know what I think. Initial suggestion would be to start watering down the squash so that each time you serve it, you use slightly less concentrate. I did this with DS1 when he was under a year as I'd been giving him what I'd thought was a healthy juice drink! Now all he drinks is water and its a struggle when he goes to parties and there is only water. Managed it in about 4 weeks (going VERY slowly) sure you can do quicker. xxx

Thriftkitten

I was also going to suggest looking on freecycle for reuseable nappies, even if you find some in a larger size you could have them handy if you find yourself a little strapped for cash another time.
Also carboots etc always have baby stuff, IE Potty, reusable nappies, terry cloths, most of us have all been in a similar situation or we wouldn't be so money conscious, it's easy to forget about budgeting when your on a level with your funds, but it soon creeps up and panic sets in, chin up hun! your in the right place xxx

Domsmummy

we havent bought bought him alot from us but we bought stuff that other people will give him an then give us the money but they are away atm, or that would help.
But im going to do this for aslong as possible even if we find some extra money to prove to myself that we can an then any extra money can be put to the side incase of a time when things get tight.

Ok so i have
10 eggs
kilo n half of marge
bag an half of all flour
7 apples
4 n 1/2 bananas
6 breasts

I also have so much apple pureed if any got any ideas on what to do with that.

I do have yeast so will try making bread by hand tommorrow as my bread maker always burns it. It is an ancient handme down.

lil_me

Puree apple mixed with some more cooked apples (you can use eating ones) for a crumble or a sponge topped dessert

If the bread maker has a dough setting that might make things a bit easier for you, so it doesn't bake it/burn it but all the mixing/rising could be done

bluebag

Domsmummy wrote: »

Were usually fine but this month had a few unbudgeted bills, if it had all happened over even 2 months it wouldn't have been an issue. Usually the budget works out fine with some left over but what was left over last month we used to buy son presents ready for his birthday.

Just a small tip I learned from my good old dad, I just 'budget out' £20 a month... that is I just don't count it in the coming in money, as if I never had it to start with.
I only use it for dire emergencies like needing a brain transplant.

When it reaches three months expenses, I draw out the surplus and tie it up in a bond that earns a better rate of interest so it pays me.

I have rarely had to use it since developing a strict budget, the key to which for me has been including EVERYTHING that I have ever needed to pay out on.

A good menu plan, one that I find easy to remember and have the time and inclination to cook has kept the grocery bill under control.

It's tough out there as this thread says and I need all the budgeting and timesaving tools I can get my hands on.
Wishing you all the very best, you will be fine. When the going gets tough, the tough get going!