i know where my money is going

scaredy_cat_2

i still haven't worked out all my finances yet but am persisting. Its very motivating to see on peoples signatures how the debt is reducing. It seems a long way off

Have just totted up july bank statement - for debit payments only in sains, tesco and m&s - some could be cashback but will be balanced by other cheque payment to butcher and farm shop - we spent £886.35 - we are both stunned. This does include cleaning stuff, toiletries and nappies but even so seems incredibly excessive - its not even organic cos i stopped that. I spent 2 years buying organic which has probably helped to be in this situation. sorry am rambling but just so stunned and feels good to have somewhere to share without my embarrassment being seen.

MinnieSpender

Hi scaredy cat and welcome.

First - don't be scared.

Do you keep your receipts from shopping? If not, start now. Then get yourself over to the Old Style for some great ideas on cutting your budget.

For cleaning stuff, you can't beat Stardrops - not organic, but as cheap as chips and good for everything. Learn about white vinegar and soda crystals (more environmentally friendly).

For fruit and veg, go to your local market (if you don't already). As an example, I got a pound of cherries for £1.50 on Saturday. They were priced at £3.58 a pound in Asda.

Have you considered washable nappies? Some councils give a grant towards buying them and there are nappy washing services in most areas. Very environmentally friendly!

These are only a few tips. OS has loads more. It's amazing how much you can cut back with a little crafty shopping.

Good luck x

lil'H

Hey scardy cat, welcome

Don't panic know you are monitering things you well get it back under control. Firsst thing i'd say is start shopping in one place only for grocieries (pref tesco as sains and MS are v expernsive) one supermarket, one shop per week and you'll keep track far better. As an idea I don't know how many are in your family, but for myself and my son we spend £45 a week on groceries and spend far more a lot of people on here! So you will be able to cut the bills without suffering!

Good luck and keep us informed, you will get it back in control

lil'H
x

hattie_pea

hey

am very happy to recommend money saving alternatives/recipes etc if you provide a summary of what you currently buy and like to eat etc.

Hat

chevalier

The first thing really is, is this just for the two of you? Or do you have children/pets too? Secondly. Are you buying a lot of ready meals? I know that M&S have some lovely pre prepared meals, but they are very expensive as well as being loaded with fat etc. Perhaps you could give us a breakdown of what you bought?
Best of luck
chev

Queen.Bess

Pick Your Own is about at the moment, so that's another idea to help local producers. Keep at it scaredy cat, we are all here to help!

CLAPTON

before you go to the supermarket make a meal plan and hence make a shopping list and only buy whats on the list...no implulse buys.

Floss

And DON'T go when you're hungry! Sounds silly, but when you wander round a supermarket with the rumble-tums, you spend more on things

Or why not do on-line shopping? Then you can't impulse buy because you don't see it, and you will save even after paying the delivery charge

SeeWeed

Hi

I would advise meal planning, it would seem that you are maybe just popping into the supermarkets without a clear plan and buying whatever you fancy? (been there done that so know how quickly it adds up!)
Try it for a couple of weeks and see how you get along, try cooking from scratch instead of ready meals, you will feel the difference not only to your packet but to your health.
You will find loads of tips to get your food shopping down on the OS board.

SW