Help Me, please! Budget problems, have debt but do work!

hellokitty08

TheBex wrote: »

Hi there,

I've highlighted some sections you may need to look at again. I think the biggest problem here is that your budget isn't accurate. If you do have 300ish spare each month in the budget (as a PP said - not checked) then you would see those debts reduce much faster. If you check these and find the budget's wrong, throw a new one together and we can take another look.

Good luck

Bex

Thats what i am thinking!!! I have adjusted in places as I did realise i had left somethings out.

Checking my last bank statment I seem to have spent over £200 in the supermarket!!!!!

How can i stop myself doing that? One month I did buy some gift vouchers at the start of the month and only allow myself to spend them during the month. I know I could try that again, any other suggestions? I dont buy ready meals, of prepacked sandwiches, or alcohol.

hellokitty08

Monthly income after tax................ 1350 (Is there any way that you can increase you income? over time, second job? Check out the "up your income" board for inspiration)(I already work two jobs, 6 days a week, full time)

Council tax............................. 90 (Are you getting the single persons allowance? Are you paying it over 10 months? Ask if you can spread it over 12 - this will free up a little extra each month)(yes this includes a single person discount.

Water rates............................. 20 (are you on a meter? would a meter be better if you are living alone?) Yes im on a meter, I live alone, I work full time 6 days a week, using the washing machine once a week and the dishwasher once a week. Shower everyday for 10 mins, have a water saver in the toilet systern.

Mobile phone............................ 20 (Are you using all the free texts and calls that you are given in your contract each month? If not, switch to SIM only or PAYG - could get a better deal depending on what you use) (yes it’s a very good rate, bills are between 16-20 a month, I get free minutes evening and weekends to landline 100 mins anyone anytime and 50 texts. Suits me fine. Was paying £25 last year.

Clothing................................ 20 (use what you have and buy essentials only for now, also have a clear out and e-bay what you no longer wear) I wear clothes until they wear out, as hard as it may be to believe, I don’t have surplus clothes! They get thrown out when I cant sew them up anymore. (well recycled)

Petrol/diesel........................... 120 (any way of reducing this - public transport, car share, walk cycle?) (I have to use my car for work – plus side, I do get petrol allowance that I included in my total income – downside, I cant walk to work or get a lift.

Electricity............................. 20
Check my readings with every bill. It comes to about £240 a year.
Gas..................................... 15 These look low to me, is that the year average, or are you just very good?
I never use the heating if I can help it.
Car maintenance (including MOT)......... 0 You have to budget for this. Your petrol costs tell me you're driving a least 600 miles a month and you need to look after your car to avoid huge bills - include the MOT, service and some money for new tyres, plus all those little bits like screenwash, oil, antifreeze...
My car is only two years old, so no mot at the moment, I did service it this year, cost £100 have added this on.
Medical (prescriptions, dentist etc).... 0 Even if you can't currently afford to go to the dentist, it would be wise to budget for the check ups at least.
I don’t have prescriptions for anything and I don’t go to the dentist as they kept telling me I needed a tiny white filling, I was suspicious!

Contents insurance...................... 0 Do you need something here? Not everyone does but I thought it worth checking.
Yes I do! Naughty me.
Life assurance ......................... 0
Other insurance......................... 0 Do you pay for phone insurance?
No comes for free.
Presents (birthday, christmas etc)...... 10
Haircuts................................ 30 As discussed previously this isn't accurate.
No its not, ive amended it.
Entertainment........................... 30
Emergency fund.......................... 0 It's worth having something here, even if you just stick a £20 under your mattress to give you something in the event of losing your wallet. It makes sense not to have savings while you pay off debts, but a buffer in case of problems like your car dying etc only needs to be small.
That’s what mums are for? No? Lunchon Vouchers???
Total monthly expenses..................

TheBex

hellokitty08 wrote: »

Emergency fund.......................... 0 It's worth having something here, even if you just stick a £20 under your mattress to give you something in the event of losing your wallet. It makes sense not to have savings while you pay off debts, but a buffer in case of problems like your car dying etc only needs to be small.
That’s what mums are for? No? Lunchon Vouchers???
Total monthly expenses..................

Haha, good girl!

prettypaula

hello kitty 08

FYI you could get mobile at £10pm, 100 mins anyone anytime, 100 texts and unlimited anytime landlines with T-**ile

get a little notebook, keep receipts, be anal about it for want of a better word!

hellokitty08

prettypaula wrote: »

hello kitty 08

FYI you could get mobile at £10pm, 100 mins anyone anytime, 100 texts and unlimited anytime landlines with T-**ile

get a little notebook, keep receipts, be anal about it for want of a better word!

Very good advice. Thank you.

I have switched my electricity to a cheaper online tarrif, and set up my direct debit. Need to do my water next.

I am going to check out T-mobile. I have never seen a deal anywhere near as good as what I am on before, but will check it out. Thanks