How much do you live on per month?

Lucy1010

kerri_gt wrote: »

Have a look through some of the other posts on the DFW board - there are lots of helpful challenges (I'm currently also a lurker on the Crazy Clothes Challenge) and you'll notice quite a few people doing more than one challenge. What's more, there are lots of supportive people - some in the same boat as you, and some in boats of their own, but personally speaking the guys and gals on the NSD challenge are all lovely, and so supportive, we have a mantra that there is absolutely no use of the F word on the challenge...that's 'fail' btw :rotfl: we are just all doing our best and sometimes don't always make target...but will aim to do better next month.

Thank you!

slummymummyof3

We have a joint take home of approx £4k per month. I generally spend approx £50 - £60 per week on food for 2 adults and 3 teenagers; that includes toiletries but if there is a really good deal on....I will stock pile. I used to spend in the region of £150 per week when I shopped at Tesco but now use Aldi and Lidl; not through necessity but want to see better value for money. I currently have 2 years supply of biological washing liquid and in the region of 200 loo rolls (amazing special offer that could not be ignored!!)

beachie

Blobby8 wrote: »

I almost feel guilty about going to the pub now @ £3/pint x five.
I really hope things get better for you

Don't feel guilty mate. I'm going out next week. I don't normally eat like the above every week! When you live alone there is no point cooking.

Main reason is just to balance the month out as made some big overpayments to my credit card.

beachie

elvis86 wrote: »

There's quite a nasty undertone to your post, a sense of "looking down your nose". It may not be the most balanced of diets, but if this person feels it's necessary because of their budget/debt repayment plans, so be it.

I thought that but choose to ignore it. I didn't think it was that unbalanced! I mean I'm getting Veg, meat, diary and snack on apples. Next week I may have fresh fish and I cycle to work.

I have been adding blueberries to my cereal and lettuce to my sandwiches but already had those from last week!

If I was eating pizza every night then it would have been unbalanced! I never buy cakes, sweets or much processed foods.

Last week I got 38 quids worth of food for 10 quid so had a right feast!

By doing this I have overpaid on the mortgage quite substantially!

Lucy1010

Don't you guys ever feel depressed at having to make do the whole time or does it just become a way of life?

whiteguineapig

Lucy1010 wrote: »

Don't you guys ever feel depressed at having to make do the whole time or does it just become a way of life?

it can get you down a bit sometimes lol
i have a list in the kitchen of all the small stuff that i need and when i manage to get something i cross it off, so i feel like i am getting somewhere
i work behind a counter and i think that makes it worse sometimes, i see the amount of money people spend on magazines and chocolate and wine and newspapers and cigarettes and pop and sweets etc etc, then theres me going to the supermarket late to get the 75% reductions with all fingers crossed i can find something worth having!

morganedge

Lucy1010 wrote: »

Don't you guys ever feel depressed at having to make do the whole time or does it just become a way of life?

What's the alternative - Being rich and not having to worry about anything?

I live at my girlfriends parents house who are completely loaded (as in ferrari, very big house, indoor pool etc) and its so weird when I go to stay with my cousins house sometimes who are kinda broke (and always have been) and watching how careful they are with things that im used to taking for granted.

If only we were all loaded, lol.

I guess most of us have to 'make do' (apart from the odd, very fortunate exception)

Danni-R

It can get you down but when you think of the alternative it makes you realise in a funny way how lucky you are.

I'm by myself so if I spend 4 days eating out the freezer (usually mash and frozen veg and gravey) it doesnt seem quite so bad than if I had kids and had to make something different every night.

I figure its better to get the hard bits out the way now to make sure I can have a brighter future. Plus if it ever gets too boring I go to my parents and they feed me pretty well!

beachie

Lucy1010 wrote: »

Don't you guys ever feel depressed at having to make do the whole time or does it just become a way of life?

Not really.

I don't feel I eat any worse than anyone else I know despite some people above thinking so.

I can cook good meals still and find I eat a huge amount more veg since it is always reduced.

I have a stock of herbs and spices so use them alot.

josephine82

Lucy1010 wrote: »

Don't you guys ever feel depressed at having to make do the whole time or does it just become a way of life?

It totally becomes a way of life!

I am not in debt anymore, but I am saving a substantial amount per month to buy a house, so I try to keep up the similar budget

I give myself £100 a month for groceries and house stuff. I don't usually spend all of this per month, and I try to get the bargains at Mr T when they are on. This is more than the £80 i gave myself when I was in debt, but I struggled to eat a balanced, healthy diet on this. I am lactose intolerant and coeliac so its a bit more expensive for me really.

In terms of other money after all bills, I give myself £40-£50 a week. For this I can go out for dinner once and go to the cinema and have money when I go away and visit people. I usually save anything left over at the end of the month from this.

I think it does get a bit boring counting the pennies all the time but after a while it just becomes a habit and when you are on a journey with someone who sees nothing wrong in buying 4 magazines, when you have your free library book, it makes you feel really smug!