New and in a mess!

david_hellier

I agree with lynz, you need to come back with much more detail, especially the car costs.

pickle18

lynzpower wrote:

the other thing iVE just noticed is that 40 for the tv licence, thats quarterly not monthly.

I suggest you use Martins budget planner excel spreadsheet at the top of the page, to put everything in, then you will know exactly where you are up to

Thanks Lynz - will try the budget planner

david_hellier

If hard cash is coming in this must be deposited and accounted for in the budget. Cash lying around just asks to be mis-spent, particularly in a bank/cash mix of income.

More work needs to be done on working out those figures. make sure OH is with you when you are working them out!

whatatwit

Hi Pickle, it will get easier.

I too get paid in cash each week and it's awful. It just used to vanish before I managed to get it paid into the bank.

I am trying to be a lot stricter with my self and only take a small amount of money in my purse.

If you have 2 children, shouldn't your child benefit be higher than the amount in your SOA?

jenchin66

Can you get help with the nursey fees with the child tax credits?

black-saturn

OK heres my four penneth:

Mortgage - £816
Gas - £30 This is quite high. Could you turn the thermostat down and cook more than one meal at a time?
Electric - £19
MBNA - £60
Egg - £60
Gym - £42 Do you need this? A brisk walk is free
Food - At least £450 but probably more like £600 or even more
Nursery fees - £150
Clothes - £70 Make do with what you have for the next 6 months and then sell off what you never wear anymore and shop for bargains in second hand shops and ebay
Fuel - £60 Do you really need a car?
Car Insurance - £90As above
Car Insurance - £50 As above
House Insurance - £40
Life assurance - £10
Council Tax - £145
Broadband - £10

Also off the top of my head you've missed out phone, mobile phone, TV licence, Sky Tv (if you have it) and water bills

black-saturn

whatatwit wrote:

If you have 2 children, shouldn't your child benefit be higher than the amount in your SOA?

Yep it's about £127 per month for 2 children.

pickle18

black-saturn wrote:

Yep it's about £127 per month for 2 children.

Yes thats correct, I have had numerous troubles claiming this - saying they having recieved her certificate (she is 2 now!!) and i have sent 3 certificates, one was even recorded! They are now back dating but only 3 months but I will appeal.

Jenchin - no help with nursery fees as I work less than 16 hrs and also due to DP's wage.

Black saturn - covered gym and car above.

I have tried to turn heating down but we really needed it up as we have a 20 ft conservatpry across the back of the house and it just makes everywhere freezing. We try to keep it closed mostly. We also don't have heating on at all upstairs - sometimes just rarely to take the chill of the room but never in spare bedrooms or our room or even upstairs bathroom.
Hadn't thought about cooking more than one meal at a time but I will def try it as it will help kick th takeaway habit anyway! Thanks for you advice.

I am going to go back and adjust my intial outgoings after doing my budget and missing a few things

Thanks guys

pickle18

I have updated my original thread - looks like a little less as I have used the 450 shopping budget but added car tax per month ( I am actually tempted to buy PO stamps as it looks so much more affordable that way, esp having two cars now), car maintenance and mobile and house phone.

Thankyou

beverleyhills

:hello: Mr and Mrs Pickle

Well done for carrying on posting.

May I suggest you pause for a while, read the posts again and work out your plan of action.

Work out your SOA that includes all your incoming and outgoing money so that it is clear to both of you.

If you have cash in the house,keep it in a safe place where it's a bit of an effort to get out. Keep a book with it to record the amount put in and taken out with the date. Your spending diary will help you to keep a check on it.

Make your spending diary a habit like cleaning your teeth. Still essential when you have more money coming in.

Housekeeping
Go through the cupboards, fridge and freezer. Make a list of everything you have found.
With the help of Moneysaving Oldstyle Board:
a) Work out how you can replace cleaning materials and extend washing powder etc.
b) Work out a 2-4 week menu plan.
c) Draw up a shopping list-do not put anything else in the shopping trolley or shop on line as someone as already suggested.
d) Cook double quantities and freeze. Useful for the days when you are both working.

If you can't cancel the Gym, use and enjoy until the contract runs out. Don't feel guilty.

If Mrs Pickle wants to be a working career mum keep the Nursery fees in as part of your strategy towards achieving your joint life plans.

Can you put both cars on one insurance?

Plan your way out of your problem, try not to lurch from one crisis to another.