addicted to tescos

cantcookwontcook

I am need of some help I think I am either addicted to tescos or just spending money for the sake of it.

I am a sahm and dh works shifts and weekends.

i find that boredom (and lazyiness) are playing a big part in our money problems.

Dh often not home till 8-9pm and kids are already fed and in bed, i don't won't to start cooking again and dh is often to tired. we resort to nipping to tesco (at the end of the road) for quick easy meals or takeway that we can't afford.

I am so frustrated at myself last year my granddad passed away and left me a large sum of money that allowed us to pay of all debts, credit cards and loans with enough left over for a family holiday of a lifetime. Now we are back to square one both credit cards up to the limit and not sure how i'm going to make the basic bills this month let alone anyting extra like school trips etc....

miecherox

First off, you're not the first so try not to beat yourself up, I had a supermarket addiction a year or so ago, except it was to Waitrose - I used to shop every night and spend possibly £40 a night and this might have only been a top up shops. Had to ask for help on here also and people were amazing so you've come to the right place.

Hardest thing but most helpful was to take my cash point card/credit card out of my purse so I couldn't just 'nip in' Is there anyone you really trust who could hold your card for you until you get things sorted and the urge to spend goes? It will make you sweat and panic without a card but honestly it's worth it.

Other things I did was write down everything we had in already and make a meal plan from there, I then allocated a small amount of money each week and kept it as cash.

Finally the hardest thing I had to acknowledge was why I was spending, mine was that I was lonely and probably on the verge of a breakdown. When I went to the supermarket every evening, I talked to people even if it was just a hello, I kidded myself that by buying all this expensive food I was being a super brilliant mum to my kids I even convinced myself my kids enjoyed coming and that it was an amazing experience for them. Oh Dear

So I guess my shopping recovery was a part of sorting myself and emotions out. It's not been easy but one step at a time. I now read with or without the children, challenge myself to make new meals and try new things (without going shopping!), do crafts with the children or just sit and chat with them. When they're in bed I've started learning new things, have a bath, catch up on tv that sort of thing. All stuff so that I never feel lonely or bored ever again.

I hope that's been some help M x

VJsmum

Perhaps your user name could be changed to "Can cook if i try to cook!" :D

How about trying things that can be heated later - spag bol for instance. Kids can have theirs early then the leftovers reheated for OH (and you maybe) later. if you can't be doing with cooking the pasta (although tis easy) you could try some fresh which takes a couple of minutes (i mean pre bought) or a jacket spud or some pitta bread? Chilli could work the same, i give a mild version to the kids (called "cowboy stew" with baked beans in) then add some more chilli or tabasco to give it a kick that we have later.

You could make cottage pie in 2 separate dishes, eat one and then cook one later - only a case of bunging in the oven.

Slow cookers are a godsend, just take some out early and leave the rest on warm for later. Some days you could have soup and some nice bread, or omelette and salad, toasties or paninis.

We often have bacon, egg and beans if short on time - bit of a treat and doesn't take long. Again add toast or bread to make it more filling.

HTH

awaytogoyet

Totally agree with VJsmum about the Slow Cooker - absolutely brilliant if you have to stagger meals - also a very economical & time-effective way of cooking IMO.

Have you thought of starting your own little 'micro-business' - this would a) stop you getting bored & spending money & b) bring in some extra, well needed money.
Something like a Craft which you could do in the eves & then sell every-so-often at a fete or craft fayre.
Or an internet-based activity - such as selling on ebay, blogs, doing surveys, competitions etc.
Even if it only bought in an extra £50-100 a month, every little helps & it is the money you would save by not shopping all the time + satisfaction from your achievements.