OMG - just checked our bank statements!

Tea-and-Cake_3

It made for very depressing reading. The cost of living has risen so much in the last year that we are now not making ends meet

We are spending nearly twice what we were last year on petrol, more on food and utilities yet actually travelling less in the car, eating more frugally and have fixed our energy prices.

We will need to start cutting down even more as of now! My hubby brings home a free metro everyday/takes a packed lunch to work and we use the library for books, don't rent dvd's/never go to the cinema/go about in old clothes/don't drink or smoke/shop around for insurances etc. So the only places we can cut back more is food and trying to watch every penny on other things.

It is really hard to find this out when we already thought we were being so careful!

Plans_all_plans

Have you posted a statement of affairs?

The Debt Free Wannabee board on here is very good at helping people see where they can cut back.

YORKSHIRELASS

I know, its depressing isnt it. I am becoming a bit obsessed with things like heating costs and food bills at the moment. Thank goodness its been so mild this winter.

On a positive note at least you are checking the bank statements and making sure you are only spending what you have. There will be lots of people who are getting into debt because they havent cut back.

It is tough though when you work hard and still have to question every penny you spend, especially if you have kids. There are lots of us in the same boat at the moment though. One of my favourite after-Christmas boosts is booking a holiday for the summer but we wont be booking anything for next year, not even a cheap camping break. I think we will have to wait and see how things work out first.

flippin36

Sorry its getting so tough for you OP. We are living on above average wage and we only just have enough to make ends meet. In fact OH is striking wednesday and I was looking at the figures and am wondering how we will get all the bills paid as he will be a day down. And its always when there is only just enough money when everyone needs something new (shoes, uniforms etc) its depressing and the winter months make things seem much worse - especially as Christmas is soon here. Every time I put the heating on I see £££ coming out of the vent and today I'm toying with shall I shan't I put the tumble dryer on as I have washing everywhere.

Definitely visit the DFW board and post a SOA, its amazing how much they can shave off. There is also a grocery challange on the oldstyle board, might be worth a look.

neverdespairgirl

Tea-and-Cake wrote: »

We are spending nearly twice what we were last year on petrol, more on food and utilities yet actually travelling less in the car, eating more frugally and have fixed our energy prices.

Do you know why your petrol has gone up so much, especially if you're using it less? Petrol's increased, but not doubled.

*Louise*

I echo the statement that sou should do a Statement of Affairs

There is always some money which goes awol and it helps to track it down and keep note of it all. Plus you can see where/if you can cut back anywhere. The people on the Debt-free board are fantastic at helping with that.

victory

It is great you are reading your statements and dealing with it, pop over to the debt free part of the forum, they will help you if you give them a SOA it is amazing how much you can save if you really put your mind to it, good luck:D