Where does it go?

DundeeDoll

I started keeping a record Jan 1st and for Jan would record money out of bank but like you couldn't work out where all the cash was going. So then I bought a very cheap and small diary and am now writing everything down in there soon as it's spent (don't trust your memory, it will play tricks). We have divied up budgets between our two salaries and have included pocket money each. We keep our own record of that but I have on my spreadsheet first of the month that that money has gone out as cash (I keep mine in a little purse that was hanging round the house). We are also moving right away from cards (far too easy) to cash (though don't do this till you know you can keep your bank account in the black). Friday I went to the pub - 1 round of drinks and a burger was £15.20. Then Sunday went to another pub with other friends - £22.60. Before this would have just drifted out of my purse unnoticed. so yes, if you really want to know where those pounds roll off to you have to write it all down.

Seanymph

I have just downloaded Mrs Beeton onto the Kindle (it was free, I've only ever downloaded free books, very OS - bought the Kindle last summer when i moved house ands stopped working). But I haven't read it yet.

And I'm probably being unfair - he'd eat six given the chance, but wouldn't complain at 4. However, the other three would eat the same given the chance...... and so it makes it expensive. I wish they would eat two each.

DundeeDoll

hmm seanymph my teenage son ate 8 sausages on Saturday. They do have hollow legs don't they?! So much for my plans on Sunday to have pasta with sliced sausage. He would also happily eat a whole steak pie (the size for 3, 4 at a pinch) in one sitting. fortunately he likes lidl margarita pizza (currently £2.46 for 4) with slices of salami (also from Lidl, seems to last ages) on top and a sprinkling of cheese, so he has that twice a week. I space his 'expensive' meaty meals out with cheaper ones!!!

Seanymph

That's it!

OH eats like a teenager (he works a physical job out of doors) - I have a teenage son who does the same (and raids food after I'm asleep even) - and two teen daughters who are more selective, but still, we as a family have food as a focus.

Hollow legs doesn't cover it. There are frozen pizza's on offer in Lidls this week, two for about £1.79 - they are nice too. I do that every so often, but to be honest they come through the door looking for food - and pizza just doesn't cut it for them. They also all like different things. I despair sometimes.

rachbc

adult males get 3 sausages in our house, women and children 2! How about joining the groccery challenge? |Again just start by recording and noting what you spend - then set a target amount to spend and then if you want reduce the target til you get to your comfort zone

Chloris

Seanymph wrote: »

I have just downloaded Mrs Beeton onto the Kindle (it was free, I've only ever downloaded free books, very OS - bought the Kindle last summer when i moved house ands stopped working). But I haven't read it yet.

And I'm probably being unfair - he'd eat six given the chance, but wouldn't complain at 4. However, the other three would eat the same given the chance...... and so it makes it expensive. I wish they would eat two each.

If you make toad-in-the-hole you can cut down on the sausages and the batter will fill them up. Not especially healthy mind, but a bit cheaper. Think about the filler foods our grandparents used, e.g. a plate of bread and butter on the table with a meal. I think you may need the grocery thread too....

Seanymph

Chloris I tried that, they had two sausages each - there were many disgruntled noises, and looking for seconds. Fortunately I'd done another 'bare' yorkshire, so they then had just batter with potatoes - but they weren't happy campers. I ended up feeling guilty that they were all still looking at me expectantly.

But I've spent about £250 on groceries since last Friday. That's just too much.

Chloris

Seanymph wrote: »

Chloris I tried that, they had two sausages each - there were many disgruntled noises, and looking for seconds. Fortunately I'd done another 'bare' yorkshire, so they then had just batter with potatoes - but they weren't happy campers. I ended up feeling guilty that they were all still looking at me expectantly.

But I've spent about £250 on groceries since last Friday. That's just too much.

That is a lot :eek:. Do they eat many complex carbs? The skin on a jacket spud, brown rice or pasta, wholemeal or 50/50 bread. It takes longer to digest and fills you up for longer. If they are hungry though you have got to feed them! Maybe a 3 course meal with soup and roll as a starter.... Good luck!

Seanymph

Nope - OH doesn't like baked potatoes, YD and SS won't eat brown pasta or rice. And I make my own bread.

I make a fair few soups - but then they like spicy butternut squash or sweet potatoe (always the expensive option!).

But I suspect that once my diary is done for the month it will be groceries that will be the culprit.

sunflower76

Afre they OK without meat in a meal SeaNymph? If you can do some meat free meals then that should really help you. Just don;t say it's meat free to cut down costs, introduce it as a new meal that you fancied trying.