Where can I change my lifestyle?

mildredalien

I would imagine it is the bits you didn't fill in that are causing most of the trouble - entertainment, presents, haircuts, emergencies.... what about eating out and takeaways?

Definitely seconding the 'go through your last 3 internet banking statements' advice, that really helped me to see where my money was going. It is so easy for a tenner here, £30 there to add up to a lot over the course of a month.

Also you have zero car expenses in your SOA - last time I checked petrol wasn't free!!

Are those purely your expenses and income or are they joint? If so you need to work together and make sure you are accounting for every penny, as FireWyrm says £16k is a LOT to go missing in one year!!

megan01

I have a couple of small suggestions!
Groceries is a really great way of cutting things down, there are plenty of threads on here, that teach you about how to shop better, and have lots of great deals. Try planning out a fortnights meals, and then you can buy things in bigger volume which makes it cheaper.

Other smaller tip.. have you got a load of stuff in the boot of your car that you don't ever use? Empty out your car, makes it more economical to run and should help out your petrol bill a bit.

FBaby

you seem to have forgotten to put petrol costs and insurance in your soa (was included in your first post).

Also, how come you are in receipt of such high benefits? If it tax credits, do you have childcare costs? If it is DLA, don't you have extra costs due associated to the disability?

Barbeduk

You have 2 kids, is some of the 'missing' money going on their clubs? Only suggest this as I have just paid out for judo, brownie camp etc! Also you have £0 for entertainment, even if you're incredibly frugal there must be the odd coffee out at least.

Spending diaries are fab for showing everything in black and white but you need to write everything in it, every penny!

Good luck!