what do you spend the most on?

glitter_fairy

While going through our finances I have realised we spend more on our children's activities than anything else.

marisco_2

I looked into my finances a few months back to find areas where I could cut back. It became painfully obvious that much of my expenses were linked to the kids. Some things were unavoidable like clothes, shoes, school equipment, haircuts etc. However I have changed where we shop etc and tried to cut down.

I have looked at how much I was paying out for social things and made drastic cutbacks. They go to after school clubs but now attend the free ones. I have sold it to them (almost) by promoting these new experiences as broadening their horizons. My youngest is happy to go with the flow. My eldest rolls his eyes and sighs when I say enjoy cooking club darling, or his home skills club. He looked like he was going to stab me with his knitting needles when he came out of that on Thursday. A make do and mend expert he will not be :rotfl:

If the weather is dry they play out with their friends, have them in to play and watch TV. At weekends we go to the park rather than to expensive entertainment places. I might one day regain some disposable income for myself again when they are all grown up and leave home. Though that phrase 'bank of mum and dad' keeps haunting me. I dont believe that ever closes.

glitter_fairy

marisco wrote: »

I looked into my finances a few months back to find areas where I could cut back. It became painfully obvious that much of my expenses were linked to the kids. Some things were unavoidable like clothes, shoes, school equipment, haircuts etc. However I have changed where we shop etc and tried to cut down.

I have looked at how much I was paying out for social things and made drastic cutbacks. They go to after school clubs but now attend the free ones. I have sold it to them (almost) by promoting these new experiences as broadening their horizons. My youngest is happy to go with the flow. My eldest rolls his eyes and sighs when I say enjoy cooking club darling, or his home skilss club. He looked like he was going to stab me with his knitting needles when he came out of that on Thursday. A make do and mend expert he will not be :rotfl:

If the weather is dry they play out with their friends, have them in to play and watch TV. At weekends we go to the park rather than to expensive entertainment places. I might one day regain some disposable income for myself again when they are all grown up and leave home. Though that phrase 'bank of mum and dad' keeps haunting me. I dont believe that ever closes.

I wont change their activites as they are progressing really well in them. I guess I just didnt realise how much of our out goings went on them, But I dont mind. They are worth it.

catpaws99

DD2's sporting activities. But like yours is progressing well and would be a shame to give up. She is starting to compete after christmas so unfortunately the cost will only rise:(

flutterby_lil

Child care, food and clothes......

suki1964

Fuel

Heating oil - and diesel for the car - country living is not cheap

aliasojo

suki1964 wrote: »

Fuel

Heating oil - and diesel for the car - country living is not cheap

Ditto. We're over £500 a month just for fuel most months.

I'd love to let daughter do more things but the boring practicalities of life get in the way.

kitschkitty

Other than the essential/fixed monthly bills it's probably food.

onlyroz

In order: Childcare, mortgage, food, holidays, fuel, council tax, utilities

balletshoes

mortgage, household utility bills, groceries, fuel, probably DDs dance class then holidays.

pawsies

Fuel and car repairs/maintenance!