Oh Dear. Reality Check

Fredula

Blimey, the cars are way too expensive. Not really an option.

It comes back in his pay so because it always fluctuates depending on how many miles he does at work we say that his income is £900 because sometimes it's a little over that and sometimes it can have like 50 quid on top. I don't get how you would budget it in if it's not a 'stable' extra, so to speak?

floss2

Maybe you could include it as an average?

So roughly, out of that £150 p/m he spends on fuel, he gets about £35-£50 back? Personally I would be considering a car that is cheaper to run, especially with the high amount you are budgeting for insurance, repairs, MOT etc, but I appreciate that buying a different car (whether used or new) is not necessarily an affordable option right now, as there is no room in your budget for any finance or loan.

BTW, I am sure you will manage on your food budget - the key thing to do is meal-plan, and stick to it! No ordering takeaway because its late & you're both tired, but have a couple of easy meals on your plan that can be put onto those evenings. We often have pasta with a couple of finely chopped rashers of grilled bacon, a handful of toasted pine-nuts, some pesto and some grated parmesan - it takes 10-15 minutes, is tasty and relatively cheap as everything will be in the fridge or cupboard. Or scrambled eggs on toast, or omelettes with salad, or maybe frittata (basically a thick omelette with any of these in: cooked potatoes, ham, bacon, tomatoes, cooked veg, mushrooms, peppers. Serve with some salad and eat

Finally, have you thought about growing a few herbs, salad things (radish, spring onions, tomaotes) & salad leaves if you have a garden or balcony? You will be able to pick up some seeds or plug plants quite cheaply in Aldi, and it will save you some cash come the summer, plus there's nothing better than cutting some salad, washing it and eating it, all within 5 minutes!