Please help me with my budgetting

CharlieRabbit01

Hudson1984 wrote: »

good_advice wrote: »

Tv package = I keep saying here! we only need Internet connection. We could just have free view and everyone has a mobile phone. BUT my oh will not have any of it! QUOTE]

I did the same removed everything other than freeview and broadband, I have a small desktop PC connected to the TV and watch freeview through windows media, add a wireless keyboard and mouse and you're set - of course if you're aiming to get the OH on board you may need to suggest a new TV, go for a smart TV and you then wouldn't need to add the PC as I do, I was just too cheap to pay extra for the "smart" features

nothing wrong with the cheaper option as you put it.

I plug my laptop into my TV via HDMI and i'm off watch all the on demand stuff on my tv via my laptop.

If I'm honest the service is much better that way, sometimes the service through my tv is limited.

CharlieRabbit01

Or maybe try blinkbox, each month credit the account with a set sum then once its gone thats it till next payday. used wisely watching 99p films on a monday (often latest releases) it could go far.

Have you considered switching your TV service? When I was trying to decide what to go for BB and Phone only or throw in the TV I found youview to be a good deal for all 3.

How do you shop for food? I know that might sound weird, but do you go with a plan?

matttye

welshsarah1 wrote: »

Thank you, When my partner gets home Im going to try and convince him to maybe just stick with love film. That will be plenty. We have dvds here for the children, like ben and holly and dora, (they are 3 and 5) so could just put them on rather than using sky. xx

Netflix was rubbish when I had it last year anyway, only has old films on there!

CharlieRabbit01

welshsarah1 wrote: »

Thank you, When my partner gets home Im going to try and convince him to maybe just stick with love film. That will be plenty. We have dvds here for the children, like ben and holly and dora, (they are 3 and 5) so could just put them on rather than using sky. xx

I've used both myself and I know that they both have their advantages I found netflix good for tv and love film for well films, but for cost savings i'd try to stick to just 1.

CharlieRabbit01

i've also set up a standing order of £25 straight into my savings account, I don't even notice it go out and it soon adds up.

When I get paid I also transfer the left over money to my savings account, for tidiness I do this in multiples of £5 for example:

last day before payday account balance: £107.63
payday - yay!
money transferred to savings - £105

MoodyMel

We find Netflix really good as it has loads of cartoons on for the kids and so much cheaper than Sky/Virgin. Admittedly the films are a bit hit and miss but we don't often find time to watch films anyway.

We are currently on a free trial with Lovefilm and will be cancelling as soon as it is over as we prefer Netflix

welshsarah1

Hudson1984 wrote: »

good_advice wrote: »

Tv package = I keep saying here! we only need Internet connection. We could just have free view and everyone has a mobile phone. BUT my oh will not have any of it! QUOTE]

I did the same removed everything other than freeview and broadband, I have a small desktop PC connected to the TV and watch freeview through windows media, add a wireless keyboard and mouse and you're set - of course if you're aiming to get the OH on board you may need to suggest a new TV, go for a smart TV and you then wouldn't need to add the PC as I do, I was just too cheap to pay extra for the "smart" features

We have a laptop so thats quite a good idea, hes connected it all up to the big tv before. No dont think we can afford a smart tv at the moment with my sons birthday in july and baby being born in August x Just wondering how much do every one save each month for emergencies?X

Canucksfan

Im looking for a workable way of managing my money, (I go a bit crazy with the kids and at birthdays, christmas's I tend to overspend but want to be able to save some money back

Hiya Sarah!
Lots of good suggestions here. Congrats on the baby by the way! Three things sprang out at me:
1) Your kids are 3 and 5...no need to spend loads on their pressies. Wait til they are older and want computer games etc and then you will need to spend! I have small ones too and 'Dollar Store' (or for you The Pound Shop) is my friend. I still give the kids ten presents wrapped up in fancy paper for their birthday, but most of them will be cheapie ones and they don't know the difference! Buy and sell on EB*y too.
2) Pay off that Very bill pronto. The interest rates are high if you are one day late in paying! Well done on not having another debts. Do not do a search on my username - my credit card history was not pretty last year;)
3) Get the OH on board! It is not fair when only person in the relationship carries all the financial responsibility. Sit down and have a regular chat with each other about where you are money-wise and where you want to be and make a plan together. Drop the word 'holiday' in there to sweeten the deal and give you something to look forward to! If he is still resistant to change, then borrow a frying pan off Jakesmum and chase him round the house with it (Worked a treat for me last year!) :T

katsu

You said you have your hot water on constantly. Go upstairs right now and turn it off constant.

Would you boil the kettle 24hrs a day incase you wanted a cup of tea?

That is effectively what you are doing and it is a great place to save some money

Set the thermostat on your water heater to 60 degrees centigrade (higher is too hot) and use the timer to heat the water for say 30 mins before you want it in the morning and a couple of hours in the evening for washing up and baths.

hampsterpoo

welshsarah1 wrote: »

Hi, ! What is SOA? . No dont keep a spend diary.

Hi welshsarah1 you can find out about a SOA, statement of affairs here

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/562271 lots of useful info there. Also look at other post of others SOA to check you havent missed anything.Birthday funds, emergency fund,haircuts etc.

Its a good idea to keep a spend diary , especially with the little ones, you suddenly find out where the "spare money" that you should have has disappeared to. Those extra little treats for the kids that dont really count , then suddenly you write it down and it does add up.

Suddenly that bag of sweets, newspaper ,magazine , coffee , takeaway sandwich a couple of time a week,month does add up.
By all means have some treats every now and then, it keeps you sane.

We are now DF and have been for two years ,it took 6 years to clear £56K and hard work ,using tips and advise from here , reclaiming charges, cutting back , changing insurances & suppliers.

Doing Bootsales ( selling , rather than buying) Ebay (both), freecycle and most of all a want to change how we lived and spent.

Good luck