For my baby J

trixie888

I am back from my ML. My little one is already 8 months. He's the reason why I am here - I am finding the value of every penny now because I need to make sure he has it.

I won't and cannot include anything from my BF because we agreed that he will only give share for the nanny expenses. We don't live together (he owns a house a bit far from mine) but he "used-to" live in my place more days in a week until I am finding things already difficult.

I used to include him in my shopping list, from sweets to his personal stuff and even pay for food delivery of his own choice. Not anymore. He says I am being unfair because he buys expensive and good stuff like furnitures, equipment and toys for our son. I simply said, then stop buying stuff. We need food and not toys. I cut back almost everything in the house - things I thought excessive luxuries.


Kittiej, Thanks for something you said up there as well.

trixie888

Bank 2
€2,996.67
0 - I have 1K euro overdraft (well utilized)


200 - Savings for my son account.

Fixed Bills in Euros: TOTAL €1,518
--795 - rented apartment
--150 - Gas & Electricity
--13 - Water
--60 - Internet/TV cable
--500 - Nanny pay (+500 - BF share)

Operational: TOTAL: €1,739
--600 - Groceries, baby food, nappies
--39 - dentist (this will end this month but will pay but will be paying 100+ for last check)
--100 - i call this entertainment (dine with BF or friends/colleagues)
--1,000(+/-) - Credit card average use monthly. Breakdown uses are for car fuel, shopping, itunes, travels, sometimes groceries, etcetera


(holy s*** I really am spending more than what I have)

kittiej

Trixie are there any benefits you can claim over there?

For instance we get child benefit for each child (as long as you are under the earning limit), it's not a lot but it helps.

Would your BF pay more towards nanny fees or would other types of childcare be an option in the future?

Even if you buy the bare essentials money will be tight.

I suppose there's always the option of getting your BF to keep buying furniture which you can sell :rotfl:

trixie888

I am actually transferring the child benefit to my son's account. It's a shame that I am not actually transferring the whole amount. I am using some of it for now but I am making sure that he has a savings which I never had. Tha't's all i can do.

Having a live-in nanny cost less than childcare in The Netherlands for expats like me who are working in an organization. We don't get tax back - meaning we have to pay in full. Block market is not an option - too risky.

BF has a loud mouth. I would rather break-up with him than get myself into argument. Anyhow, he is no longer coming to my place as much as he used to - because my fridge and cupboard is almost empty. No sweets, no chips and food is base on what's available for now.

Is there hope for this debt problem?

kittiej

The easiest way to cut back normally revolves around the grocery spend, have you looked at the Old Style board because they have loads of great ideas for cheap recipes and ways to save.

People normally say shop at Aldi or Lidl but I don't know what supermarkets you have over there.

Could you put less away for your son until you are in a bit better position? I know what you are trying to do for him but being fed, housed and clothed is important at the minute.

Do you really need a car?

Could you cut back on the entertainment spends?

Sell the BF? (only joking :rotfl:)

trixie888

Which category is Old Style Board?

I am already buying my son's nappies at Aldi and is considering to do most of my groceries there from now on.

In most cases, my car is useful. I even used it for moving my stuff to the new apartment. I just look into my SOA but I have been trying to limit using my car. Are you suggesting anything?

I have already started and slowly cutting back the entertainmentps. No more dine outs and movies. I will also stop renting films from itunes. Hosting dinner at my place - my birthday will be the last for the moment.

I wish I could make money out of him.

kittiej

To find the Old Style board - click on FORUM at the top of the page and then scroll down the categories on the left until you find Old Style Moneysaving. They are a lovely lot over there and really helpful and resourceful.

As for the car, some people have really good public transport networks near to them so are able to sell their cars until they can afford to run one.

My car is a money pit!

trixie888

I was already considering selling my car but I realize it has been very useful for groceries and running errands. Like I said, i pay for everything at the same time do mostly everything... From small DIY household stuff to driving. I am the only driver and that car is saving me from either walking or running for everything. BF is totally useless... Too late to regret. Thank G he is just a BF.

My car is 10 years old, Ford KA and will only be sold for a very cheap price. i will probably lose more money if i sell it. Can I just keep it? I will give up BF In exchange of the car:(

WHat do you mean when you said your car is money pit?

kittiej

If it's a KA then it should be economical to run - no need to give up the BF

My car is mechanically sound but it costs me loads to tax it and to put petrol in it, it only does 26mpg which is rubbish so it just guzzles a lot of my money

Did you look at the old style board?

trixie888

I bought the Ka for that reason. Don't even use the airco unless baby needs it. Never drive it to work - use bike now as much as I could. I have the KA and stuck with BF who refuse to buy me a bag on my birthday...

I can't seem to find that board you are telling.... Been browsing where it is. Can you just give me the link?