Disposable income?

happydays_70

I was wondering while feverishly number crunching, what is the minimum 'comfortable' amount of disposable income a family of three...me and two children, aged 11 and 8 can live on per month?
I am on about when everything else is budgeted for..including utilities, food, childcare, fuel, loans, credit cards etc are paid.

mrsscattercushion

Hmmm, did not want to read and run but am not sure I have a specific answer. Could depend on your definition of a "comfortable" cushion would be, as everyone is different...do you mean what is left over once everything is paid for that's left for emergencies/luxuries etc?

CFC

Do you mean 'spending money' or money for saving for things like christmas or holidays? What is your definition of 'disposable'?

happydays_70

I mean what is left to part save or use for treats. Once bills are paid what feels a suitable amount to be left with to do what you want to do with..realistically

happydays_70

Spending money I suppose

Sedge123

I'm not sure anyone can answer that as we all have s different idea about what ix essential if not and different priorities and expenses. At a rough guess I would say a couple of hundred pounds perhaps

scattyspice

Hi Happy
I think its difficult when you have children this age. Mine are similar age to yours, its difficult because they don't have an income but do have ideas on what they want to do/buy. DS has a hobby and an Xbox both of which cost money but are important to him. DD likes clothes and likes socialising/going out and about so we spend money on those things for her. Plus Dh and I have our own priorities (and wider family obligations) so although I find it easy to budget carefully for just me, I find it quite hard to make to budget cover everyones wishes fairly. The simple solution is to cut out all non essential spending, but this isn't realistic long term (or desirable). I end up constantly juggling.
Sorry, haven't been much help.

happydays_70

I see now this isn't as straightforward as I thought. There are a number of factors to consider when making a calculation and I get that it's personal too.
I have money left over after bills but I just wanted to throw it out there for comments and opinions:)

silvermist05

I suppose it depends on whag income you have to start with, might be worth looking at what percentage of income you have

FBaby

It depends what you count within your bills or within your disposible income. For example, do you count children activities, school trips, clothing, presents for friends/family, repairs to property, glasses/contact lenses, hair appointment etc... within your bills or your disposable income.

happydays_70

I include mortgage, food, fuel, childcare, pocket money for kids, water, council tax, insurance (home, car, life), gas, electric, phones, sky in my outgoings.
I have £2950 coming in and £2155 going out from the above.
Does that help?
I don't save..I just go from month to month