My SOA - Help!

Pepperoni

thecassman86 wrote: »

Agree with all suggestions above but also want to add "haircuts" to the list... It's £59 per month!! I'm presuming for that you tend to have colours etc done so it'll be expensive but perhaps until OH gets another job there might be a way to reduce this? I know a lot of people would immediately say to stop it entirely but, from experience with my wife, i know that stopping it entirely isn't always an option!

Yes. My hair can be expensive :eek: - and I also included beauty in there as there wasn't another column (eyebrow wax). It also includes my husbands cuts, but thats about £5 a month....! I could reduce it by leaving it even longer between colours if needs be.

thecassman86

Pepperoni wrote: »

...We have also been known to be terrible with money and food - takeaways, meals out, popping out for X Y Z every single day.

Oh, i think we've all done this!

Pepperoni

thecassman86 wrote: »

Oh, i think we've all done this!

I forgot to say as well that we were both terrible for buying shop bought lunches when working. Something I've struggled to stop doing, but going to try my damn hardest!

thecassman86

Pepperoni wrote: »

I forgot to say as well that we were both terrible for buying shop bought lunches when working. Something I've struggled to stop doing, but going to try my damn hardest!

Ahh yes, that was always one of mine too ... My wife was much better in that regard and made us sandwiches but i occasionally forgot them and had to buy at the shop again ... Luckily, i'm fortunate that i work from home now so it's made that easier!

Your SOA isn't bad at all now though with those new cuts to entertainment etc, so when OH gets a permanent job again you'll be well on track to clear your debts and be comfortable again!

Pepperoni

thecassman86 wrote: »

Your SOA isn't bad at all now though with those new cuts to entertainment etc, so when OH gets a permanent job again you'll be well on track to clear your debts and be comfortable again!

Thanks

I've been playing around with the columns and have reduced the entertainment fund....it will be worth it and we will just have to make it work! I've allowed us £150 a month, thats still a lot of money!

I've also allowed for £50 a month for a 'baby fund' - as we are expecting our first baby in July :j. I have the majority of items now (been busy on eBay buying second hand!) but we will need money for nursery decor, and anything else that might arise when he / she is here.

Its all still coming in within my salary. Phew! Will save whatever my husband earns incase of shortfall / if not put it towards debt repayments as suggested. Thanks.

getmore4less

The new SOA is on target to at least not get further into debt thats a great first target but you really have to try to stick to it.

the car loan will drop on it's own so the CC is the one you have to watch and try to tackle with any extra income.

Maternity is going to make a hole.

Do a SOA for that time as well,

your travel costs will plummet. it might make sense to drop to one car if the OH job is still job hopping.

getmore4less

Pepperoni wrote: »

I forgot to say as well that we were both terrible for buying shop bought lunches when working. Something I've struggled to stop doing, but going to try my damn hardest!

What I liked for lunch at work was a fresh french stick filled with stuff.
any bakeries on the way to work, get the bits and make your own lunch.

I found with the work lunch you have to find things you like so are worth the effort making and taking in or making at work.

Is there a mirowave and fridge available?

Another really cheap lunch is noodle soups(the ones from asian stores), these can be done with just a kettle

Mrs_A_2

getmore4less wrote: »

What I liked for lunch at work was a fresh french stick filled with stuff.
any bakeries on the way to work, get the bits and make your own lunch.

I found with the work lunch you have to find things you like so are worth the effort making and taking in or making at work.

Is there a mirowave and fridge available?

Great idea!

Pepperoni

getmore4less wrote: »

What I liked for lunch at work was a fresh french stick filled with stuff.
any bakeries on the way to work, get the bits and make your own lunch.

I found with the work lunch you have to find things you like so are worth the effort making and taking in or making at work.

Is there a mirowave and fridge available?

Another really cheap lunch is noodle soups(the ones from asian stores), these can be done with just a kettle

Really like that idea. It will still feel like a 'treat' which is what normally drives me to the shops! We do have a fridge and microwave, there is even a hob (no oven though!).

Pepperoni

getmore4less wrote: »

The new SOA is on target to at least not get further into debt thats a great first target but you really have to try to stick to it.

the car loan will drop on it's own so the CC is the one you have to watch and try to tackle with any extra income.

Maternity is going to make a hole.

Do a SOA for that time as well,

your travel costs will plummet. it might make sense to drop to one car if the OH job is still job hopping.

Thanks - good advice RE cars! Hopefully husband will have a job soon, but good to have plans in mind just incase.