I want to stop drowning

debtaghh

Hi,

Yes at least five and I meal plan and write a list. We don't have puddings either. I do cater for my family a couple of tones a week when they help with the odd childcare etc.

debtaghh

Morning,

I managed to do my food shop for £40. Now that we are moving , the aim us to empty the freezer, cupboards etc so am hoping this month won't be anywhere near as expensive!!

badmemory

Have you tried squeezing the toilet roll? It stops the roll from spinning & does seem to reduce what gets torn off each time. When my son was young I was often reminded of that Andrex puppy advert - The one where the puppy pulled the toilet roll all round the house.

debtaghh

Thanks for the tip, I'll try that!

[Deleted User]

Hi debtaghh, I've just started reading your diary so haven't gotten the full story yet. Just thought I'd share a couple of things that have really helped me cut down on costs for things you mentioned above.

Sanitary towels - is it for yourself? If so, have you tried a menstrual cup? Mine was £15 for two and they can last up to 10 years! It's so much less waste too. And much more comfortable. It has changed my periods haha.

Detergent - I got an eco egg 3 months ago and it's been great. It's around £20 with enough refills to last 720 washes, so a couple of years if you wash a load every day. Really good for sensitive skin too.

Food - Quorn is really expensive imo. Have you tried replacing with Asda own brand or, cheaper still, beans, lentils and dried soya mince/chunks? Really works for us. If you look at cooking on a bootstrap website, there are loads of veggie/vegan recipes for literally pennies.

Good luck!

debtaghh

Thank you for the tips. I'll have to read up on the menstrual cap as I have no clue how that works.

[Deleted User]

Also - cleanser and toner. I used to use all of that as well, now I literally use a flannel and a bar of soap - my skin is so much clearer! I know it's not for everyone, but it's saving me like £5 every month just in face cleaning supplies.

[Deleted User]

Just had a look at your SOA - do you really need 2 cars? We only had 1 but we got rid and now walk/take the bus everywhere. Between insurance, tax, fuel, parking, repairs and depreciation, it is saving us upwards of £350 a month. I am also less stressed as walking to work (50 minute walk each way) is giving me headspace that driving at rush hour never could. Just something to consider in light of your shortfall each month.
Also, have you checked your eligibility for all kinds of benefits - tax free childcare, working tax credits etc?

debtaghh

Thanks for the soap tip.

We have only bought our second car now as we unfortunately needed it.

[Deleted User]

I don't mean to probe but what do you need it for? Is there no arrangement you could make with public transport (especially while little ones still go free)? Only asking as taking on additional monthly commitments in your situation seems like a very risky thing to do.
I've subscribed to your diary and will be following your journey and cheering you on!