Back to being a DFW..AGAIN!

WantToBeSE

tori.k wrote: »

Not unrealistic longterm but short term would probably work out better to reduce it each month until the family get used to the adjustments.

Yes i think you are right, that's a better idea. So have added another £100 to the food budget, making it £350 from now on.
Still a drop of £50 from where we were, but not as drastic a drop.

tori.k

You may be able to claim help with the school transport for being on a low income, do check this out with Cornwall council, it's not something they shout about but discretionary payments are available.

I share your pain with SWW I often think it would be cheaper to do a cleopatra and bath in milk :rotfl:

how old are your Kids? Cornwall has a fantastic resource for single parents COPS (cornwall one parent support) that's been running for years all over Cornwall, It's free and a godsend for keeping younger children entertained, there is always something going on.

As for the grocery budget just keep chipping away till you find your happy medium.

milasavesmoney

I think it's hard to go down on groceries that much in the beginning too. $50 less is realistic to begin with. Check out the August grocery challenge in OS money savers. It really does help me. I have halved my spending from last year. When I first started the challenge, I took into account one months takeaways, restaurants and groceries and added it up. I nearly have a fit when I saw the total. It was just unreal how much I was spending! The grocery challenge also has a long list of low cost recipes that may be helpful. Also, having the cushion to begin with will help you stock up on sale items. I mainly sale shop wherever I can >> especially meat.
Your freezer is your friend. If you can't eat it, don't let it go bad in your fridge. Freeze it.

WantToBeSE

tori.k wrote: »

You may be able to claim help with the school transport for being on a low income, do check this out with Cornwall council, it's not something they shout about but discretionary payments are available.

I share your pain with SWW I often think it would be cheaper to do a cleopatra and bath in milk :rotfl:

how old are your Kids? Cornwall has a fantastic resource for single parents COPS (cornwall one parent support) that's been running for years all over Cornwall, It's free and a godsend for keeping younger children entertained, there is always something going on.

As for the grocery budget just keep chipping away till you find your happy medium.

Thanks for the tips Tori

My son isn't able to get free school transport, as the school he attends isn't his closest. But I'll double check just to make sure.

Yes much cheaper to bathe in Milk! :rotfl:

I used to go to COPS when my kids were younger, i had no idea they were still going! They are now 16 and 12. I'll see if they do local groups.I dont know anyone here yet as i've only been living here about 3 weeks.

WantToBeSE

Today i need to:

-Clean the downstairs (done)
-Write next weeks budget
-Write a meal planner for the week
-Pay the £200 that i didnt manage to put onto the 0% card (i think i'll wait until Friday to do this)
-Sort through the recycling and take some to the recycling center
-Write a list of things that need finishing in the house. The kitchen still needs painting, the bathroom also needs doing. The outhouse is being turned into an outside utility room, so i need to empty it and clean it before painting it.

WantToBeSE

milasavesmoney wrote: »

I think it's hard to go down on groceries that much in the beginning too. $50 less is realistic to begin with. Check out the August grocery challenge in OS money savers. It really does help me. I have halved my spending from last year. When I first started the challenge, I took into account one months takeaways, restaurants and groceries and added it up. I nearly have a fit when I saw the total. It was just unreal how much I was spending! The grocery challenge also has a long list of low cost recipes that may be helpful. Also, having the cushion to begin with will help you stock up on sale items. I mainly sale shop wherever I can >> especially meat.
Your freezer is your friend. If you can't eat it, don't let it go bad in your fridge. Freeze it.

Thanks Mila I used to join the GC challenge every month, but gave up when i could never stick to it I need to make sure i don't lower it too much and then fail and give up. Best to lower it by just £50 and then see some success.

[Deleted User]

Hiya, welcome back WantToBeSE

milasavesmoney

WantToBeSE wrote: »

Thanks Mila I used to join the GC challenge every month, but gave up when i could never stick to it I need to make sure i don't lower it too much and then fail and give up. Best to lower it by just £50 and then see some success.

I've done the challenge for 4 months and only stay within my budget once. But I find that as long as I do it, I am very mindful of what I spend. So it sort of works for me.

WantToBeSE

Deleted_User wrote: »

Hiya, welcome back WantToBeSE

Thanks for popping over to say Hi PMO2 :wave:

WantToBeSE

milasavesmoney wrote: »

I've done the challenge for 4 months and only stay within my budget once. But I find that as long as I do it, I am very mindful of what I spend. So it sort of works for me.

Thanks Mila, yes i think i am going to start the GC again.

I think it would be useful to make things in advance. Like make some rice, pasta etc and keep in the fridge and have ready to make dinners.
And do some frozen meals, like veggie burgers that i can freeze, a veggie chilli, curry etc.

I like to make burritoes for lunch, but am not sure if i can freeze them- does anyone know? I normally put rice, salad, guacamole, salsa and beans in them...will that freeze OK? :think:

I now have £50 left for the rest of the month. But on the plus side, i have lots more food in the cupboards.

I'll need to buy some more F&V through the month, but i should be fine with £50.