Money Diary

hanspans

I am hopelessly in debt and have a really crap job at the moment, so in between me getting another job, I am going to budget, budget, budget. Everyone seems really capable of budgeting on these boards and it's something I consistently fail on, so to encourage me I am going to put my money diary on here, and anyone who feels lovely enough could let me know where I am going wrong. Will also post my budget on here as well. Any help, encourage or tips very welcome!

Yesterday's spend:
5.40 fish and chips x 2
3.56 food shopping from corner shop
2.40 online birthday card

will update with budget tonite!
Hanspans xxx

david_hellier

Hi and welcome.

We wait for your budget and we'll all be able to help a lot more. Remember to include all your monthly bills, credit card balances and APRs, loan repayments and APRs and also your current bank balance and od limit.

Cheers.

tallyhoh

£5.40 fish & chips for two?:eek: Was that a special treat?

The Money saving old style board does some really good tips for food shopping/planning/cooking, as well as other household stuff.

Before checking out these boards I had vague ideas about trying to do all the grocery etc shopping on £100 per week. I do it on about that much a month now.

Shineyhappy

I think if you are concerned about money/trying to save/clear debts then fish n chips should be a very occasional treat and takeaways/meals out need to minimised.

Also have you thought about either making a card or buying a cheaper one as 2.40 seems a bit much to me.

If you really want to budget, maybe you should join in the uneccassary challenge as I think they all need a bit of support to avoiding spending where they shouldnt.

Good luck!

gollygosh

i know it can be a bit boring but planning everything is the only way to go.
plan what you're going to eat for the week and shop for it. give yourself time to think about forthcoming events birthdays etc. that way you avoid the panic buys and you'll find cost saving ways around things, it's the only way.

hanspans

thanks guys, you are all very right. i don't usually have takeaways, but you are right about the planning...that's what i need to get right. so far today:

0p!

Hurrah! although, it is only 1.30pm!

hanspans

also, what is unesscary challenge

Shineyhappy

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=428001

That should be a link to the uneccassary challenge

hanspans

budget per week

this is my budget per week.
today, I've spent:

toilet paper 89
newspaper for jobs! 32
blender to make soup 4.99
bubble bath 48
dried coriander 62
biscuits 73
total: 8.03

food so far
8.03
3.56
11.58
leaving £3.42 left until next Tuesday
and for entertainment:
7.80
2.20 left until Tuesday

ARGHHHH!!!!!

THIS IS MY WEEKLY BUDGET - I PAID £200 NEARLY, SO I;VE £40 LEFT FOR DEBTS

Rent 52.47
Water 5.00
TV Licence 5.00
Food 15.00
Entertainment 10.00
NRT 8.50
Travel 9.00
Council tax 17.00
Mobile phone 13.75
Internet 3.74
landline 2.75
Electricity 10
Dentist/Prescriptions etc 3.25
Clothes 5

160.47

david_hellier

What is your weekly or monthly income? Include all benefits.

hanspans

my weekly income is about £180 ! Bit of a nightmare. Don't get benefits.