Need some control

stinabean

Working_Mum wrote: »

You are working really hard at all areas stinabean, some days you just put one foot in front of the other and keep going ((hugs))

Have you checked out the Old Style Forum??
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/forumdisplay.php?f=33

It is rammed full of money saving and thrifty ideas to get your household budget go further - it has some challenges you can share. It has helped me re-engineer how I shop for food, view repairs and renewals etc and has saved me loads. It's been great to learn new things during my debt free journey!

Good luck

Thank you I fell pregnant much quicker than expected after buying our house so we have so many necessary expenses, such as we needed a new boiler etc, we didn't even consider how crippling childcare could be!

Fab I'll definitely take a look at that this evening. Food is our biggest issue regardless especially as we're both so tired we can't be bothered to do much therefore end up getting takeaway that we can't afford. If I can knuckle down and get some meals prepped at the weekend this could help!

stinabean

Small update

Thankfully my mum is in a position to help get me out of my overdraft so I can at least fully use my wages for our outgoings.
When that's clear, everything essential gets paid and I've reduced my food shop target to £160 a month which will be tough but I'm feeling positive about it (£200 incl the pet food)

I've also asked my work if I can take on any more responsibilities for a small pay increase so I'm waiting on that and will likely hear next week, though I don't think they'll be able to help.
Failing that, I'll be looking for evening or weekend work just to help us out a bit. I'm so upset we can't throw money at the credit cards to get rid of them, but at this point just surviving would be nice!

Sofee3

Have you made sure you are on best tarrif for gas and electric and can you reduce TV package or saves in any other bills?

That's great your mum can help to clear overdraft that will help.

Do you do your food shopping online? I find that helps keep me within budget as you can remove stuff if it gets too dear

stinabean

Sofee3 wrote: »

Have you made sure you are on best tarrif for gas and electric and can you reduce TV package or saves in any other bills?

That's great your mum can help to clear overdraft that will help.

Do you do your food shopping online? I find that helps keep me within budget as you can remove stuff if it gets too dear

Yep, we seem to spend a LOT on electric and there are some marginally cheaper companies but the charge to leave negates it so need to stick where I am for the moment!
TV Package is astronomical. Luckily that ends around August I think so can hopefully get a better deal - the downfall is the OH needing (wanting) sports!

I used to do food shopping online but because it was a min order of £40 to deliver it was just too much - I'm much better at spending less if I go there myself with a full tummy!