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Help with monthly costs
silkglade
Posts: 559 Forumite
Can I please ask what is considered a reasonable amount to spend on monthly food shops for a family of 4 and a reasonable petrol allocation for car for work etc.
Other half is looking into applying for a DRO.
What other things do we have to consider monthly outgoings wise please.
Other half is looking into applying for a DRO.
What other things do we have to consider monthly outgoings wise please.
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Comments
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Have you considered contacting step change? They would be able to help putting together a budget based on your circumstances.
We are 2 adults, 2 kids and a small dog who spend £220’a month including toiletries and cleaning products however we don’t have specific dietary requirements which would bump up the costs.
Petrol wise is hard to predict. I have Citroen C1 which I spend around £60 a month for around 600-650 miles. My DH has an Astra life does around the same sort of mileage but petrol costs around £1000 -
There is no size fits all answer to setting your budget category amounts. You might live somewhere miles away from work or miles away from a discounting supermarket. Why not post up your SOA (Statement of Affairs) so that people here can express their thoughts.Can I please ask what is considered a reasonable amount to spend on monthly food shops for a family of 4 and a reasonable petrol allocation for car for work etc.
Other half is looking into applying for a DRO.
What other things do we have to consider monthly outgoings wise please.I work within the voluntary sector, supporting vulnerable people to rebuild their lives.
I love my job
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Basic rule of thumb you must have £50 or less, disposable income left at month end, (before any debt repayments).
So your budget must show this is the case.I’m a Forum Ambassador and I support the Forum Team on the Debt free wannabe, Credit file and ratings, and Bankruptcy and living with it boards. If you need any help on these boards, do let me know. Please note that Ambassadors are not moderators. Any posts you spot in breach of the Forum Rules should be reported via the report button, or by emailing forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com. All views are my own and not the official line of MoneySavingExpert.For free non-judgemental debt advice, contact either Stepchange, National Debtline, or CitizensAdviceBureaux.Link to SOA Calculator- https://www.stoozing.com/soa.php The "provit letter" is here-https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/2607247/letter-when-you-know-nothing-about-about-the-debt-aka-prove-it-letter0 -
sourcrates wrote: »Basic rule of thumb you must have £50 or less, disposable income left at month end, (before any debt repayments).
So your budget must show this is the case.
But must also be realistic, I assume?🎉 MORTGAGE FREE (First time!) 30/09/2016 🎉 And now we go again…New mortgage taken 01/09/23 🏡
Balance as at 01/09/23 = £115,000.00 Balance as at 31/12/23 = £112,000.00
Balance as at 31/08/24 = £105,400.00 Balance as at 31/12/24 = £102,500.00
£100k barrier broken 1/4/25
Balance as at 31/08/25 = £ 95,450.00. Balance as at 31/12/25 = £ 91,100.00
SOA CALCULATOR (for DFW newbies): SOA Calculatorshe/her0 -
Can I please ask what is considered a reasonable amount to spend on monthly food shops for a family of 4 and a reasonable petrol allocation for car for work etc.
Other half is looking into applying for a DRO.
What other things do we have to consider monthly outgoings wise please.
Say £200-£250 on food.
In terms of fuel - what kind of distance are you driving (1mile or 1million?). What size engine? What fuel does it run on?This is a system account and does not represent a real person. To contact the Forum Team email forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com0 -
I think this really depends on where you are located. Also, you can save a lot of money by using a meal planning app which creates grocery lists for you each week. This way you eat what you buy and only buy what you need.0
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