Single mum to 5, striving for debt free life

Jill12

@Bluegreen143, I have found recently that the weekly budget is not stretching quite as far as it did before and there has been a few weeks I have been over budget. There has been nothing silly bought. Just clothing for kids or school needs. I suspect the increased cost of living is the reason and growing children and changing needs. My budget has bee the same for the last few years. The CC spending would be for a month or two to get a better idea of my weekly outgoings. That's really the only reason. It is also convenient and separate from my direct debits and regular payments. I would be hopeless at writing it down and keeping track. Hope that explains x

shell16

@Jill12

Cost of living is definitely on the rise.  Not only gas and electric but food and fuel too.  Could you maybe adjust your budget, average what you have spent and increase, decrease in other areas?  I know I have had to do that, I've been on with my new budget for 3 months now, and its testing and adapting every month.

joedenise

I use a CC for all my daily spending and then pay off at the end of the month.  I use YNAB and when I spend I deduct it from the balance for the correct category so it is accounted for at the time of spending and then I can just transfer when the statement comes in.  

I do this to collect the Mr Ts points to exchange for Eurotunnel vouchers for our holidays!

amber03

Just popped to the supermarket and it’s worrying the increases on all the products. Most of their long term offers have stopped as well. I’ve started to buy more supermarkets own brand stuff. The two supermarkets I use most have the handheld scanners you use scanning your shopping as you go around. Definitely helps keep me in budget (just).x

savingholmes

I would caution against using a Cc for daily essentials as more than a short term fix. Perhaps step back and factor in annual bills into your regular budget. Forecast the 54% energy increase too and the possibility of another 20% in October. Forewarned is forearmed.

joedenise

@savingholmes - I've been using my CC for daily spending for more than 20 years and have always paid off in full.  I appreciate that it's not for everyone but it works for me.  

savingholmes

joedenise said:

@savingholmes - I've been using my CC for daily spending for more than 20 years and have always paid off in full.  I appreciate that it's not for everyone but it works for me.  

I think there's a massive difference between full EF and using a CC to max out points and using a CC as we are overspending on food and daily essentials. That's what I am trying to say. Having done the latter

Jill12

Hello lovely people, this week has been really rough. The fall out from my ex husband and his G/F has been devastating. What truly awful people they are. The household has been so strained with the children bickering and feeling so unsettled. I reached out to the people at my work for advice and the support I have received has been amazing. The saying a problem shared is a problem halved is so true. I have been so embarrassed to share my position with people as how can I have been married to such a heartless person for such a long time? I look at both our lives now and think they could not be more different and even as people we are poles apart, I have grown, educated myself, bought a house, dealing with debt and trying to plan a future whereas he is still in the same position he was 7 years ago. My mental state is good, I am not feeling depressed or desperate but my anxiety is high but I see things as they are now which is very sad. 

I have taken my eye off budgeting this month so debt repayments have not been what they should be. I have proven that using the credit card for daily spending is an awful idea as it now sitting with a balance of £610 on it  . This week I am back to using my debit card as with a credit card I am a bit of a train wreck  . If anything this month has shown me how my emotional state affects my spending and how easily all my hard work can be derailed. I was not going to post about the £610 spend on my credit card but then what is the point in not being truthful. 

From Monday I am reducing my hours at work and changing my working hours to better suit with school hours. My eldest child has ASN and finding care for her is proving challenging. The change in my working hours will help support her for the time being until she leaves school but once she is no longer at school I dont know what I will do as she needs care 24/7 and cant be left alone. Social care in our area is good but I fear with council cuts coming my daughter will be one of the ones to suffer when her services are further cut. 

The change in my working hours is going to have a large impact on my budget and I am yet to sit down and redo the budget, that will be fun!!! The 5 kids are seeing their dad this weekend ( I know I cant even keep up with the story!!) so this gives me some time to sit still and just breath, such a luxury. Today I have already ordered a shopping online. I now need to rediscover my house under the layers of crap that has been deposited around the place these last few weeks, I could not even find a pair of pants for myself yesterday lol. I am now going to make a cup of tea and go back to bed as why not. Happy Saturday lovelies x

Honeysucklelou2

Sorry to read that you have had a tough time with the fall out from your ex and his g/f. I’m glad your work have been helpful and accommodating with your working hours. Hope you have a restful weekend.

lucielle

Glad the lovely peeps stepped up to the mark and provided support.  Enjoy your lie in.
L