2008 - Live on £4000 for a full year.

Paul_Varjak

s

flowerofthewest wrote: »

I thought that as I get benefits on a fortnightly basis that I would do 4-week (lunar) months, giving me 13 months in the year (it makes it easier for budgeting the bills).

Actually, if you can make 4 weeks of income stretch to one month then on two months each year (some years even 3 months) you will have 3 benefit payments in a calendar month. You can use that to save for Xmas.

If you are on benefits (but still liable for rent and Council Tax) then, depending on your Council and landlord you may have rent-free weeks and Council Tax-free months, which, again, can be saved.

A similar situation applies if you receive Tax Credits weekly. For four months each year (some years even 5 months) you will receive 5 payments in a calendar month.

So, still budget calendar-monthly especially as some outgoings (eg TV licence and insurance DD are still monthly).

Penny2myName

TOTAL FOR ANIMALS £5.33
TOTAL FOR COLLEGE FOOD £1.60
TOTAL FOR FOOD £12.65
TOTAL FOR GROCIECES £1.50
TOTAL FOR TOILETRIES £0.38
TOTAL FOR TRAVEL £8.80
TOTAL FOR TREAT £1.50
TOTAL £31.76

Initial amount to spend = £4000 over 366 days, average £76.50 per week
New balance = £3590.34 over 340 days, average £73.91 per week . Creeping back up:j

Janey51

Nyk we have a new fairly big Co-op in our nearest town/village 6 miles away that has really good deals and I would rather buy there than brave Mr T, A or M after work (They are in the city where I work at the moment 30 miles away).
I can't remember the last time I paid full price for a loaf of bread and I freeze it as soon as I get home to keep it fresh.

They also have trolleys with "Reduced to Clear" by the tills and you get some mega discounts there. Yesterday I had to restrain myself as there were boxes and boxes of biscuits left over from Christmas for peanuts. The "Best Before" dates were Nov 08 but I didn't buy any because, in all honesty, they would probably have been eaten long before then and as DH is on Atkins (and doing well) and I shouldn't eat them after my surgery, I decided it wasn't a good idea. Sigh.:rolleyes:

Even though prices are a penny or two more than the big supermarkets, I spend less as there isn't the choice. I always go with a list now and only get anything extra if its a really good deal....like the half price pork yesterday.

I have cooked the joints and DH will slice them today so I can freeze them in portions. It will give many roast dinners and each joint (weighing approx 3kg) cost aroung £4.75. Bargain.
I cook meals for my Mum as well and its better than ready meals for her.

slowlyfading I really want to see Sweeney Todd so thanks for the feedback on that. I drool over Johnny Depp Will be able to work the price of the tickets into the budget especially if we go to the performance before 5 when its cheaper. And of course we will be taking our own nibbles.
Could combine it with going for logs and might even call into Lidl or Aldi to make full use of petrol as its a 60 mile round trip.

Anticipating a NSD today as I am going to work with DH. And bonus use the employer's heat, light and....toilet paper :rotfl:

Burlesque_Babe

Morning all. Should be a NSD today although there is the chance I might get the opportunity to go to a lovely farm shop later which sells the most amazing pork.

MSHAWX

Hi,
It is a stupid question, but how do you get into your signiture?

Mollymop5

MSHAWX wrote: »

Hi,
It is a stupid question, but how do you get into your signiture?

At the top of the page under your name it says User CP click on that then there will be an option to edit your signature down the left side
I had to ask when I first came on too so not a silly question.

mama67

Nyk where are you geting unbranded butter for 58p please cheapest unbranded I have been able to find for ages is 85p.

mah_jong

Come Friday I shall adjust my footer totals with January totals but meanwhile my food spends for the week are 34.66, a dear week, but looking at MSmoney there is more spent on fresh food and veg and of course it was Burns night so a haggis was bought!!

In fact as I eating less but better of late so lose with hand and pay more with with the other. However to be truthful I dont mind. I like eating fresh fruit after a meal! I like veggies more than I have ever done in my life!

Life is strange!!

So for the week 34.66 for one but dinner for 2 each night!

LollopyBear

How is everyone today? I've woken up with a cold don't know how that happened, and I'm now trying to think about our week's shop and my mind is drawing a blank. I can't think of anything! What is everyone having for their meals this week?

I need to get out and do some tidying up in the garden before it rains but it sounds as if my DH is finally motivated to do some things around the house (judging by the noises coming from downstairs) and I don't want to disturb him as he may stop.

Penny2myName

Finally getting my !!!! in gear and started to de-clutter the kitchen.
Do you think if you de-clutter and simplify your surroundings, then it is easier to simplify the rest of your life, and start to have full control over everything?
Have binned one black bag of stuff already from ONE cupboard alone (ok its floor to ceiling cupboard) and am now moving food into it, and using the floor units to store all the kitchen gadgets that are on top of the units instead. This will help make the unit tops look clearer and more appealing to use when making homemade stuff.
I have to admit I am starting to enjoy making homemade stuff, and feel that within myself it is allowing more of a family feeling back into my home.