Beginning of debt free journey...High income, high debts, expensive pets

OopsIdiditagain1

Thank you for your suggestions. The boys are at a retirement livery living their best life in a big field with a herd. It's one to look at again though.
My dogs are older, dawrf breed and one in particular has joint problems, including spine (he needed surgery for herniated disc). However I could cut out the supplements, they are not really necessary and I guess efficacy is questionable. I will look at cheaper food and treats for them. It will be a team effort! 
Haha...yes I think you're right. It's easier being on my own full stop! 

Grumpelstiltskin

This thread is 4 years old but it may give you some ideas about supplements.

Joint Supplements for Dogs — MoneySavingExpert Forum

OopsIdiditagain1

Grumpelstiltskin said:

This thread is 4 years old but it may give you some ideas about supplements.

Joint Supplements for Dogs — MoneySavingExpert Forum

Amazing thank you. I hadn't thought of turmeric, that could be a good alternative 👍

MayDogsandCoffee

OH, my last terrier cross had spine issues with 3 discs going at once - surgery was only at 5% chance of working, she was only 4 1/2 .  I do think you could probably get their food bill down a bit, people get carried away sometimes by the company's marketing.  You will get loads of tips on this site and will be able to get turned around, saving cash almost turns into an obsession / hobby.  Really track day to day spends, everything onto a budget spreadsheet, even the pint of milk or £2 into charity tin - it is surprising how much just disappears.  

OopsIdiditagain1

Oh your poor girl. It's truly awful to see them suffer. My boy is 8 but he has recovered really well despite complicated surgery on Christmas Day! He walks wonky but seems happy in himself. 
You are right. It won't do them any harm to eat cheaper food, I will be too! Fortunately they are not fussy. I think saving money will be a healthy addiction/hobby to have! Thank you for taking the time to reply. 

katsu

I would agree about cutting the holiday. The pets are your holiday for this year whilst you are getting more breathing space on your expenses. 


£97 for the internet... I'm sure you can save money there.

The TV licence is only about 14 a month not 28 so if you want it, that's fine,  but that's another 170 a year hiding in there that can help reduce your debts. 

OopsIdiditagain1

Thank you Katsu. Yes the £50 holiday pot will go.

£97 is BT contract until April next year for TV, landline and Internet. Will definitely review and get rid of TV package and landline as I only seem to use my mobile.

I messed around with payment dates for TV licence so it's an increased monthly payment until renewal. I'm likely to keep that as I do sometimes watch live TV/stream. If I get rid of the BT TV package I'll just have the standard channels. 

I'm looking at the animals' insurance and I can definitely save there. 

Grumpelstiltskin

I don't know where you shop but do you use Lidl?

Lidl Plus | View Latest Deals & Offers | Lidl GB

A free  bun when you spend £10 in a month, more when you spend more.

I don't know what the dog food is like, I haven't got a dog but the human food is OK and if you go early in the morning if you are lucky you ill get things at 50% off, even things like sliced bread, rolls etc. Then you can always split a pack up and freeze.

OopsIdiditagain1

Thanks for the tip! I don't go to Lidl as it's a bit of a distance but I go to Aldi and like it a lot! I will look at the Aldi dog food, probably no different to the well known branded food. Tesco is closer and I'm aware a late evening visit can be worth it. I just need to stay awake long enough to go! 

NeverendingDMP

I find Aldi dog food better than asda. Our dog likes both but tbh Aldi one seems more substantial and is cheaper. Not sure of the nutritional value in comparison as I've never stopped to check it. The mixer bags are all right too. We are lucky we have a dog who eats anything! A few people at work go to the local Aldi at dinner just for pet food so perhaps it is okay according to other people too.