Not so new newbie

Mabboo

Good afternoon!

I've been a member of the forums for a long time, but have continued to fail to maintain any type of money saving. My wife and I are extremely proficient at running up dates, we both struggle with impulse buying, we find it hard to stay to routine and plan ahead, and we are easily overwhelmed by choice and chores. It has been suggested that we're both ADHD, or ASD, which I can fully understand and embrace (it would explain a lot).

We have 2 adult children living at home. 19 & 21. They have jobs, but low paying, so we don't demand a great deal from them. We encourage them to save what they can towards their future (and they do, which makes me so proud!). The eldest offspring's partner has recently fallen out with their Dad, so they are spending more time with us. We don't mind, but feeding 5 adults isn't cheap.

I'm going to try again to fix the mess we're slowly getting into, and I know these forums are an amazing resource. Some of the things I learnt here 7 years ago I still use. Just… not consistently or often. If anyone has any hints and tips for staying on track when you're brain can't be bothered, I'd love to hear them.

gwynlas

There are all sorts of different ways of trying to stick to a budget so you might want to see what works for you.

You could complete a SOA to look at what your monthly spends are and get advice on cutting down on unnecessary expenditure regarding phone contracts streaming etc.

You could food plan to stop food waste or splurging on take aways building in some super cheap meals you can all share

You can shop around as supermarkets and discount shops often have the same products at widely different prices.

You could divide your surplus money over weekly or even daily amounts so that you do not exceed your budget

I'm sure others will be along to add to this

Altior

My opinion is that you shouldn't be funding the keep of adults living with you! I don't exactly know when things changed, but I was expect to pay for my keep when I was living at home, regardless of my income. I'm not talking profiting from them here, but at the very least (for me) it would be a share of the utility bills, ct etc, and most definitely the groceries. Especially if you are in debt in part, to fund their keep yourself.

MEM62

Controlling money is a matter of discipline and we cannot do that for you. You have to figure that out for yourself. As alluded to by @Altior, if you are struggling financially, you should not be supporting other adults. (Particularly if you are struggling and they are saving - that's nuts!) It is their responsibility to stand on their own two feet. Perhaps that is your starting point.

Rob5342

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81933760#Comment_81933760

I agree, if you are finding it too expensive to feed five adults then you need to ask them for more. A 19 year old should easily be able to cover the extra food and utility costs you have as a result of them living with you.

maman

I fully understand that the OP doesn't want to make a profit from her children (and the regular visitor) but that's not the same as asking for a contribution for the extra food, utilities and anything else they wouldn't need if there were just the two of them living at home.