Page 1 of 2
Posted: Mon Apr 18, 2011 1:02 pm
by Hayley.gb
I posted ealier this month that due to duplicated dd's n poor budgeting that we only had £36 to last a family of 5 for 2 weeks, well we managed the £36 went on diesel and we used up all of the food in the house (our cupboards are like Old Mother Hubbards) lol.
I am armed with an expenditure spredsheet for this month and a weekly allowance rather than just buying food as and when, I am quite certain that we will cope quite nicely.
Posted: Mon Apr 18, 2011 1:05 pm
by kazzafunk
Well done Hayley! At least you know that if you get any tight months you can manage
[:)]
Posted: Mon Apr 18, 2011 1:16 pm
by kallis3
Well done Hayley - hope you have a bit more spare next month!
Posted: Mon Apr 18, 2011 1:22 pm
by Hayley.gb
I know this sounds silly but I am actually quite excited about regaining full control and not spending excessively. I am so used to just going out on a whim to buy things that we don't necessarily need. Although I am going to treat my girls to a KFC for a treat for dinner as they have coped so well living on rations.
Posted: Mon Apr 18, 2011 1:29 pm
by kallis3
Same here Hayley, I could spend for England! Hope your girls enjoy their KFC!
Posted: Mon Apr 18, 2011 2:30 pm
by plasticdaft
It is sometimes necessary to be tighter than normal some months and groceries and fuel are where savings can be made,whether its running cupboards and freezers down to empty or planning journeys better. Last weekend i did a regular car journey and instead of the usual 34mpg i drove in a more careful manner and got 43 yes 43 mpg instead!!
Frugal times required.
Paul
Posted: Mon Apr 18, 2011 5:21 pm
by Rosepetal
Hi, we divide the cash up for wk 1,3,3,4,i'm so strict about not dibbing into next wks cash - i did this once when toilet rolls were on offer -they can be so expensive!
our local market has a farm stall,if we buy over a certain amount he'll knock a few £s off. we bought a slow cooker &have been experimenting with cheap cuts of meat to make tasty stews - packed out with veg.
i've started a savings card off for xmas in the supermarket,it can be tough but i'm trying to save so we can have treats at xmas.
good luck &well done. x
Posted: Mon Apr 18, 2011 5:26 pm
by kallis3
Do some online surveys Rosepetal - it helps fund Christmas for me.
Posted: Mon Apr 18, 2011 5:26 pm
by luluj
It can be very rewarding when you put your mind to it ! You certainly appreciate the extra's when you have them and nothing is taken for granted anymore ! Well done !
Posted: Mon Apr 18, 2011 5:30 pm
by kallis3
We bought some bedding yesterday from Dunelm Mill Shop (don't know if it is national or not). Super Kingsize duvet cover, four pillow cases and all for £15!
Posted: Mon Apr 18, 2011 5:31 pm
by ginger3232
You can buy from them online as well
Posted: Mon Apr 18, 2011 5:38 pm
by kallis3
It was in the discontinued line and we were lucky to find other pillow cases to match!
Our nearest store is about two miles away so not worth going online!
Posted: Mon Apr 18, 2011 5:41 pm
by kat68
well done hayley.
I'm the same, was always out spending on a whim and now i find its quite exciting having cash in my purse, sticking to a budget, and setting myself little challenges to see if i can manage to have a bit left over at the end of the week, which i am enjoying putting in my savings tin at the end of each week. i bought myself a new mascara this week and am loving knowing i have treated myself to something and its paid for, whats strange is before i would have needed to buy something far more extravagant to get the same feeling.
enjoy the KFC.
Posted: Mon Apr 18, 2011 7:21 pm
by Dougie
Yep, just to echo the other comments we now take our weekly budget out in cash and stick to it no matter what, we never pay on debit cards any more as you just can't keep track.
Posted: Mon Apr 18, 2011 7:29 pm
by Broke of London
Congrats on lasting out the month! It must feel great to know you can manage even in really tough times. Good luck with next month's budget and enjoy your KFC. xx