When you are putting together your living expenses budget, my advice is always to make your own list first. It is then sensible to compare your list to a guide such as the ones already mentioned. If you see there is anything you have missed then add it. If your figures for particular budgets are higher than the guide then do not be afraid to include them but you must be prepared to justify them. A good example of this is if you have special dietary requirements and need to spean more on food.
Hi James, Many thanks for that advice. I actually didn't do my calculations (only the regular ones with the DD: mortgage, poll tax elec etc.) And was given these figures from my IP. I just wanted to check to see if they had gone up or not. As you suggested it is very wise to have a good read through these guidelines as there are quite a few things that wasn't put onto my IVA budget like Pet bits and a couple of others. I think I was abit dire back in 2009 so needed every penny I could get!!!!! Thanks again x
Great advice from James Fella could,nt agree more.Although IP,S with discretion can adjust payments in a IVA,it is very important to get the payments set at a realistic affordable amount at the beginning.
I have always done my own list and just use the previous one as a reference when it comes to my annual review.
Sharing from experiences of dealing with debt
The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively.
Bob Marley. http://kallis3.blogs.iva.co.uk
Sharing from experiences of dealing with debt
The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively.
Bob Marley. http://kallis3.blogs.iva.co.uk
Mine doesn't contain less but it's more smart price or own brand stuff now.
Sharing from experiences of dealing with debt
The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively.
Bob Marley. http://kallis3.blogs.iva.co.uk
you should see me shop i can get loads for far less money than i did before my iva kicked in.
i am on permanant bargin spotting mode when i enter shops,and its quite fun to hunt down bargins[:p]
cc received 6th January 2014 now upwards and onwards
I only tend to use Asda these days with a top-up shop at Tesco if I need it.
We take a list out and usually just replace what we have used the week before. If they are doing a BOGOFF on something I usually use then I'll get it, even if I don't need it at that particular time.
Sharing from experiences of dealing with debt
The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively.
Bob Marley. http://kallis3.blogs.iva.co.uk
We've started shopping at Sainsburys as it's closer - whatever money we were saving on the shopping we were spending on the petrol. I also find that fruit and veg from Sainsburys lasts longer so we don't throw as much away.
Well Done Skippy, and congratulations on your wedding date.
I used to divide my shopping allowance by the weeks and do a weekly shop with the cash, I used to shake though when I was getting near my limit.
Now I start each month with my budget, I go out and get every single thing I need, wash powder, shampoos etc, including snacks and biscuits for the kids lunchbox, I also look for all the deals and went to iceland, tesco, netto, lidl all in the same day and had a boot full to the brim. Although It was initally alot of money spent I then only stop at my small local shop to buy bread and milk and nothing else and only top up on meals when all is nearly running out. I found this less stressful and a lot better as it does tempt you to put extra things you really dont need in your trolley. Funny enough I found I spent a lot less than I used to but seemed to eat alot better!!!!!!
I'm lucky in that I get 10% discount at Asda as daughter works there so that does help. I'd hate to go round a load of shops. We do a main shop once a week, a top up as and when we need it and get bread from the local bakery and meat from the local butchers.
We never let things run out - I'd be in panic mode if we didn't have full cupboards and fridge and freezer!
Sharing from experiences of dealing with debt
The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively.
Bob Marley. http://kallis3.blogs.iva.co.uk
Hubby made a stew last week - we had three servings that night and now have fourteen portions in the freezer (we have a big stock pot that he makes it in!) so we're fine for that for a while.
I would seriously hate to run low on things.
Sharing from experiences of dealing with debt
The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively.
Bob Marley. http://kallis3.blogs.iva.co.uk
