budgeting

[cory]

hi just wondering can anyone give some advice my husband is the only bread winner in our house and i find by the middle of the month we only have about one hundred to do us to the next pay. Can anyone give me some tips on budgeting we do not go out or smoke or drink and have two kids. My food bill is usually about ninety a week plus the rest of the normal bills I would really appreciate it some answers many thanks

[Pea Pod]

Where do you shop,do you take a shopping list or just wander the aisles.

[antiguru]

For a couple of months keep a little book with you and write down everything you spend. And I mean everything. Group your costs together and see where you could cut back. Then plan what you will spend when and stick to it. Try and build some treats for you all in too.

How you budget will depend on where you spend. For eg, if you find you're spending on silly small things at the beginning of the month when you feel like you have money, look at saving some money into a separate account soon after payday. If you splurge in the supermarket, consider online shopping where you can watch the running total and you're not so tempted by impulse bargains.

Hope this helps.

AG

[cory]

HI i go to tescos i do take a shopping list but sometimes i go off it a bit I have started up my own calligraphy business in the last few weeks so i am waiting on word from customers . My kids r three and eight and my husband works shift so i unable to get a job so that why i have came up with another option. thanks anyway

[manathu]

Make sure you are getting all the benefits you are entitled to. Shop at the cheaper supermarkets suchas Morrisons or Aldi rather than Tesco or Sainsburys. Stock up on Buy 1 get 1 free offers. Make your own soups pizzas cakes etc. Much tastier and a lot cheaper. Wish you lots of luck.

[Hopeful2]

I would agree that you need to write everything down, pretty scary! I was in the same position as a single parent when my son was young. I now work full time but have taken up a business opportunity to get an extra �200 a month. I can help you do this with no outlay if you are interested, the work is fun and can fit around family and children, let me know.

[cory]

That would be great if you do not mind many thanks

[yummymummy]

Check out the forums at www.moneysavingexpert.com
I am obsessed with it recently! There are tips on changing mortgage/loan etc to get cheapest deal, smart shopping tips, discounts and freebies etc etc.