The Cost Of Living

[inamuddle1]

I recently decided to move into my own apartment, so my cost of living has increased.

I live in Spain.

I have been living very poorly for the past 4 months. Every time I get my pay, most of it has been given out and I'm left with nothing to enjoy myself with, and at the end of each month, I have no money at all, struggling until pay day. It's really getting me down.

On the plus side, i do have a nice apartment, but with lack of money, all i have been doing is sitting in it. I have no money to step outdoors.

This month i receive a bonus, its healthy, 600 euros, but this month I have a lot of bills to day, and after doing the maths, im left with a whopping 200 euros and it's never going to last me all month, totally gutted.

what I've decided to do is scrap my mobile phone contact, its costing me a fortune. I've also decided to scrap my home internet, which is also costing me a fortune. On Friday I will change my mobile number... to a pay as you go... I feel sad, and even though im doing something positive to help my situation, im still scared.

[inamuddle1]

sorry, this was just a blatant moan i suppose, life could be worse...

[Sharingan]

If you are bored just sitting in the house why not get a casual job like bar work to get you out and about and to help with money. Also is it wise to cut yourself off without Internet you might end up feeling very isolated.

[arwyn]

I don't know your age but the advice I gave my son was *to work more hours* he did this until he found the answer which was to get a new job with less travel which saved him £100 a month.. I also told him to write a list of income//out goings and see where he could change things. He saved by doing small things like save £3 a day by taking a packed lunch. good luck.

[wolf63]

I used to live like this. My overdraft swallowed my entire wage each month, I also had about £15,000 in credit card debt plus a mortgage. It never seems to get any easier. I started working overtime and was constantly exhausted. You are just going to have to cut back all the non essential stuff. Work out how much you spend on small things like magazines or bottles of fizzy drinks - it all adds up.

I am lucky that due to changes in my life I am now solvent and actually have some dosh in the bank.

Good luck

[inamuddle1]

its the only way, i think its a good idea. I've been doing the maths / budgets for months now. I'm paying off a loan, and a credit card, and I have a nice house, for the mean time i think going without is the best option. I'll gain other things. I feel more isolated at the moment, sitting in my palace with nothing to do. God I hope I get paid tonight

[inamuddle1]

your right, it doesnt seem to get any easier. I have a good job so looking for another is not an option, unless the pay is super, i have been keeping my eyes open for sure ;)

It adds insult to injury because of the bonus this month. My work buddies all enjoying it and me still scrimping away. But to be fair, if it wasnt for the bonus i would be completely snookered, so it's kinda saving my life! Its funny how we manage to scrape by. Nope im convinced, this is the answer. Thanks for the luck , I'll be using it x

[boxtops]

I don't know how it works in Spain, but my UK bank helped me out a lot when I was in a similar position. They consolidated my loan and credit card debt and added it on to the mortgage - my outgoings each month reduced considerably that way, so at least I could live instead of existing.

[Sparkles62]

Aswell as looking at what you can cut back for now, Shari's idea seems to be the best option, I did the same many years ago,
worked a few night in a bar, enjoyed the music and the atmosphere, and got paid for it.
Another option is that you could possibly take in a lodger if you have a spare room.
Good luck hon with whatever you do. X
I hope it all works out ok for you. X