To ask for help with budgeting?

[Helpmebefrugal]

I posted this earlier in money but in retrospect I'm really impatient I'd rather put it here for traffic. Even if IABU, I really need help! So:

I cannot seem to create a budget that actually works. There are always things I haven't thought of, or it's just unrealistic - would so welcome any advice or help as we're currently going overdrawn at the end of every month, which is obviously not ideal.

Basically, after mortgage and all bills are paid each month, we have almost exactly £600 left. We need to put fuel in two cars (one used for commuting, one only used occasionally), which I think swallows at least £120 per month. We need to feed and clothe DP, DS(1) and I, buy toiletries, cleaning products etc, and occasionally have fun.

In my head this should be more than possible, but I am spectacularly bad at it. We already shop mostly in Lidl but occasionally nip into other places for top-ups/ stuff we can't get in Lidl. Try to make that mostly Tesco but it's sometimes Sainsburies. We just seem always to spend more than I expect, and random things always come up - family birthdays/ invitations we have to take a bottle of wine to, stuff like that. If you budget successfully, how do you do it?! And can you come and take over my life for a month?

[Rivercam]

Look on money saving expert.com. There's a budget plan. You need to factor in things like hair cuts, Christmas presents, club membership etc. I find it helps to out a certain amount of money away each week to cover these expenses.

[Rivercam]

www.moneysavingexpert.com/banking/Budget-planning

[Ouchbloodyouch]

I'm watching with interest. I have occasional periods where I run out of money. I have food in the cupboards and the bills are paid. But when there is no money I can't buy any 'extras' and its fine. I want to transfer that state of mind to when I actually have money
I have ADHD so I struggle with budgeting.

[ZanyMobster]

Hi, I am just about to go away for the weekend so can't respond properly but I will pm you next week about this. I basically budget for everything monthly incl family birthdays and Xmas so there are very few surprises. I will be in touch if you want me to.

[Helpmebefrugal]

Thank you Rivercam will look at that! Looks very useful!

And Ouch DP has ADHD and I am in the process of getting diagnosed! Every ounce of impulse control I possess goes into getting my uni work done instead of wasting time on mumsnet, and every ounce of planning power into day to day parenting/ ensuring we actually have food in for dinner etc. And the baby still hasn't been properly bathed for three days as THERE IS NEVER ENOUGH TIME. I feel this plays a large part in our problems!

[Helpmebefrugal]

Yes please Zany!

[Fatmomma99]

Use markets for basic food shop - really cheap fruit and veg.

Use supermarkets for staples, and bulk buy for value (if you have enough storage)

STOP doing top-up shops - they're really expensive.

[ItMustBeBunnies]

Moneysavingexpert is fab! I use a budget app on my phone called Acebudget2 on which I record every purchase in various categories.

You need to start recording every spend, then you can make a workable, realistic budget.

Having it in categories also helps, as if I unexpectedly go over in one budget, say transport, I know I have X less to spend from my extras budget.

[Helpmebefrugal]

We have virtually no storage Fatmomma, which is part of the problem. DP could get a Costco card because of his job, but I'm not sure if it would be worth it as we couldn't really store anything. Market is a good idea.

[Ouchbloodyouch]

To be honest Costco isn't IMO any cheaper than poundland..

[ftmsoon]

Our baby only gets bathed once a week.
HTH