Anyone want to join me in cutting back?

[ifonly4]

We need to cut our financial spending this year, so from this week we really have to cut back/make some savings. Anyone want to join in by checking in on a regular basis with what you've done to cut back/how it's going?

To start with I've sent myself a food budget and really intend to stick to it. Also, will only buy toiletries and cleaning products when I know the price is good. I'm going to compile a list of free/cheap ideas for days out. Next month we're going to change our energy tariff as it comes to an end.

I need to take DD into town this week, so will need to just concentrate on getting what sees really needs and not having expensive coffee and cake!

We're going to have a massive credit card bill next month for us, and also know things need to be done to the car to get it through it's MOT, so this will help keep me focused.

[Notreallyhappy]

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/credit_crunch/2828328-Frugaleers-keeping-their-frugal-resolutions-in-the-new-year-Keep-on-erm-resoluting

This lovely thread does what you want. Lots of support there

[Greycat11]

I'd like to join if you're still around?

I really need to make changes and get myself organised.

My new motto is take care of the pennies and the pounds will look after themselves.

We can do this

[Char22thom]

Try keeping a list of what you spend, where and when and keep a running total as you go. I started this from 1st Jan and it has changed my thinking and spending. I'm also budgeting for food, have done a monthly food shop online and then just buying fruit and veg and fresh foods at the weekend from the smaller telco rather than the large one where I get drawn in to special offers and deals! I have also started a monthly budget plan, at payday I record all income, deduct all direct debits/bills etc, then deduct food and fuel budget. What's left then gets allocated into any unavoidable spends (car MOT, birthdays, dentist etc). Once those are deducted then whatever is left goes for savings/debts/other spends ( things that we want to do/buy but that could wait for another month or so). It has been very empowering and DH and I joke "it's not on the list it will have to wait!!" X