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AIBU?

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Original poster

After all bills how much do you have left for food and other non-bill things?

34 replies

muldersspeedos · 19/11/2021 18:19

My rent has just increased and I'm working out my finances and making cuts wherever I can. I have 3dc and am a single parent. I have £400 a month for food and non-bill items like clothing, bus fares etc. How much is average to have after bills?

OP posts:
Helpstopthepain · 19/11/2021 18:43

@muldersspeedos

Savings 🤣🤣🤣🤣 Why on earth would I be trying to save and leaving myself with only £400?
You laugh but this is exactly what I do because if/when something brakes I rely on my savings. I use savings for Christmas and birthdays, school uniforms, annual bills etc.

We are a family of 5. After bills we have £500. I budget £100 a week for food and fuel and the other £100 goes to savings.

nancybotwinbloom · 19/11/2021 18:40

Have you got a slow cooker? You can use cheaper cuts of meat in them.

Bulk out with lentils?

EileenGC · 19/11/2021 18:39

Only you can judge if it’s enough

I’m not trying to make the OP feel worse but do people think £100 a week is enough to feed, clothe, transport and provide the necessary in an emergency for 4 people?

The OP is clearly trying to find out how to make that work. Without resorting to Mumsnet chickens.

mrsbyers · 19/11/2021 18:35

It’s a useless comparison really , if you want people to help review your outgoings then that’s fair enough but only you can judge if it’s enough and lots will have more and some less

Original poster
muldersspeedos · 19/11/2021 18:35

Savings 🤣🤣🤣🤣 Why on earth would I be trying to save and leaving myself with only £400?

OP posts:
Overthebow · 19/11/2021 18:32

@EileenGC

The OP may not have the money for any savings at all. Many people don’t.
I’m aware of that, it’s just some people class savings in with bills and some don’t. I personally don’t so wanted to give accurate information.
EileenGC · 19/11/2021 18:30

The OP may not have the money for any savings at all. Many people don’t.

Overthebow · 19/11/2021 18:29

After bills but before food we have around £1900 but our savings come out of that too. Not sure if you are counting savings in bills or not.

EileenGC · 19/11/2021 18:25

I have 300€ left but I currently live on my own and need to save some of that for when I go fully freelance in 6 months’ time, as I won’t have any steady income at all after that.

When that leftover amount was much lower, I made sure I cut all subscriptions that weren’t entirely essential - TV, Netflix, Spotify… YouTube or streaming is the way to go. Cheapest Giffgaff goodybag I could get for phone.

Strict food budget, own brand toiletries and cleaning and stripping down to basics when it comes to shampoos or skincare… I would only buy a all-in-one moisturiser and apply it scarcely, no make up or other products.

Do you have things to sell such as old toys or clothes that aren’t needed anymore?

I do apologise if these are all things you’re already doing! £400 is a tight budget but you will manage Flowers