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Original poster

What do you spend your disposable income on?

77 replies

booklover164 · 21/02/2021 20:07

Trying to work out a budget and wondered what people spend their disposable income on? All bills accounted for and not sure we could live on the amount we've set aside.

Our list so far comprises DC's clothes and shoes and a paper delivery. What's on your list?

OP posts:
postcardfromme · 21/02/2021 20:09

Clothes - I love clothes ❤️

PurBal · 21/02/2021 20:12

Coffee subscription. Hiking gear.

WonkyCactus · 21/02/2021 20:14

Books and craft stuff.

Lyricallie · 21/02/2021 20:14

Hair care is a big one for me. I keep trying different types to see if I can find one that works with my curls.

Nice things in the super market right now as a treat so maybe a fancy pesto or something I wouldn't ordinary get.

In normal times, holidays, nights out and clothes.

WonkyCactus · 21/02/2021 20:14

Oh, and things for the house, such as prints from Etsy etc.

AgeLikeWine · 21/02/2021 20:16

In normal times, travelling.

Currently, nothing.

Rose87777 · 21/02/2021 20:16

Eating out (when allowed). Entertainment with the kids like activities, entry in to attractions.

LunaHeather · 21/02/2021 20:18

OP "not sure we could live on the amount we've set aside."

Are you trying to figure out a list of essentials? Bit confused.

The answer to your question is - as little as possible, i try to save it.

katmunchkin · 21/02/2021 20:19

My bloody horse!

FindingMeno · 21/02/2021 20:19

I don't have that worry.
The dc's manage to extract every penny out of me.

nutellafortea · 21/02/2021 20:21

Eating out (I'm in Sweden where restaurants are open)

ineedaholidayandwine · 21/02/2021 20:21

Putting money aside for holidays.
Designer clothes for my daughter
Nice wine/rum
When going into the office, cake and coffee/lunch from a local cafe

Onedropbeat · 21/02/2021 20:22

Art supplies
Holidays
Day trips
Presents for family and friends
Plants
New car when required

Happyfamily123 · 21/02/2021 20:23

Horse 🐎🐎🐎

Rockettrain · 21/02/2021 20:23

Disposable income should be the money you have left to spend on random and/or non-essential/fun stuff. Children’s clothes don’t really come into that category, it’s an essential spend, they have to wear stuff! Unless what you’re talking about is buying nicer brands or extra bits that they don’t really need. That something I sometimes spend my disposable income on, I see some cute leggings or a top that I think my DD would look really sweet in and I buy it even though she doesn’t really NEED it as she has enough already.

Otherwise I also buy non-essential home bits like cushions or a new duvet cover; sometimes a bit of make up or a nice bubble bath or something; take aways; meals out; coffee and cake.

Rockettrain · 21/02/2021 20:24

Oh and used to be holidays, lots of holidays, but not since DD was born and then Covid!

HermioneWeasley · 21/02/2021 20:24

Used to be eating out, holidays and theatre

Sigh

shiningstar2 · 21/02/2021 20:24

Eating out, theatre, cinema, hairdressers, house improvement, holidays, gifts for others. Obviously as and when I can afford these things. If I can't afford them, then I can't afford them. I wouldn't use credit cards for them. I think you need to write a list of things you would like to spend disposable income on. Then if you are on a tight budget choose the three you think most important to your family. If your budget extends to these things you can always add more. My list of 'essential' or 'expendable' extras has widened and contracted at different times depending on changes in income. If you start with small expectations and refuse to be tempted into purchases you definitely don't need, it feels quite nice in good years when you can add a few more luxuries. I think lots of people will be having to look at their budgets in the coming months and chip away at a few things which they think are essential in good years.

DuckonaBike · 21/02/2021 20:25

Wine

Pizzaandgarlicdip · 21/02/2021 20:25

75% of mine goes straight into our house saving fund
I then have roughly £500 to spend on haircuts, clothes, nails, holidays, weekends away, eating out, nights out with friends, food outside of the weekly shop, house things

Obviously most of that is out at the moment so I buy rubbish off Amazon instead

Minikievs · 21/02/2021 20:27

Anything and everything.
I have a shopping compulsion and am a marketeers dream. I buy from practically every Facebook advert I see.
Make up clothes shoes bags gadgets

When lockdown ends I really need to reevaluate my life as I can't afford it when the kids clubs and activities start back up

elastamum · 21/02/2021 20:27

Horses

RosesAndHellebores · 21/02/2021 20:30

Hair
Clothes
Make-up perfume
Garden plants

Pre Covid
Meals out
Theatre
Odd hotel trip to visit dc at uni

Notanotherhun · 21/02/2021 20:32

A bit of skincare but it shouldn't really be seen as disposable if you can save it.

FuckyouBrennan · 21/02/2021 20:33

Clothes/ shopping days, spa days, drinks / meals with friends, treats for DC, stuff for the house...

Ahh pre covid life was so much more fun!

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