How do people manage on little money?

[istheheatingonyet]

Ive just spent the best part of £300 on getting my teeth cleaned by the hygenist, a weekly shop for 2 ( adult son also here temporarily) and getting my hair done.
Now I know the third is a total extra but it's one of my few extras.

How do people manage? it's madness.

Well they wouldn’t spend £300 getting their teeth cleaned, hair done and their shop would be cheaper. If people don’t have the money to do those things then they don’t, all of those are luxuries apart from a small grocery shop.

You manage on what you have, unless you have a credit card or debts. (I don't)How much was spent on each item? I'm in the SE dental hygienist in the summer was £35. Hair,lo lights every 8 weeks is £50 and shopping for 2 adults and 2 dogs (border collies) varies slightly, average £70 a week.

Where on earth do you live? My private hygienist visit in Wales costs £60. I go three times a year.

Im guessing OP means the £300 included the hygienist, food shop and hair rather than £300 just on hygienist.

Well they wouldn’t spend £300 getting their teeth cleaned, hair done and their shop would be cheaper. If people don’t have the money to do those things then they don’t, all of those are luxuries apart from a small grocery shop

This.

They wouldn't get their hair done or go to the hygienist and spend the minimum on food or be referred to a food bank.

I know what you're saying OP. Those things together shouldn't cost £300, but they do.

It's scary just how much money is left over at the end of the month when the bills have come out, and I swear it seems like everyone is either doing really well, or really badly. I don't know of many in the middle!

Im guessing OP means the £300 included the hygienist, food shop and hair rather than £300 just on hygienist.

Doesn't matter. When you have little/no money a hygienist and paying to have your hair cut is a luxury you go without.

By not spending so much money as you have.

Don't see a hygienist or get hair done. £300 is my "spare" money for the month and I have a 2 year old

I would’ve thought by not getting their teeth cleaned or their hair done and buying cheap food?

Took me all of 2 secs to think of that. Must’ve taken you longer to write your post.

Hygienist visit just wouldn't happen. Many people would be lucky to see a dentist once a year, let alone every six months.
A food shop involves a lot of tinned stuff, and ready made stuff. Jamie's £1 meals are great if you already have all the herbs and spices etc in the cupboard. Only having £25 for food often excludes the 'two for £3' offers and suchlike. You buy what will get you through that particular week.
If you're lucky your sis-in-law is a hairdresser who might keep your fringe trimmed, otherwise it's over the bathroom sink with the nail scissors. A box colour is an occasional treat when you have a wedding invite or something but you'll have to live with the ever growing roots.

Don't be so silly. It's £140 here. You're in wales!

I’m in the South East, Home Counties and it’s £75 here.

I don’t go to the hygienist. I have a dental scraper I got off Amazon, tepee, floss and brush 2 to 3 times a day and just prey that I don’t get an infection or lose part of a tooth. Cut my own hair and live on a food budget of £50 a week.

I have no money because I can’t work due to disabilities, which means I have to claim disability benefits. People in the same position as me can’t pay for a dental hygienist or to have their hair done.

By setting a budget and sticking to it. Most people could manage that list for much less than £300 and the frequency of hygienist and haircuts would be low.

I'm on little money. I consider every pound I spend and only spend if it's value for me.. I do have a monthly cut and colour for £45 as she works from home.and it's my one concession to pampering!
I only eat once a day so I spend £35 per week. Good doesn't interest me.
I've never seen a hygienist!
I have a water Flosser, electric toothbrush and expensive toothpaste
It's all about priorities and needs vs wants

Go to the dentist when it hurts and brush well. Haircut once every 8 weeks is £45, could be cheaper but I like the hairdresser. Groceries about £180 a month.

I'm on my own, living in central London on a good salary but also a mortgage that needs paying off before I retire

Not having a choice is a really big motivator to cope. I wasn't fishing around down the back of the sofa and then deciding whether to spend the quid I found on tampons or milk for the jollies babes.

I live in the NW. It cost 90 at the dentist. The last dentist was appalling. Its not fancy or anything, it's all I could find.

I have to have my teeth cleaned every three months and it’s no more than £35 a time. A shop for family of five is £100 and I box dye my hair and have it cut very very occasionally. We earn £120 k as a household- I just don’t see why you would waste money.

My dental hygienist charges £30. I’m very glad not to be in Wales!! Getting roots topped up another £30.

But if I was skint I wouldn’t be spending the little money I had on these ‘luxuries’.

Of course I expected sarcasm and nastiness but hey ho.

My teeth are very poor due to neglectful parents and my age. I don't think it's unreasonable to try my best to keep on top of the situation. The hair is a luxury. The food thing, God knows I've tried every kind of system under the sun and I'm sorry I don't do well unless I eat decent stuff. I signed up for Bread and Butter scheme but sadly either binned it or gave it away. Thanks

They don't spend £300 on a Saturday!