£412 to last till payday

[thrower86]

Hi,

I am really feeling the effects of having no savings this month. A car repair and a couple of other unexpected expenses mean that I have only £412 to last until the 28th. Thankfully my bills are paid for this month and I think that I have about 9-10 days worth of meals in the freezer - will just need a couple of top up shops.

I know it may not sound too bad but I feel like I am in a very precarious position only having £412 for 18 days. I am praying that nothing else goes wrong

What have you got to buy out of that? Any birthday presents or any other expenses? I’d just split it into a weekly budget and stick to it.

You’ll live. And very well.

There's a thread like this every day. You are not alone in your irrational anxiety.

You know you are fine so when finances are more generous see if you can get help.

Can you get an authorised overdraft at your bank in case of emergency?

We've had one for 20 years and thankfully never had to use it, but it's good to know it's always there.

Oh get a grip. That’s WAY more than millions of people in this country would have left after bills.

If you have 10 days worth of meals in freezer, that means you have 8 days left to shop for, so a daily budget of £51.

Hardly scraping down the back of the sofa for coins for milk money.

Be thankful and put something in the food bank shop in your way past - there’s folk far worse off than you.

I’m so sorry that you have received so many uncharitable responses to your situation. I was made redundant in 2010 & ever since I have kept a spreadsheet of income and expenses. Keeping this record means I can plan for months in advance about my outgoings. Best of luck balancing your budget.

I think you will last especially with the food in the freezer. But going forward, is there any possibility of starting to save so you don't keep facing this situation?

Just a little bit each month will soon start to add up.
Putting it aside the day you are paid is best rather than at the end of the month. I used to try to save what was left, if there was any, but find it easier to save a bit on pay day then I live within my means on what is left.

Good luck x

Wow wow wow. I usually have around £16 to last us the month.

I would cut right back and aim to keep 200-300 in the bank in case of emergency. That's a minor boiler repair or enough to replace an appliance if needed. Id then seriously plan to make savings going forward. £100-200 a month will add up to a lot over time.

So really up your game on the food preparation, make it a game to see if you can cook and budget £100 for 20 evening meals and lunches.

make the no knead bread loaves and rolls, which work out at about 60p cost for a loaf or 8 rolls.

search for meals you can double up or triple up so you cook once and put two more portions in the freezer. Cook the rice and freeze in portions.

i use pinch of nom batch cooking recipes as they state 4 portions but it’s definitely 5 portions and means I have extra.

buy milk and freeze - this stops the dreaded top up shop where you go for milk and spend £20

If your bills for the month are already paid, what do you actually have to pay out on? Food and fuel? You've said you have 10 days of meals left. I really think you'll be OK.

I keep a spreadsheet app on my phone which I budget my money on. I list every single outgoing against my bank balance and update every few days so I know exactly where I am. If you don't already, try doing that.

Do you have a credit card in case you have something unexpected to pay for?

I don't see the issue. Just aim to spend as little as possible, use up the food in your freezer and whatever food you need to buy, spend as little as possible.

So mainly vegetarian meals, using cheaper vegetable options like normal broccoli instead of sprouting, cheaper lettuce instead of fancy bagged leaves etc etc.

Plus see if you have anything you can sell on Vinted, eBay, table top sale etc. Switch your bank account for £150+ free money.