Have you ever just had too much month for your money?

[Temporarilyskint]

And how do you manage to get things back under control?

Seem to be in a bit of a downward spiral just at the moment!

lists! When I panic about money I make a list of everything coming in and out that month. if it is even worse to see written down I usually just think to hell with it and go get a takeaway

How do you know?

I invoke all the advise of moneysavingexpert.
Separate bank account for bills/direct debits
Buy less stuff
Earna bit of extra income

Sorry to hear money is tight for you.

Do you have enough coming in to pay essential bills? If so, it may be worth looking at cheaper energy suppliers, insurance, internet etc to try to increase your disposable income.

Go through your bank statement from the last month or so with a high lighter and highlight any non essential spending - coffee/lunch bought out, magazines, etc. Is there anything you can cut back on here?

Try to find free things to do at weekends to save money.

I use click and collect for food shopping - less tempting to buy extras. Plus I order enough of things to make sure I don't have to call in shops through the week as I find I always buy more than the pint of milk I went for and it's usually stuff I don't need.

Will come back if I think of more

www.youneedabudget.com/ to start with. I've just started using this and it's very easy to see where your money is going and possibly help cover more of the month.

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/credit_crunch/a2502442-The-friendly-frugaleers-natter-on-through-November?msgid=57544343#57544343 Join us on the frugal thead. You should pick up some tips for making your money stretch further and discourage you from making those purchases you think you need but don't really.

Thanks. I find I just don't have the money for things that aren't essentials just now, hopefully things will get easier.

I'm the same at the moment have been for a few months, that's the problem I think once it goes a bit off that has a knock on the following month and it goes on and on. Not even daring to think about Christmas.

The budget and other links on here look helpful, will take a look.

Hope things get better for you soon OP.

Yes, definitely. I just can't afford Christmas, can't even think about it, luckily I don't make a big fuss of it anyway.

Every single month.

What do you mean expat?

Frequently

Story of my bloody life :-D

But hang in there, temp - these things too shall pass.

Sometimes, things are pared to the bone and it's still tight: my newest strategy is a)paying for my bus ticket online every month (so I don't have to worry about having £15 floating around every week) b)stashing emergency cash in the house (that can only be used in genuine emergency) and c)being very creative with loyalty cards etc It's still a sod though - sorry to hear you're struggling also.

Yes. It helps to be paid weekly but yes by the time you pay rent, bills there isnt much left for food. My car (we share a car to save money) needs a big service end of the month and im dreading it!