To ask how you save money/survive on little

[Pinkbutton85]

We have just had a major change in sircumstances. Therefore our monthly incomings and outgoings leaves us with about £50 between us at the end of the month for 2 adults and 2 children.
(That's after every bill, including food, fuel etc)

We aren't entitled to any benefit other than child benefit.

I'm desperate to know how you save money, the best tips/tricks?!

Haudyerwheesht Whatever it is, people are willing to pay for it and it's not illegal. So not sure how you're "confused" about it...especially since it's been going on for centuries.

I guess I'm confused because I'd surprised someone would so openly talk about scamming what are probably vulnerable people.

Cut back on food as much as possible. If you can use a selection of supermarkets. Also, eat cheap filling foods such as bread, potatoes, beans, cheese, etc.
Cut your own (and famly's ) hair. Have a look on youtube for how to do it. Hair clippers are great for short hair so it's investing in a set if you haven't got any.
No new clothes for adults for at least a year. Mend any clothes that need it - it's easy to sew on buttons, take up hems, sew up any little holes, etc etc.
Walk or bike as much as possible.
Freeview tv and old dvd's for the kids

And give up alcohol.

Grow everyone's hair. If anyone still needs haircuts, look out a reasonable pair of scissors and keep them away from kitchen use etc for trims. A set of clippers paid for itself for us very quickly but obviously is a cost in itself.

Be honest to everyone about your change in circumstances. Stop all presents to adults that aren't essential. If your children are still at the birthday party age, swallow any pride and give poundland or second hand presents only. If some kind person gives you a bottle of wine or vouchers, put it away and reuse it for someone else.

Potatoes are cheap to grow and really good to eat fresh. Look up wartime and real budget recipes like potato plate pie. If you cook a bacon rasher, don't clean the pan, use the fat to fry potato cakes or vegetables later.

Apply to your local elections office at the council to work at a polling station on elections day and counting the postal votes before hand. In October you could do evening door knocking to sign people up to the electoral register

Can you pick up any overtime at work or get a second very part time job for a bit of extra cash?

Switching to Lidl/Aldi is good for saving money on food. If you don’t have one locally, shop in Tesco and save clubcard vouchers for days out. We often get a day at the zoo or sea life and take a picnic.

It’s hard. But you will find a way.