To ask for help with a realistic budget

[Pinkginxx]

I really need to get a grip on my finances. Every month I go a little bit more in debt, not huge amounts but £50-£100 a month which obviously is not sustainable. Before I get flamed, I’m well aware I spend frivolously which is why I’m asking for help. After coming out of a difficult marriage I’m maybe enjoying single life a bit too much - but I absolutely love my life and I think I should be able to sustain it with just a few tweaks whilst also putting money together for savings/a car (which I’m going to need if I progress my career)
So here we go nervous
It’s just me, no DP or DC. This is per month and I’m based in the NW
Total monthly income: £1,920
Mortgage: £502
Council tax: £120
Broadband: £26
Mobile: £28
CC minimum payments (on 0% deals): £80
Other bills (electric, insurance, water etc): £150
Travel to work: £50

So this should give me quite a bit left over. I socialise/date 2-3 times a week, I’d say eating out once a week the other drinks. I usually drink red wine so I’m thinking swapping to cheaper drinks would help there? I’m also terrible for just picking up ready meals (I have a 2 hour round commute so CBA cooking a lot). Usually Tesco 2 for £6 meals. Can anyone give me cheap meal ideas which don’t take any longer than 10 mins to cook?
I also spend far too much on beauty/cosmetic procedures. I’m knocking the Botox on the head, so any recommendations for effective affordable beauty products? (I usually use Environ which is also getting knocked on the head).
I don’t smoke anymore but I spend about £15 a week on NRT -and have done for over a year- so any tips there?

Also if there’s any more ‘grown up’ things I can be doing? I think my bills are quite low but I could be wrong.

I have a shops worth of ‘naice’ Clothes to get rid of but haven’t had much success with eBay.

Just any help would be very gratefully received.

waits to get flamed for being frivolous hussy

And look at the nutritional content of what you are actually eating. Not good. That might put you off the ready meals and other shite

@losttheway I know you’re right. On both counts. I was actually a lot better with money when I earnt a lot less as appreciated it a lot more. And was 2 dress sizes smaller which doesn’t take a genius to make the connection.
It’s bad lazy habits

You'll get there! Keep the old clothes. And work on cooking for yourself so you can wear them again!

Don't ditch the nights out, just sort out the meals. Watch eat well for less 😆

If you’re going to ditch the ready meals & meal deals then I’d recommend planning your food 4/5 days in advance, write down what you’ll have for each dinner (and make 2 portions to save for lunch the next day). Only buy foods for those dinner/lunches. Planning ahead saves so much waste and thinking about what to have.
Eggs are very quick - break two in a pan with butter, throw in some spinach or kale, tomatoes & a bit of garlic. Have with toast or baguette. Will microwave fine the next day. Omelettes as others have suggested are super quick and nutritious and you can add any veg you fancy.
Pasta dishes and stir fries are also super quick and can be reheated next day for lunch.
Id record what what you spend with this method and compare to your spend on ready meals etc. to ensure it’s wirking for you financially.

I am reminded of when I was single in my 20's and yes, I would have wanted to have prioritised my nights out.

Switching to soft drinks or lager will save a lot.

Quick meals are your friend. Microwave baked potatoes, soup, pasta, stir fries or things on toast. Make sure you always have a bag of salad, some frozen veg and some fruit, and definitely try to take your own lunches in. I use those flavoured couscous packs, about 50p, takes 5 mins to hydrate, then pop between 2 plastic pots, add cherry tomatoes and chopped chicken or canned beans and there is lunch for two days. Or if you have pasta for your tea, take in a portion to microwave for your lunch next day. There is nothing wrong with the odd ready meal either, it's cheaper than a takeaway. Tesco actually do some frozen ready meals for 65p each, e.g. Lasagne, cottage pie. Often the ingredients on cheaper meals are no worse than more expensive ones, they are just smaller. Pad out with salad or veg .

Oh and if you buy things like crisps or biscuits as snacks these are lots cheaper in a multi pack - keep some emergency food in your drawer at work e.g. Mugshot, noodle pot or tin or soup in case you don't have time to make your lunch up

And if you are eating out with friends have the cheapest thing on the menu and one course only.