To ask what you have left over after bills?

[Tulips1234]

I’m sorry if this has already been discussed. I’ve just done a budget calculator as I have gone back part time after having dd. I’m worse off than I planned due to dp contributing less than we agreed to the household (that’s another thread), and I have £380 to live on a month. This is after all the bills go out but not including clothes (for me and dd) and the day to day stuff that always crops up. Does this sound doable? I know to some people it may be a lot and but it just doesn’t allow for unexpected things like the washer breaking etc. Does anyone have any tips for living on a small amount or is it not actually that bad?

We have £60 which has to cover any extra petrol, repairs and expenses.

£380 is a lot after food and bills.

About £400pcm

Mine varies wildly as I’m on commission, on a good month literally thousands, on a slow month 700/800? My outgoings are slashed by having lodger

Sorry that doesn’t include food either. I suppose after that it’s quite a lot less. I’m just trying to get a grasp on everything and I’m thinking £95 a week after food and day to day living will be tight. Does anyone have any tips for learning living on a budget or am I worrying over nothing?

We have no mortgage so we are very lucky, no council tax or water bill either so we have approximately 2k.

Do you have a cocklodger?

Just make sure you’re putting away a little bit of that each month. Eg. £50 into a savings account - don’t even count it into your spendings, just imagine it’s another bill to go out.

Personally £300 is a lot of money to have for spending but if you’re worried about it try buying some cheaper brands. Personally things like ketchup, loo roll, beans etc are better off paying for but other things can defo be done for cheaper; washing liquid, shampoo, squash. Tescos have a good range of their own which is very cheap and actually not all that bad

About £400 a month

(Obviously the things listed aren’t the only things to buy cheap/ expensive) just have a play around with shopping for a while and see what you can get for cheap and the things you really can’t stand can stay for the real things

Imsureitsasugaredpoo - Yes I think I do! The inequality of things since having DD is driving me mad, he has a lot more left over than I do but everything is in my name and apparently he can’t contribute more. The problem is I would be even worse off being completely on my own.

As for clothes, if you’re worried about spending on that then the charity shops have good stuff, especially if your DD is little - most baby clothes are hardly worn and a spin on a hot wash makes them good as new. Like wise, primark!!

Finebyme - that’s helpful thank you. I’m going shopping tomorrow so I’ll try some different brands.

On paper, about $1000. In practice, I like to spend.

Honestly, that is going to be tight. I tried working off a similar amount and couldn't really do it. Especially if you are including clothes, and especially if that is for a long period of time.

When I was with exdp in London we had literally under £200 after bills (including nursery fees, rent & phone) we both worked full time.
In Kent we had nearly £400 (I was sahm)
Now I currently reside with family after split so I pay a contribution towards bills but am yet to start work I have £300 to spare.
When I start work (very soon) I have estimated I will get £600 so I can start saving again for property of my own.

About £300 each after all bills and food.

If you are living as a family there should be equal access to money, equal decision making and equal surplus.

The idea a couple could live together, as a family with inequality like that is baffling to me.

Are you married?

That is a lot of spare cash after bills. Do you both really need clothes monthly? The odd pack of new tshirts for your daughter if really needed but surely you both don't need a new wardrobe every month

Will your DP not contribute to food bills too? Does he know you have £300 leftover? Re- clothes for your DD, if you are on Facebook there are loads of groups where you can buy and sell second hand baby clothes - a bit like charity shops but often in better condition!

No we aren’t married, the house is in name though which is something I suppose.

Iftruthbetold - well DD is one so she does need clothes quite frequently, I already buy second hand for her but it still adds up. I don’t remember the last time I bought myself clothes. I think I just used that as an example of all the little extra bits. Eg, it always a bday coming up, hair cuts, something breaks, mot etc.

Oh yeah @Tulips1234 I completely understand that. I'm sorry I misunderstood, I think it was perhaps a bad example. I absolutely know the feeling having two under twos myself

I am in minus numbers after childcare (single parent, deadbeat father is 'claiming benefits') And I work full time. Actually sometimes a lot of time I think I would be better off not working at all. So actually, I am paying to be at work these days. Woohoo!

Clothes - supermarkets are the way forward. Presents, get offers. Or recycle presents that are given to you. I know it's frowned upon but if there is stuff my child won't wear or won't use, I don't see the problem passing it on to someone who will appreciate it.
Car stuff - set aside £50 or whatever a month. Set up a separate bank account?

Tefiti2 -no he doesn’t. I cooked something the other night and told him I had £30 to last time 3 days. He didn’t like it and ordered himself a takeaway. It sounds bad written down doesn’t it. He did end up buying a few bits but nothing substantial.

I find money harder to stretch now I’ve gone part time as not only am I earning less I’m spending more, just being out and about. I will go back full time if I have to but ideally I wanted to have a bit more time with Dd whilst she is still tiny. I’m lucky that my job has that option really.

About £350 after everything is paid. I live alone with no dependants apart from a cat.

It’s tight but potentially manageable, don’t buy in his favourite food
/ snacks though sounds like he is being rather tight.

Facebook have for sale sights that are amazing:- for £10 I just got 2 coats, 3 trousers , 4 short sleeved , 3 long sleeved shirts , brand new hoodie and 2 pairs of shorts in 18-24 months ... may need to
Top up but basics covered, also check out nearly new sales ( google it and see where your nearest is ) I have picked up toys and clothes very cheaply here too.
Then get partner to buy her a few smart outfits in the size you need it’s his daughter too x x