After all bills how much do you have left for food and other non-bill things?

[muldersspeedos]

My rent has just increased and I'm working out my finances and making cuts wherever I can. I have 3dc and am a single parent. I have £400 a month for food and non-bill items like clothing, bus fares etc. How much is average to have after bills?

£400 for everything after bills will be fine for a few months, but it isn’t sustainable long term when you need to think about replacing big items of clothing (winter coats, boots etc) as they need it and furniture or electrical items wearing out or breaking.

Is there any scope for increasing your working hours? Downsizing so your rent is lower?

If you have Instagram I would really recommend this mum saves money.

They are a single income family and she is really frugal and has worked her way out of debt and into savings using vouchers, reselling clothes/toys/budgeting etc.

If not her there are loads of accounts online that can advise a penny-pound sort of thing.

£6-700

qualitygirl lucky you - but I don't think you're helping!? You know you have loads of spare cash.

You're asking the wrong question OP. Knowing what other people have left after bills doesn't really make your ends meet.

£400 for food, fares, clothes etc sounds very tight and is likely to be below average.

If your rent has gone up, could you be entitled to universal credit towards the increase?

Have you fully reviewed your budget, have a look on moneysaving expert for help with this.

If you have any debt, you might benefit from debt management advice. Unsecured debt is low priority and shouldn't be paying it if you can't meet all your household essentials.

I have £300 a month for petrol and food. It’s shite!

I've just got a job! Thank goodness! It couldn't come at a better time. It's not much but it will make the world of difference to us as a family, especially at this time of year, and works around the dc. I started today and I feel so much better mentally already.
I already claim UC which until today was my only income. I'm
Subject to the benefit cap so I get over £400 a month deducted. I'm just trying to sort out hours and how my claim will be affected.

I have 2628 before everything. After bills mortgage petrol food. I'm left 120 per week. This doesn't include savings.. of 650 per month.

544.66 mortgage.
330 bills water gas electric council tax phone
380 food.
220 petrol
£650 savings.
120 left is days out on Saturday. Clothes. Clubs for the kids. Gym exact.

Personally you need to budget in the savings. Or do without a car

My savings pay for car insurance and car repairs and holidays.. as well as retirement savings.

I'm a single parent but very lucky to have free childcare or it would be very different as I work... My parents and the kids dad...

I feel what I have is very manageable.

Deepthnker

You've resurrected a Zombie........