Page 2 | Is £2250, month, enough to live in post all livings costs are paid for

Janedoe82 · 07/04/2025 01:03

OttilieKnackered · 07/04/2025 01:01

@Janedoe82 i would say most people don’t go round spunking £50 accidentally on the reg. We have half that, between two of us and a toddler, and we save £400 every month.

Anyone can choose to be frugal if they need or want to be.

You do though if you don’t usually have to worry. It is very easily done if you don’t keep an eye on things. And adjusting can be a bit of a shock

Original poster

Isitenough2250 · 07/04/2025 01:04

OttilieKnackered · 07/04/2025 01:01

@Janedoe82 i would say most people don’t go round spunking £50 accidentally on the reg. We have half that, between two of us and a toddler, and we save £400 every month.

Anyone can choose to be frugal if they need or want to be.

I do plan to save as well on this! it might well last longer than we thing, he may have a complete career change….so best to get down to it!

OP posts:

ilovesooty · 07/04/2025 01:06

I think you'll be fine though the adjustment might feel hard. I hope your partner's health improves.

Boredofbeinganadult · 07/04/2025 01:07

Yes, you already know that’s enough

bridgetreilly · 07/04/2025 01:08

Do a budget. You may need to cut down on things and ensure that you are both on board. Do not neglect to budget for savings for a rainy day - what if your car breaks down or your washing machine? Can you budget to save for an annual holiday? But you should be able to manage.

Original poster

Isitenough2250 · 07/04/2025 01:08

Boredofbeinganadult · 07/04/2025 01:07

Yes, you already know that’s enough

I know it should it, it’s the fear…and the fear of carrying everything. Adjustment period, hopefully some good changes will come out of it.

OP posts:

Original poster

Isitenough2250 · 07/04/2025 01:09

bridgetreilly · 07/04/2025 01:08

Do a budget. You may need to cut down on things and ensure that you are both on board. Do not neglect to budget for savings for a rainy day - what if your car breaks down or your washing machine? Can you budget to save for an annual holiday? But you should be able to manage.

We are very lucky, we do have savings and investments if we need to replace white goods/ boiler etc etc…..and I will be doing my best to add to them here and there!

OP posts:

cestlaviecherie · 07/04/2025 01:10

I personally wouldn't feel comfortable living on that, especially if we're headed into a global recession. Does he have something lined up for after the year? As not many are hiring right now and it's unlikely to be better in a year.

It really depends on how much you're willing to compromise, for example if you like nice food and holidays vs Aldi and camping.

Original poster

Isitenough2250 · 07/04/2025 01:12

cestlaviecherie · 07/04/2025 01:10

I personally wouldn't feel comfortable living on that, especially if we're headed into a global recession. Does he have something lined up for after the year? As not many are hiring right now and it's unlikely to be better in a year.

It really depends on how much you're willing to compromise, for example if you like nice food and holidays vs Aldi and camping.

Edited

I have never been either camping or to Aldi!!! Hence my fear, but it’s not forever….and he will work again…..better to have health than something dire to happen. We are also lucky that we do have savings and investments that we don’t plan to touch - unless there is an emergency….

nothing lined up, but there is always work in his field, even in a recession……

OP posts:

AlwaysTryingVeryHard · 07/04/2025 01:13

Hi OP,

I did this learning curve a few years ago.

It might be worth joining the frugaleers. They are a long running thread that is all about budgetting and learning to understand where the money goes.

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/cost_of_living/5290390-is-your-march-miserly-or-munificent-join-the-frugaleers-sharing-news-and-tips

The main think is to make a spreadsheet and just write down everything you spend as you spend it.

You can make categories like food, and clothes and stuff like that.

You can also have a page on your spreadsheet for annual bills like insurance and subscriptions, and another page where you write down your energy bills.

If you have a big bill, like house improvements or buying a piece of furniture then it's especially worth writting those down as they make a big difference, but also small-ish things that you might buy often like magazines, which can really mount up.

Once you have it all written down, you will have a much better feeling of control and then you can start to make decisions about what to spend and when. That should make things easier.

Good luck there.

Is your March miserly or munificent? Join the frugaleers sharing news and tips. | Mumsnet

New thread

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/cost_of_living/5290390-is-your-march-miserly-or-munificent-join-the-frugaleers-sharing-news-and-tips

Original poster

Isitenough2250 · 07/04/2025 01:15

AlwaysTryingVeryHard · 07/04/2025 01:13

Hi OP,

I did this learning curve a few years ago.

It might be worth joining the frugaleers. They are a long running thread that is all about budgetting and learning to understand where the money goes.

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/cost_of_living/5290390-is-your-march-miserly-or-munificent-join-the-frugaleers-sharing-news-and-tips

The main think is to make a spreadsheet and just write down everything you spend as you spend it.

You can make categories like food, and clothes and stuff like that.

You can also have a page on your spreadsheet for annual bills like insurance and subscriptions, and another page where you write down your energy bills.

If you have a big bill, like house improvements or buying a piece of furniture then it's especially worth writting those down as they make a big difference, but also small-ish things that you might buy often like magazines, which can really mount up.

Once you have it all written down, you will have a much better feeling of control and then you can start to make decisions about what to spend and when. That should make things easier.

Good luck there.

Thank you so much, this is super helpful!

OP posts:

4kids3pets · 07/04/2025 01:16

If you can't manage on that your spending to much lol. Couple of hundred less we get a month and that's for kids,bills,pets,holidays,food,cars all come from our wages and we manage fine

Saltysea2001 · 07/04/2025 01:19

🤯

CiscoTS · 07/04/2025 01:20

Well, split in half that’s just over £1,100 each. I take home just over that a month (only work three mornings a week).

I don’t pay any household bills so all that money is my own.

I struggle. I do however keep three horses on it, so it entirely depends on your lifestyle (horses are a way of life, not a lifestyle however).

CiscoTS · 07/04/2025 01:21

Just trying to point out that OP’s question is not ridiculous.

OurChristmasMiracle · 07/04/2025 01:24

As a single person I was earning that on my own and having to pay £800 rent before anything else and still living a fairly decent lifestyle. Nothing too extravagant but nails and lashes done. Meals out. Gym membership. I didn’t go without anything tbh so I don’t see that you will struggle too much just need to be aware of what you are spending and maybe need to give up expensive memberships if you have them-

researchers3 · 07/04/2025 01:27

Isitenough2250 · 07/04/2025 00:37

I am very aware that I may get slammed, and I am
prepared. DP has had a terrible time at work the past few years, as we have both seen terrible side affects of what stress can do heart attack/ stroke/
severe mental health issues - we thought it best for him to leave the job. Having worked out our budget, post mortgage/ bills/ insurances etc being paid we have £2250 left a month. That is for two adults and a cat. Out of which is food and then life costs, as in choices - gym/ hair cut/ going to the cinema.

Having never had to budget ever, is this enough? Sufficent savings/ investments for emergencies…..it is 2250 that we have come up with for food and miscellaneous spending.

Am prepared to be roasted, also any budgeting tips appreciated.

We think it will be about a year.

🙄

Original poster

Isitenough2250 · 07/04/2025 01:36

OurChristmasMiracle · 07/04/2025 01:24

As a single person I was earning that on my own and having to pay £800 rent before anything else and still living a fairly decent lifestyle. Nothing too extravagant but nails and lashes done. Meals out. Gym membership. I didn’t go without anything tbh so I don’t see that you will struggle too much just need to be aware of what you are spending and maybe need to give up expensive memberships if you have them-

We do have the gym memberships, DP will keep his, I won’t keep mine - I don’t use it enough to justify the expense! I prefer walking and doing a class here and there and I would rather use the money on hair appts - if I can!

OP posts:

Eastertidings · 07/04/2025 01:36

It will be tight. You'll have to redefine what you consider to be a necessity to "will anyone die if we don't have it". Possibly depends where you live in the country as to how tight it'll be and what standard of living you're used to, as to how it'll feel.

You'll have very few choices or disposable income, all those optional extras will likely have to go.

You'll not be able to save much if at all. If you drive, your savings will go on car repairs and replacement car when that time comes round. Certainly not a decent pension or probably any pension TBH, or enough for major house repairs if you're homeowners.

Realistically, the cat insurance may have to go which means hard decisions having to be made if a long term health issue crops up or an operation is needed. You'll have to accept the cat has a price on its head and once you reach it it's game over. You'll have to think twice about throwing money away on poor odds in the first place. Not everyone can take such a pragmatic view of their pets. Insurance doesn't always pay out even if you do afford to keep it and once experienced, a condition can then be excluded. You end up paying through the nose for insurance that barely covers anything, as the cat ages. It's easy to accumulate CC debt due to emotional decision making.

If you're renting, so no repairs (ha! that'll be literally, if your LL is shite) to pay for. it'll be doable and you may get some housing benefit in the form of universal credit. He'll be expected to look for work though if you're claiming means tested benefits, unless he's genuinely too sick to work (DWP decides that, not you).

It can be done but it won't be fun. Quality of life means different things to different people though. Perhaps you are people who can be genuinely happy with very little.

everythingeverything1981 · 07/04/2025 01:37

researchers3 · 07/04/2025 01:27

🙄

Show quote history

Indeed.

everythingeverything1981 · 07/04/2025 01:39

Eastertidings · 07/04/2025 01:36

It will be tight. You'll have to redefine what you consider to be a necessity to "will anyone die if we don't have it". Possibly depends where you live in the country as to how tight it'll be and what standard of living you're used to, as to how it'll feel.

You'll have very few choices or disposable income, all those optional extras will likely have to go.

You'll not be able to save much if at all. If you drive, your savings will go on car repairs and replacement car when that time comes round. Certainly not a decent pension or probably any pension TBH, or enough for major house repairs if you're homeowners.

Realistically, the cat insurance may have to go which means hard decisions having to be made if a long term health issue crops up or an operation is needed. You'll have to accept the cat has a price on its head and once you reach it it's game over. You'll have to think twice about throwing money away on poor odds in the first place. Not everyone can take such a pragmatic view of their pets. Insurance doesn't always pay out even if you do afford to keep it and once experienced, a condition can then be excluded. You end up paying through the nose for insurance that barely covers anything, as the cat ages. It's easy to accumulate CC debt due to emotional decision making.

If you're renting, so no repairs (ha! that'll be literally, if your LL is shite) to pay for. it'll be doable and you may get some housing benefit in the form of universal credit. He'll be expected to look for work though if you're claiming means tested benefits, unless he's genuinely too sick to work (DWP decides that, not you).

It can be done but it won't be fun. Quality of life means different things to different people though. Perhaps you are people who can be genuinely happy with very little.

Edited

Oof

Pandimoanymum · 07/04/2025 01:43

Eastertidings · 07/04/2025 01:36

It will be tight. You'll have to redefine what you consider to be a necessity to "will anyone die if we don't have it". Possibly depends where you live in the country as to how tight it'll be and what standard of living you're used to, as to how it'll feel.

You'll have very few choices or disposable income, all those optional extras will likely have to go.

You'll not be able to save much if at all. If you drive, your savings will go on car repairs and replacement car when that time comes round. Certainly not a decent pension or probably any pension TBH, or enough for major house repairs if you're homeowners.

Realistically, the cat insurance may have to go which means hard decisions having to be made if a long term health issue crops up or an operation is needed. You'll have to accept the cat has a price on its head and once you reach it it's game over. You'll have to think twice about throwing money away on poor odds in the first place. Not everyone can take such a pragmatic view of their pets. Insurance doesn't always pay out even if you do afford to keep it and once experienced, a condition can then be excluded. You end up paying through the nose for insurance that barely covers anything, as the cat ages. It's easy to accumulate CC debt due to emotional decision making.

If you're renting, so no repairs (ha! that'll be literally, if your LL is shite) to pay for. it'll be doable and you may get some housing benefit in the form of universal credit. He'll be expected to look for work though if you're claiming means tested benefits, unless he's genuinely too sick to work (DWP decides that, not you).

It can be done but it won't be fun. Quality of life means different things to different people though. Perhaps you are people who can be genuinely happy with very little.

Edited

This is sarcasm, right? i do hope so 🤣

CuriousGeorge80 · 07/04/2025 01:46

Eastertidings · 07/04/2025 01:36

It will be tight. You'll have to redefine what you consider to be a necessity to "will anyone die if we don't have it". Possibly depends where you live in the country as to how tight it'll be and what standard of living you're used to, as to how it'll feel.

You'll have very few choices or disposable income, all those optional extras will likely have to go.

You'll not be able to save much if at all. If you drive, your savings will go on car repairs and replacement car when that time comes round. Certainly not a decent pension or probably any pension TBH, or enough for major house repairs if you're homeowners.

Realistically, the cat insurance may have to go which means hard decisions having to be made if a long term health issue crops up or an operation is needed. You'll have to accept the cat has a price on its head and once you reach it it's game over. You'll have to think twice about throwing money away on poor odds in the first place. Not everyone can take such a pragmatic view of their pets. Insurance doesn't always pay out even if you do afford to keep it and once experienced, a condition can then be excluded. You end up paying through the nose for insurance that barely covers anything, as the cat ages. It's easy to accumulate CC debt due to emotional decision making.

If you're renting, so no repairs (ha! that'll be literally, if your LL is shite) to pay for. it'll be doable and you may get some housing benefit in the form of universal credit. He'll be expected to look for work though if you're claiming means tested benefits, unless he's genuinely too sick to work (DWP decides that, not you).

It can be done but it won't be fun. Quality of life means different things to different people though. Perhaps you are people who can be genuinely happy with very little.

Edited

This cannot be serious 😂

Eastertidings · 07/04/2025 01:46

Oh hold on I misread, you said £2250 after bills? You're golden, nothing to worry about.

Original poster

Isitenough2250 · 07/04/2025 01:48

Eastertidings · 07/04/2025 01:36

It will be tight. You'll have to redefine what you consider to be a necessity to "will anyone die if we don't have it". Possibly depends where you live in the country as to how tight it'll be and what standard of living you're used to, as to how it'll feel.

You'll have very few choices or disposable income, all those optional extras will likely have to go.

You'll not be able to save much if at all. If you drive, your savings will go on car repairs and replacement car when that time comes round. Certainly not a decent pension or probably any pension TBH, or enough for major house repairs if you're homeowners.

Realistically, the cat insurance may have to go which means hard decisions having to be made if a long term health issue crops up or an operation is needed. You'll have to accept the cat has a price on its head and once you reach it it's game over. You'll have to think twice about throwing money away on poor odds in the first place. Not everyone can take such a pragmatic view of their pets. Insurance doesn't always pay out even if you do afford to keep it and once experienced, a condition can then be excluded. You end up paying through the nose for insurance that barely covers anything, as the cat ages. It's easy to accumulate CC debt due to emotional decision making.

If you're renting, so no repairs (ha! that'll be literally, if your LL is shite) to pay for. it'll be doable and you may get some housing benefit in the form of universal credit. He'll be expected to look for work though if you're claiming means tested benefits, unless he's genuinely too sick to work (DWP decides that, not you).

It can be done but it won't be fun. Quality of life means different things to different people though. Perhaps you are people who can be genuinely happy with very little.

Edited

Not claiming any benefits, and we have savings and investments for emergencies….the 2250 number is a number that we thought reasonable…

We already have, decentish, pensions sorted out.

It may be that he doesn’t do the same type of role again, in which case we would definitely move house.

OP posts: