I read recently on MSE website about a living on 4k for a year challenge. This is for 3 adults (which Im assuming would also cover 2 adults + 2 children. We are a family of 2 adults and a nearly 16 yo and a big 12 yo (5'7 and more like 15 yo). The challenge doesnt include things like rent/mortgage and council tax and I think possibly water rates. Anyway as I am not working at the moment and dh salary has reduced I think its a good way to live. However as its xmas dh thinks it ok to go out and eat out or get takeaways. Ive set our budget at 7k for the year and am trying to shop smarter (albeit only online at the moment). So how much does everyone else spend on bills including fuel, gas & elec, food, children etc?
Ive also drawn up a list of new "rules" which include no phoning mobiles from house phone (we all have mobiles with either free texts or minutes on each month), no takeaways, keep doors closed on rooms and turn lights off when not needed. Also Ive said no driving within a mile so if I need the bank I can walk to teh high street and likewise if dd needs to meet friends at the railway station she can walk too instead of getting a lift. I understand this is quite hard to get used to but it seems Im the only one who actually sees it as a challenge and Im the worst offender of the mobile and driving crimes.