Hi,
So over the last few weeks the following has happened -
car failed MOT and landed us a £380 bill. Thankfully the garage owner is a close friend so we don't have to pay until payday ( next mon 28th)
We had to pay the balance for ds school trip - £310 :( had to use klarna card which requires full payment in 30 days)
Picked up some Christmas stuff - £300 ( I know that this will save me money in December)
Anyway, this means that we are going into December about £1000 down.
I am slightly worried about this but wan't to make a plan to have a more frugal December, whilst still being able to enjoy the festivities.
normally after all of our bills and direct debits we are left with around £2300. Out of this be have to buy food and fuel for the cars. These two things normally come to about £700. We don't currently have any savings as we have just paid off some debts and had our bathroom replaced - all paid for with savings.
So in December we have £1300 to but food and fuel, plus anything else nice that we want to do. thankfully we have got most of the presents and just need to get a few more bits for my parents and siblings.
My plan is to run the freezer and cupboards right down for the next two weeks and try to spend as little as possible on food. We definitely have enough for about 10 days worth of meals. This will take us in to December. My plan then is as follows -
£300 - Food - including Christmas food. We are eating Christmas lunch at my parents so we don't have to worry about that.
£200 car fuel. dh might work at home for a few extra days so this will help
£200 - Christmas activities - days out and a Christmas work night out that we both have planned
£100 - last few gifts
This in theory would leave about £500 which I will try to save
Does this sound doable?