skint month

[blinkingagain]

Hi,

We both work in schools and so get the 6 weeks hols. This year has been an expensive one and as a result we have had a financial hangover into September. I ran up some additional debt on our CC which I have paid, however this means that our money for the remainder of this month is sooooo low.

We have about 5 days worth of meals in the fridge/freezer, however we will need to do a big shop at the weekend.

Just checked our account and when I take away all of the bills and direct debits that are due to leave the account, we are left with the princely sum of £389. This needs to cover our food shopping and any other expense that crops up.

I get paid on 25th and dh on 28th so we have got 21 days to feed ourselves and deal with any other expenses.

We aren't massively spendy people but we are about £400 worse off that we would normally be at this stage of the month.

Does anyone have any money saving suggestions?

Cook from scratch. Save going off veg and peelings to make soup.

We’re in the same boat. Unfortunately it has come at the same time as the heat which I don’t think lends itself as well to cheap meals.

I’ll be doing vege curries, pea soup, pasta with tomato & basil sauce or carbonara (without the bacon lardons), lentil chillis, risotto.
Basically, lots of veg and bean meals that can do more than one meal.

From a scratch using food in season
Use frozen veg not fresh
Lots of veggy food - chilli, bean burgers macaroni cheese
Eat healthy to reduce snacking
Careful with fruit - get cheap apples not posh berries - use frozen berries with porridge

Build an on line shopping list for a week /month and see where the expense is ?

Cut out alcohol and snacks
Scrub hard rather than buy cleaning products
Wash hair less frequently if your shampo is posh

Check online shopping for so much ££ off over a certain amount.

I found last month was an overspend for me and to tide me over to my next pay when I was a few days over and needing a big shop, I used zilch which splits the payment, it's like Klarna etc - I wouldn't always recommend this as obviously it's just spreading the debt but it sounds like you'll be considerably better off next month to cover.

Divide it by week and that's what you have. It's what I do anyway. It's shit but it keeps me out of the overdraft.

Get it out in cash and divide it by expense category. It’s not too long until you get paid.

How many in your household OP?
I would withdraw cash and divide it up. Agree with your partner that you will keep all your receipts and track your spending
Makesure you have an agreed overdraft with your bank.
Stop non essentials like costa coffee etc, any bought drinks or sandwiches . Make your own drinks and pack ups. It amazes me that so many don’t do this and it can easily save £5 a day - £25 a week
Go through your fridge and pantry and list what you have . It can be surprising how much food you have.
Meal plan and make sure you use your left overs ie a chicken can do a roast, curry, pie , bones can make a lovely chicken soup.
Add more veg to your cooking , it’s healthier and cheaper. We do tend to spend too much money on meat in this country . Leftovers can make a lovely meal next day
Switch to cheaper brands. The majority of products are no better than cheaper brands. & in a chilli does it really matter what make you use?
I now try to use my oven less, and slow cooker and microwave more because it’s cheaper to run. Have you looked at your energy consumption? Turning the thermostat down and putting on layers saves a lot !
I would also look at getting an interest free credit card. I’m not a fan of credit cards unless you can manage spending so you pay no interest.
The reality is there’s loads you can do , sharing lifts , walking more , cancelling unused subscriptions and memberships . Downgrading tv packages etc. Selling unwanted clothes and possessions.
It can be quite liberating once you start
Good luck