Every Dec I go through all my direct debits and standing orders to check where I am financially. I have a note book that I use specifically for this task. My mortgage is my largest outgoing at 40% of my salary (divorced and had to buy out ex) it is fixed so hasn't gone up in the past 3 years.
My average bills have now increased by nearly £1k since 2 years ago!! That is crazy. I always shop around for the best deals for insurance etc so. Know I'm getting the best deals that I can do, and I can still afford to pay it all (just). But it certainly shows why I feel that my standard of living has dropped significantly in the past 2 years!
Every bill has gone up significantly. For example I was paying £120 a month for gas and electricity and now pay £200. Car and house insurance has gone up by approx £40 a month.
Yes I have additional expenses like kids travel to college and DS3 contact lenses each month which together comes to £120 a month but still, it's crazy how much more expensive living costs.
Not posting for advice, just in bemusement at how long this can continue. I dread my fixed term mortgage coming to an end!