January skintness

[Hardrocker]

Hi,

I’ve just paid d off our Xmas credit card bill, on top of a New Years break in Devon, and now we’re a bit skint until 25th Jan!

I’ve been through the cupboards and freezer and have done a big Aldi shop and have meal planned etc

I’ll just need to buy fresh bread/ milk and packed lunch items etc

we have the grand sun of £417 to last until 25th. All bills etc are paid but This Feria tight!

anyone else feeling the january pinch?

I have less than 200 to last 3 weeks for food and petrol

With all bills covered you'll be fine
I understand if it's much less than normal, it's a bit of a worry
I'm on lifelong benefits so it's normal to check my online banking twice a day!

I have €391.44 til the 31st.

Out of that we need to feed ourselves and 2 dogs, so full shops each week (can be done for maybe €70, I'm T2 so cant fill up on cheap bread, rice, pasta etc). Petrol (can be limited if we go very few places), gas bottle for the calor gas heater (~€20 each), and fix our car (€ unknown) and put it through the mot (€45). Will also need petrol to get to and from the mot centre which is an hour and a half iirc, could be an hour, away.

Then whatever surprises decide to pop up.

You arent skint op 😂

Me too

OP I'd take the opportunity to go through your spending habits. It you worry you can't make that last til payday then I'd say your money management skills must be pretty bad!

Large HMRC bill paid yesterday means Jan is always an annoying month. May sort tax return out earlier this Yr so it doesn't bite as hard in the new year, next yr!

I think you’ll survive

Jeezus fucking hell... and back in the real world, that more than some folk have every month for everything, not just "top ups"

You don't know how lucky you are OP.

Maybe volunteer at a foodbank this month and get a sense of perspective.

We are skint too. Just finished a renovation and bills everywhere, then Xmas on top.

And I am in the mood to spend money on householdy stuff too. Am trying to resist.
Only 23 days until I get paid. Good thing I'm back to work Monday

Sorry OP, feel like you’ve been ganged up on when you posted something in Money. Could understand if it was in AIBU.

I’m definitely feeling the January pinch too. Post Christmas, tax bills, I have professional fees to pay in Jan as well which is several grand. I usually put money away each month specifically for Christmas, for tax and have a ‘January misery’ pot as well. Maybe try putting a little bit away each month this year?

I usually put money away each month specifically for Christmas, for tax and have a ‘January misery’ pot as well.

I like the idea of a special 'misery' pot to anticipate pinch points in the year.

I'd agree with the wider point that OP posted for ideas and support: like so many things, finances are relative.

I'm going to set up a January misery pot. Great idea. I also save up for Christmas all year. It makes a huge difference.

You have less money than usual, OP. But 20 quid a day for food and some petrol is not really skint.

Think we have £38 Until the 15th. Bills due that won't get paid. Thankfully we should only need bread and probably butter.
I don't think £20 a day without food or bills is a terrible amount. It's more than we have a day on a good month.
Just enjoy your home and do home based activities.