Why am I already short of money!!!!

[Greenbeannotlean]

So it’s the 8th of feb and I’m already down to £509 to last until the 28th,

ill need to do 2 big shops for our family of 4, plus deal with any other general spending shit that life chucks at me

anyone else feel my pain?

Is that for food and other small expenses, or does it include petrol?

I'd recommend YNAB - you can get a free trial (no card details required) and then decide if you want to pay to keep it, but it will show you exactly where your money is going and help you know that you've got enough for everything.

I was skeptical, but it has totally changed by approach to money / bills and savings.

You link it to your current account, so you account for every penny.

Yes good and small expenses. My cat is electric and I charge it at home

Oh @Greenbeannotlean Your typo is absolutely hilarious. Hope the cat is ok.

Presumably you mean electric car! Arent they very expensive. Are you in debt with loans.
Depends what other small expenses you have whether you will be able to manage on what you have left for the month.

Ha ha the cat is fine! Almost fully charged

It’s a company car and actually works out cosy effective for me as all of my insurance etc is covered. I do have some debt but all of my debt payments have been made

That sounds like loads of money to me, and I don't consider myself to be particularly frugal. £100 each per big shop and still £300

If the main expenses are 2 big food shops, just shop smarter. 500 to last 20 days is not that bad. How much do you spend on food shopping?

That doesn't sound particularly bad to me, to be honest.

Shop smartly and you'll be fine. I feel your pain though

That's more than I have left!

I've got around £325 until the 27th.

I'm not going to do a food shop this week just eat out of the freezer, then do a biggish shop the following wend.

I'll try not to buy anything other than food or fuel.

I'm lucky enough to not worry about budget now, but had years of just getting by, so I feel for you.

Set aside 20% of that for any surprises that come up during the month, and do some browsing of cheap menus., plus really shop the advertised sales/offers. Big pots of chili, stew or soup can help you fil everyone up relatively cheaply. Kids snacks can get costly, so do some baking if you have time.

I would like a cosy effective car and an electric cat! But only if they are hypoallergenic?

Charging the electric cat isn't a necessity, IMO. Even if work pays for pet insurance. Could you get a real cat to save on the electricity bill?

omg I must Start checking my posts!!!

I have minus 200 quid in my overdraft to last me to the 21st. I'd be happy just being in credit 😂😂😭