Budget help

[InvisibleStrings]

I have to make a list of my outgoings as I am trying to arrange a repayment plan. Does anyone know if there is a list anywhere of acceptable amounts when making a budget? Is there an official list of what is considered essential versus luxuries?

Like if I put that I am currently paying £50 to virgin media can they say that's too high even though I am mid contract so can't change it. Or if I put my contact lenses cost £40 can they say that's not an essential item.

Does that make any sense? I might just be worrying about nothing but I am adding all my outgoings and wondering if they are too high and I will be told I have to cut back on food and walk everywhere or wear glasses instead of contact lenses or I can't have streaming services or I can't save for xmas and every penny should be going towards the debt

I’d say if the bills are fixed, they can’t really query them, like virgin, but perhaps other costs, such as food or for holidays, they may tell you what is average and acceptable.

Head to moneysavingexpert- they’ll probably have some good advise.

Your best bet is to contact citizens advice or another free debt charity. They can help with this.

There are set amounts, based on how many in your family. I'm not sure if the amounts are online.

The costs need to be reasonable for each category. Eg you can save for Christmas, but if you're spending huge amounts on going out and that's jn the same category, then you may be over the allowed amount.

Have you had a look at whether you can save any money on your outgoings? Have you checked if you are eligible for any benefits?

Thanks for replying. The average or acceptable amounts is exactly what I'm looking for because I don't know if I am spending too much on food and electricity and all the other monthly expenses.
I want to have as much information gathered so if they tell me I need to cut back an unreasonable amount I can say actually contact lenses are important or that is an acceptable average amount for xyz.
It is a temporary blip due to redundancy so hopefully I can get back to making full payments very soon.

It's YOUR budget, not an AVERAGE budget. You need to put down what you are actually spending. Otherwise its not realistic.
You need to put

Rent/mortgage
Council tax
Water & Sewerage
Gas/heating oil
Electricity
TV licence
Buildings and contents insurance
Other insurances
Pet costs (insurance, jabs flea treatments).
Pet food
Car costs (tax, mot, servicing, fuel and tyres)
Public transport costs
Professional membership fees
Clubs costs
Xmas and birthdays
Mobile phone
Land line
internet
Food.
Clothing
Basic self care (hair cut)
Prescriptions
Opticians and dental
Childcare costs.
Clothing and footwear

I am in about 4k of debt and my income after rent is £1,200. I don’t know what to do either

That’s a great list.

@Montea if you list your outgoings from that £1200 we can try and help you see where you could save?