Tuesday 26 February 2013

Monthly spending

Last month I decided that I was going to keep a record of my spending for the month. I recorded every last penny on the sheet of paper. My financial month runs 25th-24th as that is when I am paid. I can tell you that I spent  a grand total of £1641.29 pence. This is absolutely every penny that went out of my account; all the direct debits, childcare, rent payments, food, treats, clothes we needed etc. The biggest chunk of my out goings was the rent and then childcare. We had lots of treats through the month not all expensive, but as it was a half term week during the month we did have extra expenses. I also bulk bought some meat to fill the freezer. I still managed to save £300.



I am going to keep a record this month again. I am expecting the outgoings to be in different areas this month as I won't need as much food, but I do know that Dylan's school bus pass is due to be paid for at the end of this month and I paid my 6 monthly water bill last night. There won't be as many treats this month as there are no school holidays. So where I save in one area I will pay out in another. I am aiming to save at least £300 again.

4 comments:

  1. Good luck with the savings Sarah. I think recording every cent spent is a great way to be accountable and make one rethink some purchases.

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    1. Thanks Tracy. Recording every penny has helped me to stop and think about what I am buying before I buy it. I also took my cash card etc out of my handbag and left it at home. I just have a small amount of cash in my bag. This has meant I have been unable to spend without some serious thought to what I needed before I went anywhere.

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  2. That's really good for a family with childcare costs and everything, especially with half term in there too!! I've never had much luck with the taking-cash-out thing!

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    1. I have never been good at it before. I think because I have set myself some goals, and I will only achieve it if I get to grips with my spending.

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