Budgeting........
Apr 15th 2012 | 12:19 pm
#31
Crazy Cat Lady
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 65,493
Re: Budgeting........
Is it the same daughter getting $120 or two of them? If it's two why is one getting two lots? Can you stop that until you have finished paying off the CC? I had to cancel Tiddler's allowance because we just couldn't justify it whilst we were broke. She still gets stuff, she just doesn't get stuff and money.
Apr 15th 2012 | 12:22 pm
#32
Gutter Gob!!
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 13,098
From: Perth
Re: Budgeting........
To cut your bills, make sure that you give daughter and OH a packed lunch every day. Don't buy coffees every day, take a plunger and a bag of ground coffee into work instead. Buy in bulk where you can, eat seasonal veggies, and use junk food as a treat, not an every day snack. Buy the store brand labels and work with seasonal produce which is cheaper. Shop around. Buy a box of wine not bottled. Look for specials. Make a list and plan your meals.
Allocate a set cash amount each week and do not go over it, rather than using cards to pay for things.
You can cut your grocery bills in half.
Allocate a set cash amount each week and do not go over it, rather than using cards to pay for things.
You can cut your grocery bills in half.
Apr 15th 2012 | 12:47 pm
#33
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 10,375
Re: Budgeting........
Did anyone see the sunday mail article yesterday, feed a family of 5 including teens 16,13 and kid age 9 for $150.
Most amazingly annoying article ever.
Family eats cereal, milkshakes and hot choccie for breakfast.
Allowance of 3L of milk for the week. Yeah right!! that would work.
They also eat toast, but the budget didnt include bread.
Meat allowance for 5 for a meal, 250g and the leftovers do them for lunch the next day
.
Here teens, have one meat ball and dont forget to leave some for lunch tomorrow. And dont drink your 85ml of milk a day allowance all in one go
Most amazingly annoying article ever.
Family eats cereal, milkshakes and hot choccie for breakfast.
Allowance of 3L of milk for the week. Yeah right!! that would work.
They also eat toast, but the budget didnt include bread.
Meat allowance for 5 for a meal, 250g and the leftovers do them for lunch the next day
.Here teens, have one meat ball and dont forget to leave some for lunch tomorrow. And dont drink your 85ml of milk a day allowance all in one go
Apr 15th 2012 | 12:59 pm
#34
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 830
From: Burns Beach and loving it!
Re: Budgeting........
I read a similar thread on Mumsnet. People claimed 1 chicken breast could feed a family of 4 for 3 meals. It became known as the Duracell Chicken 
Apr 15th 2012 | 1:32 pm
#35
Forum Regular
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 76
From: Melbourne
Re: Budgeting........
We are really awful at budgeting, but things are getting tight and i decided to take it more seriously, so have went through statements n all, but found it difficult to work it out monthly, as we pay everything so haphazardly, anyway posting what i have come up with and would be grateful if peeps think its realistic or am a just making it up
In particular i found it difficult to work out gas, water, electricity monthly. I know its basic , but we gotta start somewhere We are a family of 4.
MONTHLY OUTGOINGS
RENT 1803
CREDIT CARD REPAYMENTS 300
CONTENTS INSURANCE 20
ELECTRICITY 100
GAS 111
WATER 71
INTERNET 134
DAUGHTERS TUTOR 167
MOBILE PHONE 90
DAUGHTERS BANK 40
DAUGHTERS POCKET MONEY 80
PRIVATE HEALTH INSURANCE 100
SUPERMARKET 1200
LUNCHES - HUSBAND 200
LUNCHES - DAUGHTER 60
LUNCHES - ME 80
TRAVEL/TRAIN 240
CAR TOLLS 15
PETROL 240
CAR INSURANCE 50
OTHER 200
TOTAL 5301
In particular i found it difficult to work out gas, water, electricity monthly. I know its basic , but we gotta start somewhere We are a family of 4.MONTHLY OUTGOINGS
RENT 1803
CREDIT CARD REPAYMENTS 300
CONTENTS INSURANCE 20
ELECTRICITY 100
GAS 111
WATER 71
INTERNET 134
DAUGHTERS TUTOR 167
MOBILE PHONE 90
DAUGHTERS BANK 40
DAUGHTERS POCKET MONEY 80
PRIVATE HEALTH INSURANCE 100
SUPERMARKET 1200
LUNCHES - HUSBAND 200
LUNCHES - DAUGHTER 60
LUNCHES - ME 80
TRAVEL/TRAIN 240
CAR TOLLS 15
PETROL 240
CAR INSURANCE 50
OTHER 200
TOTAL 5301
Gas and Electricity: $ 120
Water: $50
Internet seems incredibly high. We have Telstra cable+home phone bundle for $85 (TPG is even cheaper)
I am planning to cut my daughter's pocket money ($80) considering she charges me $20 an hour to tutor the younger one and she makes a good $150 ++ a month
I'd try and bring down lunches to 0 - that is a big no no - typically unhealthy and over priced. We've done it for the past 15 years and so it's not impossible.
I'd also rip the credit card and keep a debit card instead and use one account for all expenses. Much easier to track them that way.
Our grocery bill is around $850 a month. We keep away from all 'ready to eat'/ packaged meals to a minimum. Similarly keep away from canned beans and lentils. We look out for half price specials and stock up on items like detergent, softener, coffee, peanut butter etc.
Last edited by OakTree; Apr 15th 2012 at 1:42 pm.
Apr 15th 2012 | 1:49 pm
#36
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 23,400
Re: Budgeting........
Through our recent hard times, we didnt even consider our allowance for ourselves, just keeping our heads above water.
When I was younger, if Mum could afford pocket money then I had it, if not then tough.
I have noticed many teens today do get more than I would allow myself even now, I wonder if they know how lucky they are or even appreciate it, and I wonder also what they would do if it was stopped due to financial hardship?
My friend cut her teens allowance when she was signed off sick and her daughter went mad, refusing to see the logic of it all, so my friend told her to get off her arse and get a part time job, you would think she had suggested eating a kitten.
Sign of the times I guess.
When I was younger, if Mum could afford pocket money then I had it, if not then tough.
I have noticed many teens today do get more than I would allow myself even now, I wonder if they know how lucky they are or even appreciate it, and I wonder also what they would do if it was stopped due to financial hardship?
My friend cut her teens allowance when she was signed off sick and her daughter went mad, refusing to see the logic of it all, so my friend told her to get off her arse and get a part time job, you would think she had suggested eating a kitten.
Sign of the times I guess.
Apr 15th 2012 | 2:21 pm
#38
Crazy Cat Lady
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 65,493
Re: Budgeting........
A year? How the hell do you manage that? My water bill is higher than that and we don't even use town water, just pay to remain connected.
Apr 15th 2012 | 2:45 pm
#39
Forum Regular
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 76
From: Melbourne
Re: Budgeting........
It's not as if we were consciously trying to keep the bills low.I just downloaded my entire txn history. Let me check the previous years too.
We were renting a regular 4bed, no pool and a small garden. Hubby's laptop and his server is practically on 7x24 due to his work. TV/music is perpetually on. And we used to have lights on in my teen's bedroom who insists keeping the curtains drawn and then keeping the lights on
And ducted used to be on for around 5 hours every day during winter.
No baths, just showers. Our garden now is massive so I expect our water bill to go up in summer. Luckily most of the trees are established. Roses and the smaller plants will require more water. But one the other hand we'll probably use less electricity as the rooms have a lot of natural light.
Last edited by OakTree; Apr 15th 2012 at 2:47 pm.
Apr 15th 2012 | 3:00 pm
#40
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 15,526
Re: Budgeting........
Never used a spread sheet only time we've had to do budget is actuallying using physical money and envelopes. One thing we always done is round the money up to the nearest 50.... hence 1803 rent would be 1850...... Gas 150.... etc etc. That way you've definitely got money left over each month.
Tis up to you obviously how you spend your dosh... it's whether you can afford to actually do it using the envelope and nearest 50 system where it gets interesting. Oh money towards our own needs.... Lunches/phones etc comes last... also used a priority list numbering the bills in priority... Rent would be Number 1... with the utilities close behind etc. This way you can work out which is the easiest bill to cut. If you cant cut, then OT or extra job is the only way.... I honestly beleive that any family can make 200 - 300 bucks a month by solely shopping at Aldi... thats money in your pocket... beats working OT .
best of luck
That envelope system really works, but it's a huge pain in the arse.
One thing... Paying credit card interest is a huge no no to someone on a tight budget. Look at consolodating the loan... line of credit is a good way but can also be too tempting and causes the majority of people problems. Depends how determined an disciplined you are. So personally speaking the credit card bill would be number 1 priority... Who wants to pay high interest to Banks. I would definitely get rid of that bill first and use a redraw loan to do it.... then possibly run on a visa debit card than credit.
.
Tis up to you obviously how you spend your dosh... it's whether you can afford to actually do it using the envelope and nearest 50 system where it gets interesting. Oh money towards our own needs.... Lunches/phones etc comes last... also used a priority list numbering the bills in priority... Rent would be Number 1... with the utilities close behind etc. This way you can work out which is the easiest bill to cut. If you cant cut, then OT or extra job is the only way.... I honestly beleive that any family can make 200 - 300 bucks a month by solely shopping at Aldi... thats money in your pocket... beats working OT .
best of luck
That envelope system really works, but it's a huge pain in the arse.
One thing... Paying credit card interest is a huge no no to someone on a tight budget. Look at consolodating the loan... line of credit is a good way but can also be too tempting and causes the majority of people problems. Depends how determined an disciplined you are. So personally speaking the credit card bill would be number 1 priority... Who wants to pay high interest to Banks. I would definitely get rid of that bill first and use a redraw loan to do it.... then possibly run on a visa debit card than credit.
.
Last edited by ozzieeagle; Apr 15th 2012 at 3:12 pm.
Apr 15th 2012 | 3:27 pm
#41
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,838
Re: Budgeting........
Those are monthly figures. No idea It's not as if we were consciously trying to keep the bills low.
I just downloaded my entire txn history. Let me check the previous years too.
We were renting a regular 4bed, no pool and a small garden. Hubby's laptop and his server is practically on 7x24 due to his work. TV/music is perpetually on. And we used to have lights on in my teen's bedroom who insists keeping the curtains drawn and then keeping the lights on
And ducted used to be on for around 5 hours every day during winter.
No baths, just showers. Our garden now is massive so I expect our water bill to go up in summer. Luckily most of the trees are established. Roses and the smaller plants will require more water. But one the other hand we'll probably use less electricity as the rooms have a lot of natural light.
It's not as if we were consciously trying to keep the bills low.I just downloaded my entire txn history. Let me check the previous years too.
We were renting a regular 4bed, no pool and a small garden. Hubby's laptop and his server is practically on 7x24 due to his work. TV/music is perpetually on. And we used to have lights on in my teen's bedroom who insists keeping the curtains drawn and then keeping the lights on
And ducted used to be on for around 5 hours every day during winter.
No baths, just showers. Our garden now is massive so I expect our water bill to go up in summer. Luckily most of the trees are established. Roses and the smaller plants will require more water. But one the other hand we'll probably use less electricity as the rooms have a lot of natural light.
Apr 15th 2012 | 4:00 pm
#42
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 7,580
From: Sydney, NSW
Re: Budgeting........
One chicken breast can easily feed 4 people for one meal- just bulk it out with veggies and pasta- make a lasagne dish. Or you could slice it thinly and stir fry,with julienned carrots, onion and cabbage, then serve with boiled rice. Don't buy packets of sauces, use soy and some chinese spices.
You do not have to have meat every meal, for example a nice macaroni cheese and salad will fill people up. So will a baked potato and some beans.
Make your own coleslaw and potato salad.
With 3 sausages you can make a large bean and sausage casserole.
Don't buy individual yoghurts, buy a big tub and serve it out into bowls with some fruit, for a quick dessert.
You do not have to have meat every meal, for example a nice macaroni cheese and salad will fill people up. So will a baked potato and some beans.
Make your own coleslaw and potato salad.
With 3 sausages you can make a large bean and sausage casserole.
Don't buy individual yoghurts, buy a big tub and serve it out into bowls with some fruit, for a quick dessert.
Apr 15th 2012 | 4:10 pm
#43
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 15,526
Re: Budgeting........
One chicken breast can easily feed 4 people for one meal- just bulk it out with veggies and pasta- make a lasagne dish. Or you could slice it thinly and stir fry,with julienned carrots, onion and cabbage, then serve with boiled rice. Don't buy packets of sauces, use soy and some chinese spices.
You do not have to have meat every meal, for example a nice macaroni cheese and salad will fill people up. So will a baked potato and some beans.
Make your own coleslaw and potato salad.
With 3 sausages you can make a large bean and sausage casserole.
Don't buy individual yoghurts, buy a big tub and serve it out into bowls with some fruit, for a quick dessert.
You do not have to have meat every meal, for example a nice macaroni cheese and salad will fill people up. So will a baked potato and some beans.
Make your own coleslaw and potato salad.
With 3 sausages you can make a large bean and sausage casserole.
Don't buy individual yoghurts, buy a big tub and serve it out into bowls with some fruit, for a quick dessert.
People can only be expected to cope like that short term... say a couple of months to save 1500 bucks... or if they absolutely have to out of necessity.
Aldi's the easier option..... Tis a pain in the butt to shop at I will admit. Beats working OT though. Just put in your mind that instead of enjoyable shopping trip... it's a part time job almost... tis money in your pocket at the end of the day.
.
Apr 15th 2012 | 4:13 pm
#44
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 10,375
Re: Budgeting........
[QUOTE=carolinephillips;10007470]
One chicken breast can easily feed 4 people for one meal- just bulk it out with veggies and pasta- make a lasagne dish. Or you could slice it thinly and stir fry,with julienned carrots, onion and cabbage, then serve with boiled rice. Don't buy packets of sauces, use soy and some chinese spices.
/QUOTE]
Sure you can, especially as the double chicken breasts weigh nearly a kilo each. Strange as they are allegedly hormone free, umm.
But this article was pathetic, really, 250g mince, making meatballs for dinner and lunch the next day for 2 adults, 2 teens and one child.
3 litres of milk doing 35 bowls of cereal, plus milkshakes and hot chocolates.
One chicken breast can easily feed 4 people for one meal- just bulk it out with veggies and pasta- make a lasagne dish. Or you could slice it thinly and stir fry,with julienned carrots, onion and cabbage, then serve with boiled rice. Don't buy packets of sauces, use soy and some chinese spices.
/QUOTE]
Sure you can, especially as the double chicken breasts weigh nearly a kilo each. Strange as they are allegedly hormone free, umm.
But this article was pathetic, really, 250g mince, making meatballs for dinner and lunch the next day for 2 adults, 2 teens and one child.
3 litres of milk doing 35 bowls of cereal, plus milkshakes and hot chocolates.
Last edited by jad n rich; Apr 15th 2012 at 4:16 pm.
