Simple idea but it works for me

[I Am Potless]

We decided that at the start of our IVA we would take a serious look at how we use the little bit of money last until the next pay day.
We have several envelopes labeled -
Petrol
Entertainment
Bus fare
Kids
And the list goes on.
Each month when we are paid we have a set amount to put in each envelope.
Any change goes back into the correct envelope.
The other bonus is when if for some reason you dont use all of the entertainment or petrol fund this can then be used next month for a day out or take away meal.
With only about a year to go this has helped a lot.
Simple but it works.
Regards.....

[stressed_suzanne]

We did that last week too [:)]Seemed like a good idea to help with the budgeting, even if our IVA isn't approved I'll still continue to use them [:)]

[Twaddle]

I think that's a fantastic idea, so simple and yet as you say, it's surprising how quickly it adds up. I always wonder when I see change on the side where that will go and how it'll be wasted.

As a child, my parents made me fill a smarties tube with 20ps - it makes £15!!

[kallis3]

I save 2p, 1p and 5p coins. They soon mount up.

Also, we have a little jug which is hidden on top of the dresser, and spare dosh goes in there as well.

It's always useful for those nasty surprises!

[Viki.W]

I can't wait to be able to save my own money, my Dad has been supporting hubby and I for months now and it's like being a kid again![:(] When I do have my own money, I'm going to put all coins, even £1 coins into a big jar and this will be my Christmas/birthday/treat fund.[^] X

[tori]

[:D] it is surprising how pennies can add up to pound's so quickly.i love our great big copper jar,and the change comes in so handy for school bus fares and paying the window cleaner! although w.cleaner didnt look too amused last week when i handed him a food bag full of 5p pieces!!![:p]

[Julie]

We sort out all our money on payday too - its amazing how you get a buzz if there's some left over at the end of the month.[:D]

I've also stopped taking money to work - it was too easy to "waste" on a packet of crisp or something just because someone was going to the shop! I take my own lunch and it really does make a difference to the monthly budget.

[kallis3]

I take just enough money to pay my lottery (£1) and that's about it.

I have cereal at work (usually Asda's own), a sandwich from home for lunch and if I am on a late shift, I take a portion of home cooked curry or something like that.

Costs very little.

[Shining]

Good idea, I never have cash that's how I cope. I never spend money at work nor does hubby, we've got a tin that I save the odd £1 or £2 coin in and hopefully when full will be enough for a holiday somewhere, you can only open it with a tin opener so I'm loathe to open it. Might have to in a dire emergency but here's hoping.

[debtmountain]

Hi I Am Potless,[:)]

That sounds like a really good idea, even if we don't get IVA approved, will try this.

xx

[chardonnay]

Hi There,
All these ideas sound great. I tried to save a pound a day, but I'm only a couple of months into my IVA and I always need to use what I've saved for petrol or essentials!! Mind you nw the boyfriend is putting his loose change in my bottle and using my Tesco club card I'm getting closer to having some left over cash!! My sister is also brill and she sends me her Tesco vouchers which can be used for shopping or changed intoouchers for days/meals out!!
I feel rich and spoilt in the love and support department!!
Hugs to all,
Chardonnay x

[Kazzy E]

Hi Potless, I do very much the same thing. I bought myself an expanding file and lots of A5 size poppa wallets all in different colours. I have labelled each one and I have a payment control sheet in each one. When we get paid, we also put the money in each wallet, the monthly allowance for food, fuel, gas, lecky, etc etc. We have about 25 wallets in total. It is a really great system because you know exactly how much you have, by just picking up the wallet and looking through the see through cover to the control sheet which is updated every time we take some out. Each time we take the money out, we replace it with a receipt to justify the spend. It works really well for us, and should help our IP at the annual review. Kazzy x (Now I've read this back to myself, I sound like a real anorak [:D][:D][^] )

[kallis3]

I have a list of every direct debit which comes out of the bank each month, together with the total.

My salary fluctuates each month, so I am never sure how much I am going to pick up.

Hubbies income consists of his pension, plus incapacity benefit. The latter is paid into a post office account, and it is this that funds our weekly bills.

I add my salary and his pension and then deduct from the outgoings. Any shortfall, we pay into the bank from his benefit.
We've not a lot left, but at least I know all the bills are paid.