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Hi there just wondering if someone can help me. I am having to do our annual review early as we are struggling each month with the mortgage going up & our tax credits stopping etc.. Anyway we are filling in a new I&E and I was wondering how much is the normal amount to put for monthly food shop , we spend about £90 a week between 2 adults & one teenager. Does this sound too much to put down ? also what is the amount aloud for clothing monthly? I only put £40 down for last year but this is so low for 3 of us especially with a teenager to provide for . what is normal for clothes monthly? I just don't want to look like I'm taking the Mick or anything , thanks.

Hi, Roughly for two adults and a child ( albeit a big one) would be around £410 a month. Clothing around £65 ... this is according to CCCS guidelines and, as such, are a GUIDE only. If you spend less, then more goes towards your IVA, but don't cut your cloth too tight, if you spend more and can justify this (special diets etc) then put more !

I claim 60 for clothing for one teenager and two adults. Housekeeping is £200 per week. Put what you spend would be my advice and then your IP will talk this with you if they think it's outside the any guidelines.

Thanks all , the problem is when I put all the figures down correctly there isn't any money left over so I get scared any put down less than we actually spend as I don't want them to think we cant afford to pay the IVA and fail it or something . So my partner has to keep doing overtime so we can cope & i lend money off my mum

You need to ensure your amounts are true reflection on your actual costs.....if this means there is less for your creditors then your IP will need to discuss this with you in full.

Ok well I will re do it and put the correct amounts down & see what happens. Thanks for the advice. One last thing, I also pay a phone contract for my teenage daughter is this aloud or not because me & my partner also have one each ?

I think you should be allowed a phone for your daughter. As long as it's not an excessive amount.

Best thing to do is put everything down and let your IP sort it out with you. Don't leave yourself short - an IVA is not meant to be torturous!

ok thank you again thats made me feel better

We're all in the same boat and I have just gone through my 4th review. I put it all down and some amounts need a little negotiation but we come to a mutual resolve. x

Your teenage daughter's mobile phone expenditure should be allowable, as she needs this device for her own personal safety - clearly if she is spending a lot on call charges you may need to clip her wings a little (I remember the joys of teenage boys and girls only too well!!)

Yes teenage daughters cost a fortune its not easy! Thanks for the help. One last question when I sent in my last I&E they kept the payments the same for us but didn't change the amounts to what I had amended on a lot of the things like clothing & stuff ,they kept them the same (I only increased from £40 to £50 for 3 of us). also they added Tobacco £20 on the I&E list but we don't smoke & I had already put this as £0. why do you think this is ?