Expenditure forms - slightly confused

Hi all

I'd really love to hear others opinions of what is considered to be a realistic amount when budgeting for the following on these financial declaration forms.


Clothing for self
Food/milk/general housekeeping for 3

not too sure what a realistic amount would be , but i know there is somewhere on the web some information on how much the goverment think is realistic,

thanks!

If you have time, how about seeing how much you actually spend in a month? How much is 'enough' partly depends on the wealth and lifestyle of the family.

Sadie

Thanks Sadie

I've got a good idea what I spend, but I am not wealthy and like a lot of people have to get by on very little and its quite a struggle. I'm having to put down a budget - and wondered whats considered realistic. I have a friend also going through this process, and she put that she spends £450 month on food/groceries/toiletries for her and 2 children, (teenagers with healthy appetites) and was told that this was too much and she needed to cut down. I'm confused because I would have thought £35 per person per week not too much at all.

God.. the things you have to think of!

I also think £450 per month is realistic for food etc. - it's about what I spend on myself and my two. Of course I could do it more cheaply, but then there would be a significant drop in how the kids felt about our standard of living, which seems totally unfair. I've cut back on things for myself rather than reduce what they get. Don't forget to put in what school meals cost if they have those - I found that the grocery bills got quite a lot bigger in the holidays when they were eating lunch at home.

Sadie

Thanks Sadie. I share your thinking! I keep my costs down a bit by growing my own veg, and learning whens best to go to supermarket for reduced bargains! I've managed to keep my standards by being very creative & resourceful about how I maintain them - but christ it can be exhausting!