I have just checked my bank account and what did I find? A pay-in £25 down from what I thought it was to be! AArrgghh! It was the children's tax credit pay-in.
As a SAHM I actually budget with the tax credits, child benefit and the food money DH pays into my account each month. He covers all the bills and other outlays but my money is for groceries and extras that I need to get myself.
I have been trying to run a budget for food for the last few months but things generally go all to cock......especially when DH comes shopping too - tend not to let that happen too often as the bill is generally £10 dearer than it needs to be with the extras he adds to the trolley!
I also try and plan meals etc so that I know what is getting cooked on a weekly basis so that I can shop and budget accordingly. This is obviously getting tougher with the rising cost of fuel and staples (like bread and milk - they seem to have gone up faster than most) which go in the trolley on a weekly basis.
I would go back to work but with childcare costs and the house to run there just isn't the time or financail incentive to make it viable. I plan to go back to work part-time as soon as all the children are at school, that way childcare costs just aren't an issue. We have managed thus far and I am sure we will continue to do so. It is not like we are going around barefoot and starving!
I just need to be even more creative in the kitchen and with money spinning. Watch out boot sale here I come - it is also cheap listing day on ebay here so I am getting some more kids clothes on there too. Better go and get a wriggle on.