Surviving a Low Spend April 2025

This month, I had no choice but to take part in a lower spend month, on account of being paid quite a bit less this month than I normally receive. My hours had been pretty basic, with few extra shifts in March, so I ended up with less money as a consequence.

Regardless, I determined to make the best of it and just had to be very mindful of my spending.  The main thing that I needed to spend money on, were haircuts for myself and LB whilst she was home for a week.

I did also buy a few items of clothing, that I have mentioned in another post, plus other bits and pieces here and there throughout the month, including some plants for the garden and allotment.

I did try to stick to the food budget of £400, but as there were 5 food shopping weeks in April, I did go over budget and spent £518. A couple of areas did come in under budget though, namely household and home/garden, which was good.

I managed to put £110 into the car fund this month, despite it being tight. It ended up coming from some interest I gained on a savings account, which I redirected to this fund, and although it wasn't as much as I'd have liked, it was something. I also won another £150 on the Premium Bonds, which was a great blessing and this got reinvested as usual. In addition, I got a free £50 payment into my Nationwide savings account which was not to be sniffed at. You don't get free money very often from anywhere.

I put just £50 instead of the usual £100, towards birthday/Xmas gifts this month, but my savings are still on track here, as a little carried over from last year. I also put £50 aside for LB's bills if she needs it, when she moves out of her flat later this year. 

Although it was a tight month financially, it didn't feel too restrictive, as I didn't really need anything much and I managed to curb my visits to charity shops, as I knew I had little spare cash to spend. I did spend the thrifting budget I set myself of £25, but didn't go over this month. As a consequence, I got to build my financial discipline muscles a little, which is always good and I spent my time doing lots of sewing to help keep me out of the shops.

Next month may be a little trickier, as I've got a dental appointment, which I kind of expect to lead to some treatment, as it usually does. May is also the month of OH's birthday, so I will need to spend some money on his present, which may or may not come from the money I've put aside, depending on whether I have enough income to cover it. 

I would also like to put at least £200 in the car fund in May, the usual amounts in my other regular savings pots, and I would also like to put something, (even if very little just to round up a balance) into one or more of my other savings accounts, just to keep working on them, but we'll just have to see how the month pans out.

It hasn't been a bad month though and I survived, so it could have been worse.