.

You are here: Home >> The Path >> Step 2.4

Step 2.4

Working out your Spending

Work out with your family how much money you have to spend each week on basic living expenses.
A useful Weekly Spending Diary is available at this link
If you wish to receive a free copy of this Diary, please contact our Helpline at 1890 283 438

At this stage do not include any debts or arrears or loan repayments. Check out your spending under the following headings:

• Mortgage
• Rent
• Housekeeping: This should include food, toiletries, cleaning materials, etc.
• Gas and electricity. Look at your last bill. These bills are issued every two months. Multiply the total bill by 6 to get an annual amount then divide by 52 if preparing a weekly budget, 12 if monthly If you usage is very high enquire about energy efficiency from Sustainable Energy Ireland at www.sei.ie from the electricity or gas supplier.
• TV licence. Divide the cost of the license by 52 in order to get a weekly payment. This is a priority payment because if you do not hold a current license you can be fined.
• Hire purchase cars loans: If you need a car for work and bought it using a hire purchase type arrangement, you will need to include these payments in your expenditure or you may lose the car.
• Clothing. If you have children do not forget the cost of school uniforms.
• Telephone: Only include your ongoing bill. If you have been disconnected, treat the bill as an unsecured debt.

.