Have you ever sat down and asked yourself, 'How much does your life cost?'

Not just your rent or mortgage. Not just your food shopping. But everything. The daily coffees, the Amazon orders, the Netflix subscription you forgot to cancel three months ago. It all adds up – and for many families, it is getting harder to keep track.

In this blog, we will explore what real living costs look like in the UK today – and the small changes that could help you save money, get a handle on your finances and plan for the future.

Start by Tracking the Basics

Before you do anything else, it is worth taking a week to log every single thing you spend money on. Bills, meals out, kids’ swimming lessons, that "quick browse" in Sainsbury’s that ends in a £40 basket of snacks.

Create a simple spreadsheet – or use a free budgeting app – and break it down by category. Food, housing, transport, subscriptions, debt repayments, stuff for the kids and savings (if any).

You might be surprised at how much you spend without realising it.

Food, Glorious Food (and Takeaways)

Let’s start with the obvious: food shopping. A family doing weekly shopping at Lidl might spend half of what another family pays at Waitrose. Add in extras like Deliveroo, coffees and work lunches and, suddenly, you are spending hundreds a month just on eating.

Small changes – such as meal planning or switching to supermarket own-brands – can make a significant difference. One quick example: swapping out three takeaways a month for home-cooked meals could easily save £60–90. Over a year? That’s £1,000+.

Subscriptions and Stuff

Now for the sneaky bit: your regular payments. Think streaming services, gym memberships, magazines and apps you signed up for on a free trial and forgot about. Add it all up – some families are paying £100+ a month on subscriptions they don’t even use.

Then there is Amazon. It is easy to tap and buy without thinking, but those £20 "treat" here and £15 gadgets there can eat into your monthly income.

Take a look at your bank account. Make a list of everything that goes out automatically. Decide what’s worth keeping – and cancel the rest.

Holidays, Cars and the Big Stuff

Next, look at the bigger things. Do you own or finance your car? Is your holiday booked with money you have saved or on a credit card?

These are significant expenses and they entail long-term commitments. If your salary is already stretched with rent or energy bills, adding a car loan on top might not be manageable.

It is not about cutting out joy – holidays and memories are an investment in your health and happiness. But it is about weighing the cost against what you can actually afford.

Rent, Bills and Housing Headaches

Whether you rent or own, housing accounts for a significant portion of your monthly income. Factor in petrol, energy bills, council tax and insurance, and you are looking at hundreds a month.

If you are struggling to make ends meet, check what benefits or support you might be entitled to. It is also worth speaking to your provider if you are behind – some offer tools to help you manage payments without increasing your debt.

What About the Marginal Cost of Life?

Here is where it gets a little heavier.

Economists discuss the marginal cost of life – what we are willing to pay to improve the quality of life or, in some cases, to save lives. Governments use this to make decisions about treatment, investment and policy. However, on a personal level, it serves as a reminder that every cost comes with a choice.

Do we invest in private health insurance or prioritise savings? Do we spend on quality food now or risk poor health down the line? These are difficult decisions, especially when finances are tight.

What Can You Do?

If the cost of living has been a source of pain the last few months, you are not alone. Here are a few ideas that might help:

  • Track your expenses for 30 days. You can't change what you don't understand.
  • Review your subscriptions and ditch what you don't use.
  • Plan your meals. Food is one area where most people can save.
  • Switch utility providers if your bills are creeping up.
  • If you are dealing with debt, speak to someone. There is no shame – there is help.
  • Build savings, even if it is just £5 a week. It adds up.

There is No One-Size-Fits-All

Everyone’s circumstances are different. But by taking a proper look at what your life costs, you give yourself a better shot at building the one you really want.

So go on. Grab a notepad, open your bank account and start adding it up. You might not like the price, but knowing it is the first step to affording the life you deserve.