With January still not over, people up and down the UK are struggling to make ends meet before payday.
That said, many shoppers are looking for clever ways to save on their weekly food shop without having to forfeit taste and nutrition.
But waiting for payday to arrive doesn't necessarily mean living on a diet of beans and microwave noodles, as one money-savvy mum has proven, the Mirror reports.
In a bid to prove how easy it is to feed your family on a budget that won't break the bank, one mum-of-four took on a challenge to feed her entire family for £3.60 a day - or £25 a week.
This is less than the national average family weekly food shop which comes in at £60.60, according to figures.
Natalie Lee has now shared the results of her challenge, and the meals she managed to prepare on just £25 may surprise you.
She explained: "My family and I had a really special Christmas but this inevitably meant that I spent more than I should have.
"I accepted the challenge because I need motivation to get creative and to push myself to cook on a tight budget."
Here's Natalie's one-week plan:
Monday : Breakfast: Smoothie. Lunch: Eggs/ avocado on toast. Dinner: Vegetable rice
Tuesday : Breakfast: Porridge. Lunch: Rice, chicken and mixed peppers. Dinner: Halloumi and Asparagus Kebabs
Wednesday: Breakfast: Cereal. Lunch: Meatballs and leftover vegetables. Dinner: Chicken Fajitas
Thursday: Breakfast: Cereal. Lunch: Vegetable soup and bread. Dinner: Pasta, olive oil and garlic granules.
Friday: Breakfast: Smoothie. Lunch: Omelette and salad. Dinner: Spaghetti and pesto sauce
Saturday: Breakfast: Smoked salmon and eggs. Lunch: Baked beans on toast. Dinner: Chicken, asparagus, potatoes
Sunday: Breakfast: Eggs and chilli flakes on toast. Lunch/Dinner: Sunday roast.
Natalie has also shared exactly what she puts straight in her basket on a weekly budget of £25 - all of which you can buy at Aldi.
Large eggs
Blueberries
Frozen mixed veg
Avocado
Soft wholemeal bread
Scottish porridge oats
Specially Selected Pesto
Everyday Essentials Spaghetti
Wholewheat Pasta
Chicken breast fillets
Diced Chicken Breast
Cereal
Vegetable Soup
Roasting potatoes
5% fat beef Meatballs
Easy cook rice
Iceberg lettuce
Whole Chicken
Low fat natural yoghurt
Baked Beans
Halloumi
Red Chilli
Asparagus
Lime
Chili Flakes
Fajita Kit
Spring Onions
Mixed Peppers
