Monthly Cost Guide: What You Really Pay Every Month
Ever wonder why your bank statement looks like a mystery? Most of the numbers come from recurring expenses you don’t always notice. From a £35 haircut to a private GP visit, each cost adds up. Knowing the exact monthly price of what you need helps you avoid surprise bills and plan better.
Why tracking monthly cost matters
When you can see the true price of your health and beauty choices, you get control. For example, a single private healthcare appointment can cost over £200, while an NHS visit is free at the point of use. If you add a weekly Korean toner routine (£5 a week) and a monthly mental‑support subscription (£30), your budget shifts quickly.
Tourists often forget that medical care in the UK isn’t completely free. A short visit to a private clinic can be £150 + VAT, and even the NHS may charge for prescriptions. Knowing these figures before you travel prevents stressful cash‑out moments.
How to estimate your monthly spend
Start with the basics: rent, utilities, food and transport. Then layer in the health and beauty bits that are unique to you. Use the following quick checklist:
- Healthcare: GP appointments are free, but specialist visits, private scans or mental‑health sessions can range £50‑£300 each. Add a buffer for medicines.
- Beauty treatments: A standard haircut costs around £35, but a premium salon service can hit £80. Non‑surgical facelifts like the Cinderella facelift start at £500, usually split into monthly payments.
- Skincare basics: A bottle of CeraVe or Cetaphil is £10‑£15 and lasts about a month. If you follow the Korean toner method twice daily, budget £5‑£10 for the toner itself.
- Mental support: Apps, therapy sessions or group programs average £20‑£100 per month.
- Unexpected fees: Tipping at a salon (10‑15% of the bill) or emergency ER visits in the US can add hundreds of pounds to your total.
Take each line, multiply by the frequency you use it, and you’ll see a clear picture. If the sum feels high, look for cheaper alternatives. Switching from a £80 salon cut to a £35 barbershop saves £45 each visit – that’s £180 a month if you go weekly.
Another easy hack: set a reminder to review subscription services every month. Many people forget about a beauty box they barely use, which can cost £30‑£40 a month. Cancel or pause it and instantly free up cash.
Finally, keep a simple spreadsheet or use a budgeting app. Record each expense under categories like "Health" and "Beauty". Review the totals at month‑end. If you see a spike, ask yourself if the extra spend was worth it or if a cheaper option existed.
Understanding monthly cost isn’t about cutting every fun thing out. It’s about seeing where your money goes so you can choose what matters most – whether that’s a regular GP check, a fresh Korean toner routine, or a once‑in‑a‑while luxury spa day.
Use this guide to map out your own monthly cost landscape. When the numbers are clear, you’ll feel more confident making decisions about health, beauty and everyday life.
