It is a question I asked myself the other day, especially with having Ruby!
It is true, that in some ways, we don’t need to be as frugal as we once did, when DB had retired and I had to give up work due to illness. We lived on the same amount of pension money for 5 years before he started to get annual increases. That is why we wrote our war diary.
Now, we live on his work and government pensions, both of which are not huge, amounting to a lot less than most people might envisage. I am still a few years away from my pension due to the government shifting their goal posts. This messed up our plans, resulting in our own goal posts being kicked into touch!
We menu plan and try to keep our food/toiletries bill to less than £40 each week. Any money left over from this pot, at the end of the month, goes into savings. Those along with monthly savings from being careful, allowed us to save up for Ruby, pay pet insurance and for training. Her food comes from these same savings as does a holiday, if we take one. Holidays are not expected but considered a treat.
We shop around as each utility comes up for annual renewal. We are careful with electricity, water and spending willy nilly which results in money being frittered away.
We both believe those extra frugal years reset our financial mind set and in our eyes, that is no bad thing.
You’re living within your means. Enjoy Ruby as much as she will enjoy you.
ReplyDeleteThanks Philip, we hope so as well.
DeleteLike you we don't need to be as frugal as we once did now that we have downsized.
ReplyDeleteBut by been careful we are able to enjoy holidays and extra treats it is a lifestyle choice rather than a necessity.
Very true!
DeleteEnjoy Ruby, you saved hard for her and you are living with what you have. I applaud you.
ReplyDeleteThanks.
DeleteIt sounds like you continue to make good decisions. Ruby will be happy as will you.
ReplyDeleteWe hope so, once we get through this pesky biting phase.
DeleteI think being frugal and developing a frugal mindset completely changes how you live. That's why so many former frugal bloggers end up with holiday homes, more cars or simply a whole different way of life. And THAT is what a lot of people who comment just don't understand, and they end up saying 'that's not very frugal' etc etc. Once you cut your cloth according to your means so much more ends up being possible.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy every moment of Ruby, no dog is truly frugal but every dog brings love, joy and exercise to it's owners.
Thanks, will do.
DeleteI agree with Philip that leaving within your means is the most important thing and to do that you need a thrifty/frugal attitude. Like you, we appreciate "treats" far more no matter how small.
ReplyDeleteTreats are a joy aren’t they, because they are occasional, not a given.
DeleteYou sound very disciplined with your spending. All of the savings add up over time. I am especially impressed with your grocery bill!
ReplyDeleteThanks, we keep trying.
DeleteDownsizing is being frugal and I think you are - it works for you and surely that is what matters. Good for you.
ReplyDeleteJ x
Thanks Joy.
DeleteI think once a person practices the art of being thrifty and frugal it stays with them forever. You do an excellent job.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
Thanks Jackie.
Delete