Looking back, I have to say my mind-set has changed
tremendously over the past few years.
When I was working I exercised very little control over my money – I can’t
even dignify the slight amount of control I did exercise with the word “budget”.
My, how things have changed!
Today my state pension and church pension both arrived in the bank and by
eight o’clock I had worked out my budget for the month. I get regular income from three main
sources. There’s my church pension which
arrives on the last working day of the month.
There’s my civil service pension from the earlier part of my working
life which arrives on the twelfth day of each month. And there’s my state pension which arrives
every four weeks.
June will be a very expensive month. I’ve been invited to a wedding evening “do”,
I’ve got four birthdays to mark, the car is due its annual service, I have two
fair-sized domestic bills to pay and I’m expecting Jack my gardener/handyman a
couple of times. (I realise that many would consider these to be unnecessary expenses but they matter to me.)
So I know that I need to eat from existing stores when I can,
that coffees out will be no-nos, that I need to hold off any further spending
towards my Cornwall holiday and indeed I shall have to think very carefully when
I spend anything.
But I know I can do it!
I know that I won’t have to worry about these things because I have
thought about them in advance. Some of the necessary money has been set aside
in previous months either specifically for that project (eg the car service) or
in my just-in-case fund (the domestic bills).
I wish I had been as prudent years ago.
I think the important thing is that you know how to manage money and unfortunately not everyone does. Have no regrets about being less thrifty in the past - I think we can all look back and see where we spent money needlessly. (Often I still do!)
ReplyDeleteAlways saved a bit when I could though, as I expect you have done. Started with buying a 6d savings stamp, first from my junior school and then from the post office. Half a year saving for Christmas and the other half for spending money on our summer holiday. Shame that doesn't happen now - although I think you would need to save more than 6d a week!
I am sure you will be fine -- and I don't think that Jack's handyman services are unnecessary. Neither is the car. Birthdays can be kept reasonable and all will be well. It is good that you have developed a strong budgeting sense. It reminds me of when I was a child and people would get paid, cash their checks and then dole out the money in appropriate envelopes so that when the bills came due they had the cash -- it certainly kept things "real" as they say -- no plastic to tide them over. I think we would all be better off with the envelope system!
ReplyDeleteWe used the envelope system, only our wages were initially in cash anyway. Allowed sensible budgeting, but I suppose today people would end up with too much money in the house.
DeleteI was just thinking when you said bithdays how nice the party and prep was you hosted last month. Are these birthdays for people thay might appreciate a more personal gift like blank carfs (similat to your party invites) or a box of cupcakes to freeze and savor for later? I know probably a lot of work to take on, but I'd enjoy those things. How long to Cornwall?
ReplyDeleteSounds like you are very well prepared for an "expensive" month :)
ReplyDeleteAnd I too see your list of expenses as necessary. Keep up the good work!
That's it, Rivulet! June is expensive, but I have made rational decisions and have budgeted. The birthdays will include some homemade bags and some meals out, Jack is vital to my well-being as is the car. Years ago I would have fretted tat there would be more month than money, now I know that they can be (at worse!) co-terminus!
DeleteYou may not have been prudent in the past but its good that you are now because its allowing you the things that you consider important and thats all that matters. I like holidays so I am frugal so that I can holiday more often and take early retirement.
ReplyDelete