Each month I write a detailed account of myself, my finances, my activities, my hopes and my dreams so that I can see better how life is unfolding. That account is for my own eyes only but sometimes I also blog about the highlights.
April has been like no other month ever! And one of the most fascinating things about it is the opportunity it has given me to see my finances in a new light.
The first thing to say is that my income is down. My pensions are constant (indeed my annual rises took effect this month) but my earnings have almost dried up. Churches are closed and wrinklies like me have been told not to take any funerals even in crematoria. However, my income from completing surveys has been quite good. I've been doing surveys for quite a long time and I have had quite a lot to complete concerning corona virus and isolation.
When it comes to expenditure there are lots of ups and downs. I've been spending far more on food than I was doing in recent months but less than I was spending on food a year ago, which tells me that my normal spending (ie recent spending) has been much more controlled. I've had to rely on other people to fetch stuff for me so I am reliant on where they choose to shop. I've got a full fridge and freezer and my store cupboard looks pretty healthy too. There are gaps (flour!) but over all it looks good. I've done lots of cooking.
I've spent nothing on petrol and nothing on eating out so together those two categories have more than compensated for the increased food spending and the decreased earnings combined! I'm now doing all my own housework but I decided to pay my cleaner half wages even though she's not coming at present.
I've managed to save a little so all in all I am a happy bunny!
We have saved more this month, normally April is expensive in the garden, our food shopping has been more expensive, so I think we are all very similar on our outgoings.
ReplyDeleteI saw your little win the other day. Some nice things to add to your cupboards.
ReplyDeleteKeeping records does throw up stuff we don't notice day to day. Food is costing more, lots of supermarkets have dropped their loss leaders so they don't encourage panic buying. It's a sad state of affairs when fuel is at its lowest price for many years and we can't go anywhere! You are very generous paying your cleaner👏👏👏
ReplyDeleteYou are very generous paying your cleaner, bless you. We are spending more money on food too I think it is due to lack of multi buys available and those little treats. Take care.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you are doing quite well during this time. I am sure your cleaner is very appreciative of your generosity. Keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteFood prices have definitely gone up recently. We cant get flour here either.
ReplyDeletei am doing the same as you for my cleaner, she has been with us for 6 years and is a mainstay.
My groceries were over budget again in April, in part because prices are rising and the other part is because I have been buying items for our son. Much rather shop where I know everything is than in his local grocery where I don't know where anything is.
ReplyDeleteLike you though eating out is down, clothing costs are way down, and travel costs are down as well.
God bless.