What is important to me

Right, let's have a look at the comment by abc1, on Monday's post, 'Shopping for a car', I'll go through it bit by bit. He/she, not sure which, asks why all my scrimping principles go out of the window when it comes to buying a car. I either haven't made it clear enough the reasons why I am carefull with my money, or abc1 has not read much of my blog. My scrimping principles didn't go out of the window, I tried to find the best car for my needs for the least amount of money, as I would expect most people to do the same.

Let's look at my needs. I need to travel around the country with as little hassle as possible, without the fear of breakdowns. Yes, I could have gone for an older car, but to minimise the risk I felt newer would be less likely to breakdown. I may have indeed been lucky, like abc1 with his/her older car, who knows, a risk I was not willing to take.

Another factor that influenced my decision was that I want to enjoy my driving, so some degree of comfort would be required. Years ago my car was any old nail that I could afford, it only had to get me from A to B. But now the journey itself becomes part of the day out, my enjoyment begins as soon as I set off.

Next point. 'All my other economies are pointless if I blow thousands on a car to watch it depreciate'. If abc1 has been reading my blog he/she will have picked up on a few clues here and there as to why I am frugal. It's not about spending nothing at all, I am carefull because I prefer to spend my money on what is important to me. I don't have a television because that is not important. I am happy with very simple food, second hand clothes, I don't fritter it away on going out, pubs, meals out, entertainment etc. I am happy to stay in the UK for holidays, and I limit my heating to only when I am very cold, so lots of savings there.

So, what is important to me? My freedom of movement, because I have spent a lifetime of travelling up and down the country, albeit in my job, I love the open road. The freedom I have now in retirement, subject to my health holding out, means that any bonus time I have from now on, I can grab it by the balls and live it. Another thing that is important to me is communication through this computer, so with car and computer, I'm happy.

Ultimately it's all down to money, what I am trying to say is that I have budgeted for this car. I have put money aside knowing that one day I would need to change the Focus, planning ahead. The cheque from the insurance covered more than half the cost, so with the £500 off in the sale, I can easily afford it. Cash not credit.

One last point, depreciation. I will not be watching it depreciate I will get the pleasure out of it. It's a fact of life that almost everything we buy depreciates in value, even investments aren't guaranteed safe. So if I start saving now for the next one in 3 to 4 years time, I shall be ok. The fact that part of the cash I am about to hand over pays for the upkeep of Perry's business premises, heating, lighting etc, is neither here nor there. It is the same as 10p of the money I spend in Tesco going into the upkeep of their store. There is a price for everything, wages have to be paid, all we can do is try our best not to be ripped off. I am happy with my purchase.

Here we have a lovely view from the Lake District, as a reminder of our fabulous country. Can't wait to get out there again.