I spent a lovely hour down by the pond this afternoon. It's been a sunny day, though a tad windy, but fine for a walk. The swans have done well this year, five babies, teenagers now.
The area round the pond is looking good. New paths laid, new fencing erected, the grass has been mowed, and new fishing platforms have been built. A nice place to bimble. .
Just about done all the shredding. As I was loading it into the machine I was tempted to read all the bank statements, especially the monthly totals. This one caught my eye so I pulled it out to keep. Just to remind myself how badly off I was financially. Pretty much rock bottom I would say, but it was all my doing. I had cut down my driving hours with the agency, and was running a small business, which ultimately didn't make any money. I was doing something I enjoyed but it wasn't paying enough. When it got this bad I asked for more hours at the agency. But I survived and I'm still here to tell the tale.
I should be alright from now on, unless the government goes bankrupt. My pension is enough to live on, and pay for some treats. It might mean I have to stay where I am for a while, good job I like it here, and not having a mortgage or rent to pay is a bonus. I thank my lucky stars.
Toodle pip. ilona
It must be the season I just cleaned 10 years of my life out of the filing cabinet! Can't look back too much or I would depress myself. What was I thinking! I use our excellent library bus service for all reading matter now, I would love some of that magazine subscription money in the bank now!
ReplyDeleteWe too living on pensions. To be honest never been so comfortable. Partly due to family having grown up and gone. Though there are still the occasional bail outs.
ReplyDeleteWell done!
ReplyDeleteMy husband and I are both retired and get a pension. We both have "jobs" he is a ohlins shock absorber mender and dealer and I make pedigrees for horses and ponies. This income keeps our heads more or less above water. Because we have three horses almost all our money goes to keeping them happy and comfortable !!! We have no other big expenses. The horses were not a choice to have now.... it is a long story.
ReplyDeleteLooks like a very calming and peacful way to spend an afternoon, here in the big town where we live if we want to go anywhere serene we have to take the car out.
ReplyDeleteNo mortage or rent sounds good to me, something we are working on.
Have a good weekend.
People are àmazed on how much I live on in a year. Just like you its how you manage your money. You have helped a lot of people over the years find a way of living within their means. I thank you for your advice.
ReplyDeleteThat pond looks a nice place to be. We have some in nottingham. It makes your heart sing to be out in the countryside. I love the river also and it comes right up to you. Xx
Thank you for sharing. Timely reminder to live simply, enjoy the things you have - health, pets, home. Keep well and safe. xx
ReplyDeleteHi Ilona Mayze Heidi and Oscar another very wet day. Amy and Benny on their shared bed which they love watching the garden from their bed. Like you Ilona i am very careful when it comes to spending and think of ways of economising each and every day. I watch out for the sales and buy items very cheaply also go to charity shops. There are so many ways we can save and try and avoid debt which is a burden as you are always covering interest. Thank you so much for the great saving tips you give us and lots of love to you and the darling fur babies. Have a lovely weekend.xxx
ReplyDeleteReading your blog really helps me to be careful with spending.Plus you make it so much fun.Thank you Ilona.I need to be very sensible because of the cost of my dogs.You really are an inspiration x
ReplyDeleteI spent an hour yesterday getting rid of receipts that were so old,I hadnt got a clue what they were for because the writing had faded away on them!.The only receipts I ever get these days are for food for the Family and the cats.I also sorted out a few more books for the book swap stall,although last time I went I left 6 books there,but came home with none because there was nothing that I wanted to read.Im going out for a walk this afternoon because I havent been out for the last few days and my head is needing fresh air,lol.It looks a lovely place where you walked the other day,so Im going to pack a lunch,a small bottle of tap water and go to somewhere that looks very much the same quite local to me.Hope every one has a lovely weekend,xx
ReplyDeleteSadly, if you rent, you can never be rent-free. It's a lifetime thing.
ReplyDeleteMust be great to be mortgage free though.
It is Wean, so glad I made the right choices all those years ago. All the scrimping and saving and going without is paying off now.
DeleteDo you make any income off youtube?
ReplyDeleteNo, not a penny. I do it for fun. I don't need to make any money, I have enough.
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