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Thursday 1 October 2020

Coffee and chat. Moving on when the rug has been pulled from under you.

Hello. I thought it was about time that I did a video about money saving. A lot of people are going to lose their jobs and homes, if they haven't already. It is expected that the number of unemployed will reach four million. People will be bewildered, not knowing what to do next. I have put together a few ideas, I hope it is helpful. 
This afternoon I did a five mile walk, it was sunny, with a slight breeze, I really enjoyed it.
When I got back I had a bowl of stew, then took Billy a walk. The sun was going down and luckily I put my camera in my pocket, just in case it was a good one. It was. 

Thanks to the Walking Group for checking in on the previous post. You can add your comments at any time. 
Thanks for popping in. Toodle pip.   ilona

22 comments:

  1. Ilona, this is a very helpful video. Like you, I am pretty frugal but recognise that many people are facing financial catastrophe. What I particularly liked was not just the practical advice, but your sympathetic and understanding tone. You came across as very caring.

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    1. When I was struggling myself with the house changes, and the fact that I was skint, I can't remember there being anyone to ask for advice. Except of course my mum. Sadly she died far too young and was not able to watch me pull myself up out of the doldrums. I will say thank you mum, for the rest of my life.

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  2. Excellent advice. I especially like your definition of "unnecessary"! Thanks for showing us Maisie at the end :)

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    1. There are some words that I always forget how to spell, and need several attempts to get them right. Unecesary, Unneccesary, Unnecesary, Unnecessary, being one of them.

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  3. Hi Ilona, I love your little chats, so much wealth of knowledge you have on money and how to deal with the loss of it, hopefully the people that really need it can take the knowledge and make as much of their lives as they can. Like you I am thankful for the pension, although at this time the government cannot "afford" to give our usual rise to us, so therefore I will look to the "needs" and "wants" again, and soldier on.

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    1. Yes indeed, soldier on. My pension might not be much according to other people's but it is enough for me. If it doesn't increase over the years there is still some wiggle room. I will survive.

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  4. Fabulous photos and good ideas. Cheers!

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  5. what an incredible sunset - you caught it really well

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    1. Our church is high up, a perfect spot to watch the sun go down.

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  6. Hi Ilona, I have just watched your latest video and have to say how interesting I found it. You come up with some very good advice, I think that the current situation worldwide has made us all rethink our own situations. We have become used to a very "easy" way of life and now it's going to get harder for everyone. Thanks for taking the time and making the effort to talk to people about how to economise. Have a good day and a safe and happy weekend. Ro xxx (N.W. Italy)

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    1. Hello. It's easy to take things for granted when we don't have to struggle, but nothing is going to last forever. Any of us could suddenly find ourselves in dire straights for various reasons, so it's best to keep checking that we are on the right track. Thanks for your comment.

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  7. Hi Ilona, I read your blog every day but seldom comment. Through no fault of my own my financial circumstances were devastated about nine years ago. I have managed to turn things around by following your sound advice and remembering my own Grandmothers advice on frugality. Thanks to the pair of you.

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    1. Great to hear from you, Colin. Funny that your should comment today. I was sorting my writing desk out yesterday and came across a card you sent me. I remember your kind donation to the Cat Rescue. I hope you are well. Best wishes. ilona

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  8. You are so right Ilona about needs and wants.I realise now that I have always been pretty frugal,although not quite as much as I am now!.I do think that its us kids who were born in the 50s and had parents who were brought up during the war.They knew what it was like to go without and not complain about it because they didnt have much in the first place.My Mams mam died in 1949.My Mam was only 15,but had to learn how to get by the hard way,because she had no choice.So that knowledge was past down to me and my sister.I have known what its like to have very little money when my Daughter was little,but she was always loved,clean and smart and had food on the table.That was due to making every penny stretch as far as possible.I feel so sorry for people who have lost their jobs and my heart goes out to them for the stress and worry they must be going through.People who were already on benefits,like the pregnant girl,her partner and 2 kids who live next door to me...well their income, hasnt altered in any way.Although they are always pleading poverty.Most days she comes round for sugar,milk,butter,cooking oil ect.She has more money coming in each week than what me and my Hubby had when we were both working age.Although they seem to have money for smoking drugs.I am afraid that there are some people that dont want to even try.xx

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    1. Keep your curtains shut and don't answer the door.

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    2. Lol,Ilona I swear she has a tracking devise on me,because every time I go to my dustbin ,she appears,with her usual sob stories!.Her front door faces mine with just a narrow pathway in between,and she cant she me through her curtains..because she doesnt have any,,,just a dirty old quilt cover shoved over the top of her window.I feel so sorry for the kids,they are only babies with another one due soon.The smell of cannabis fills my garden 2/3 times a week,so like I said before they have money for that.And expensive phones as well!.Although we social distance.when we talk I do try to explain how cheap healthy meals can be made.She buys plenty of food,I know,because she has supermarket trollies lined up outside her house that she brings home with her!.Her front garden is a tip because they throw all n sundry out there into the weeds and mud so there is no where for the kids to play.To make that better wouldnt cost a penny,just a bit of hard work.I have offered to lend her spades but she says that her partner is allergic to leaves and mud if he touches them.I think he is just allergic to any form of work!.I will stop rambling now,lol..but Im just trying to explain how a lot of people in this country chose to live and it isnt through lack of cash!.That is why my heart goes out to those hard workers,who have now lost their jobs and are genuinely struggling.I hope that they can get help,xx

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  9. Those photos are stupendous. Well done. Love Andie xxx

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    1. Thank you. Amazing sunsets are wonderful.

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  10. Of course pets are family...what awful advice, to turf them out...

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    1. Looking through the MSE Forum, reading about those who are trying to get out of debt, the comments do often say you shouldn't have pets. I agree that if you can't afford them you shouldn't have them, but if you already have them then fall onto hard times, you should honour your commitment to look after them.

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  11. We always enjoy your videos Ilona, full of common sense and sound advice. My husband has struggled with employment for the last couple of years now, due to mental health problems. I am the breadwinner at 67 years but I am lucky to be blessed with reasonable good health. I am careful with money and make do and mend. I do lots of home cooking and we never go hungry. When it's chilly we sit in bed and keep warm. All through the Beast from the East we only ever had a small fan heater on in one room. We are still here and healthy!! Money isn't everything, happiness and health are blessings. xx

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    1. Thank you Linda. Good health is also about having a positive attitude, and you certainly have that. Best wishes to you and your family. xxx

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