Hello. Fancy a little titter, or even a bellowing belly laugh, then take a look at this article about me on an Australian web site. It was published a year ago, after being picked to bits over about six months in publications all over the world. After doing the rounds it was bound to become a bit ragged around the edges. Some of it was copied word for word and was true at the time, but some of the gaps have been filled in by whoever was hitting the keyboard. Ignore the numbers, I didn't quite grasp the questions fired at me by the original journalist, and she wrote down what she thought I said.
Don't bother adding any comments as it's history now, unless you feel you really must resurrect it just for a laugh. Doubtful that anyone goes back for a second look. Scroll to the bottom if you want to read all 285 comments. Thanks very much to Lulu for pointing this out to me in her comment yesterday.
Six secrets of the worlds most money savvy senior.
Cold frosty start to the day. I had thought about taking a trip to Harrogate to the stitching show, but then decided to stay at home and carry on stitching myself. I have plenty to do here.
A reminder that we are nearing the end of the month again, crumbs, only one month left and that's the whole year done and dusted. Time to top up your walking miles. I am only just on target to reach my goal of 1100.
Thanks for popping in, enjoy your Sunday, we'll catch up soon.
Toodle pip
PS. I have just disregarded my own advice, and answered some of the comments, probably a waste of time. Couldn't resist it for a bit of fun. There are some new ones coming in at the bottom, now the article has been regurgitated. You can change the order from newest to oldest, click the button.
Having followed your blog for a while now, when I read those comments on the link, I had to laugh. How far from the reality most of them are, poor people.
ReplyDeleteYou just keep on being you, Ilona - I love your blog and your lifestyle as you choose to share it with us. Thank you.
J x
I started laughing too! Ilona spends her time and money on what is most important to her, it was obvious that most of those commentators had completely the wrong idea. JanF
DeleteOh how I hate the nastiness these articles generate. Even if someone chooses not to live like you, why the hatefulness!?! These people are the ones with no life! Totally understand why you do what you do, you live frugally and sensibly and in an environmentally friendly way, caring for your animals and people around you. Keep it up Ilona, you are inspiring! Susan from Perth x
ReplyDeleteHatefulness is the way of the world these days, I'm afraid. Whenever someone appears to be on top of the job, in a good place, and doing alright for themselves, there will always be the ones to pull them down.
Deleteproblems always arise when only part of something is heard/published, or it is partly recorded incorrectly. (such as part in said article).
ReplyDeleteHaving said that, I am glad you were able to get your blog URL posted in comments several times (I only read part of the comments). Hoping many folks will come over here and have a look.
Personally, I think a big part of your savings is the "yellow stickers". Myself, and likely much of the readers do not have this available. I can find discounts at times, but not on your level.
Love your blog.
Anonymous - agree. People twist news articles; some are just harsh and nasty folk for the sake of it. However, let them get on with it, I love this blog, can always get some new tips from Ilona and her readers. I concur with you that we are unable to get food so cheaply as our local stores do not mark-down to the level she gets and it is pointless driving nearly 20 /30 miles a round trip to try and do so. I still like what Ilona says and her offers of advice for a less expensive lifestyle. Amanda
DeletePeople do get their knickers in a twist over the most trivial of things. The only thing that surprised me from that article is how utterly childish grown up people can be when sitting behind a keyboard....they actually took time out of their precious day to comment on things they have no interest in?! I think they need to take a look at their lives first before pointing the finger at others.
ReplyDeleteI do admire you Ilona with your blogging and your fun life, and others who blog and put their lives out there, because I know sometimes people get horrible comments and myself I couldn't cope with it. I think the internet can bring out the worst in people. When it comes to being debt free for many there is only one answer - stop buying anything non essential and don't buy it if you don't have the funds in the bank that day to pay for it. I'm not criticising anyone who has debt for genuine reasons by the way - such as job loss or low pay etc, I'm referring to those who end up in a mess because they can't stop buying the latest this or that or overspending on Christmas.
ReplyDeleteWorld wide fame - don't let it go to your head! ( joking here as you are the most down to earth person)
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your Sunday stitching
I read all the comments, too. Silly people. Why are they so angry? I, like you, go around bundled up to save on heating costs. On my blog people are aghast that I use washcloths instead of tp. They were horrified that I would dumpster dive. I now cut my hair because my hairdresser had surgery on her hand. I buy at night for a different reason, but it is partly due to economizing. I don't spend so long on the road because few people are out and I hit more green lights; I can find a handicapped parking space and an electric cart to ride in. The stores are not so crowded and I can get around.
ReplyDeleteOne guy commented, listing his expenses. The gym was one of his expenses. I was thinking you don't need to go to the gym.
I do use toothpaste on my toothbrush several times a day, but I only use a pea-sized bit, not the inch long string shown in toothpaste advertisements. And, I do use only water on my toothbrush several times a day. I brush at least six times each day, half with water only. With coupons, my toothpaste is often close to free or only a quarter for a large tube. I have stacks of toothpaste that I give to my three children, dil, four grandchildren. So, I am not using water to cut costs.
Here in the US there is obviously not a yellow sticker system as extensive as yours. Walmart had a price-match deal where they would match and ad in a thirty five mile radius. I used that extensively. Of course, I would never drive that far for cheap celery! But, I could get all the cheap things priced at one store. I saved about 50% or more on groceries. I bought things cheap and froze or dehydrated or canned them for later.
There were a lot of people defending your right to live as you please. What is car rego?
As people made fun of your looks and haircut, I was wondering why someone used probably the most unflattering picture of you I have ever seen. You certainly do appear more "with it" in other pictures.
Some of these people were overly proud of living large like they had something to prove.
I hope the readers who left negative feedback take the time to check out your blog to see what a positive, thought-provoking person you are. Reading your blog with my morning coffee is a great way to kick-start my day! Hugs from Barbara (Canada)
ReplyDeleteI have read you blog daily for several years now Ilona and to me you are an inspiration. I am 8 years away from retiring and thanks to your blog I know that I will have a fantastic life on a pension too. My heart sank when I read some of those comments. Surely if someone hasn't got anything positive to say then it's better to say nothing at all. I love reading about your lifestyle and your uniqueness, so please keep up with the blog, I also like reading everyone's comments too.
ReplyDeletehi, just read the article you linked from Australia...I read the first few comments and rolled my eyes. I continue to be astonished that folks get in such a tizzy when they disagree with something. I assume they must be angry all the time these days, gees! Got 4 miles in this morning. :). Hilogene in Az
ReplyDeleteFood prices in Australia have been climbing steadily and short date food is not marked down anywhere near as much as it is in our shops. I shop after 2:00 on Sunday afternoon and generally scoop up a weeks worth of bargains. We can live very well on £10 a week most of the time. I do cook from scratch and we only eat meat twice a week, but that is by choice, we love vegan meals. No debt and no worries, that's the way to live.
ReplyDeleteThe commenters on the article seem to be big spenders, but it was funny, because I didn't think the 6 things were really that controversial, apart from the washing pots one. It seems like Australians have a lot of expenses we don't and they didn't really understand that you were explaining how you do things, not telling them they should do those things too. Karen.
ReplyDeletellona, we are a strange lot down under. People here like to think themselves well off regardless of how much they earn. People have been spoilt for a long time with cheap power and reasonably priced food but that is no more. Aussie energy costs and rents in large cities are rising and so is the food bill. We don't have the yellow sticker mark downs, at least where I am, to the extent you have in England. Medical costs are high and not everything is free for pensioners. At the same time pensions are stagnant. I think a lot of people are frugal but don't admit to it. I can tell you though that when I pop into the op shop, it is packed to the rafters with people looking for a bargain and when hard rubbish collections are on people scout the streets for a freebie. And, people doe cut their own hair and they do scrimp. I know this because I am one of them and I don't give a damn what the rest of my countrymen and women think and do. I am a proud frugalista and loving it. I read your blog to stay strong and true to the cause. Keep at it Ilona, you give us purpose and the strength to swim against the tide of nonsense around us. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI am new to your blog and I gather you are healthy, happy, debt free, and living life on your own terms. I bet very few if the complainers could say the same.
ReplyDeleteI skimmed through a few of the comments, before I lost the will to live ha ha! But what struck me most was the assumption by a number of people that you were stashing lots of money away and refusing to spend it. The whole "can’t take it with you / no pockets in shrouds" thing. It didn’t seem to occur to any of them that for some people, living frugally is done out of necessity. There is no choice to be made, except racking up debts assuming they could access any borrowing...... I realise things are more flexible for you these days, but from memory in the early days of your blog, you were doing what you do in order to manage on a very low income. This didn’t seem to figure into any of the comments.....except to say you "must" be lying about your income :(
ReplyDeleteI hope if ever any of them find themselves in financial difficulties in the future, they remember there is a choice, and discover that frugality isn’t all doom and gloom after all! It can be fun if you just get your mindset right :))
We keep ourselves to ourselves, live frugally and have a small old car. But sadly in the past few months our car has been targeted by vandals and is now covered in scratches. It's a sad world. Hubby is all for trying to repair it but I just say leave it it's just a car. Seems if you don't fit in with people who live the high life these days you get picked on
ReplyDeleteThey choose to bully nice people who they thinl< won't say anything.I report them and eventually they get the message.I don't hide what bullies do now x
DeleteThere is no way I implement the half of what Ilona implements to stretch the budget. But she inspires me and I continue to read for that reason. I do implement some ideas and variations of ideas. There is no way the same savings can be had in Canada due to the high cost of absolutely everything including homes. I am not yet on pension but those that only have their pension have a very difficult time no matter how frugal they are due to the high cost of food, utilities and housing. I'm quite certain there is no way to afford a car due to the cost of the basics. Pensioners here have reduced public transit rates but they are still quite high. I've done the comparisons of a British pension with a Canadian one and through reading Ilona's costs for food, utilities and housing related costs, I know that it is a bit easier financially in England although that might not apply if you live in larger cities like London. So all this to say, costs are very high in some places of the world compared to other places but if we learn what we can from others and implement what we can, we can stretch our dollars. I know Ilona had to implement some very strict ideas to get to the point where she is now and most people simply don't have the discipline. Well done Ilona!
ReplyDeleteIve just read it all along with the comments!!,I loved your replies Ilona and I also think alot of those people commenting should be read all your blog,from the start and maybe they could be alot happier in their lives!Some them just assumed things and maybe could be a bit more educated if they Googled your blog daily just like we do!!.Ive had a great frugal weekend,walking 9 miles with my Grandaughter yesterday taking a packed lunch for us,took in a bit of history going round the really old part of town.Then today using veg Id frozen in the week for our dinner,playing with the cats,reading and talking to friends.Visiting my Mam and tonight having early night cause grandaughter is at school tomorrow...Ive just mentioned to her that we havent spent any money at all and she hadnt even noticed,lol.Debi,xx
ReplyDeleteI woulcl Lil<e to reacl the comments -I can't though -I expect the unpleasant ones are from people who have problems within themselves x
ReplyDeleteAlot of those comments on the artical were just assumptions...people who were convinced that they knew better...that it was a lie...that it was made up...adding nasty comments.They reminded me of the school bullies in the playground,that stand in a group making up lies and nasty comments about one person,prob cause deep down the are jealous!..And I loved Ilonas replys,so polite,lol...Ilona,you tore them apart and spat them out again,lol.Well Done..I do hope that some of them read your blog and see all the love and support you have in the world,and then hope that they think before they start clicking behind their keyboard.Ok,everyone to their own and all that...but no need for rudeness...Hope every one on here is having a great frugal day!!,Debi,xx
DeleteSome of the comments gave me a good laugh if nothing g else; but someone said classy does as classy said xxx
ReplyDeletePS love your blog x
ReplyDeleteWhat absolutely appalls me is the fact that people totally misunderstood what you are doing and how you are doing it. The total ignorance and downright rudeness of these people astounds me. They obviously believe everything that is written by journalists, no wonder we have wars and so much hatred in the world. Everyone is entitled to live in the way that makes them happy and judging from your blog Ilona you are a very happy, fulfilled person who would never make the nasty judgemental comments that I have read. Just the sheer amount of misinformation shows what happens when ignorant people read a simple article and then make sarcastic and cruel remarks. If more people were like you the world would be a better place, you love and care for not only your cats which were rescue cats but you help other people, are cheerful and an inspiration to all. I have only discovered your blog recently and I admire your attitude, your spirit and your total lack of interest in
ReplyDeletewhat other people think of you, you are your own woman and if only there were more people like you the world would be a wonderful place. I have to say that I am only using anonymous as I dont have any of the required accounts so its the only way I can post this.
Warm wishes from Australia Carol
Very amused reading some of those comments! You certainly pushed a few buttons! I like the principles you have: I try not to waste anything, generally only buy what we need etc. I couldn't take it to the levels you do but then I am different from you. I respect your ideas and how you put them into practice. Well done.
ReplyDeleteThou I couldn't help myself tears were running down my face from laughter, the crutch of the remarks were due to ignorance, I think if they knew you and had read your blog and understood what being frugal means and got it....they could still have a happy and busy life just by watching the pennies. early retirement, mortgage finished early etc etc etc. and still wear women's knickers and brush teeth with toothpaste.
ReplyDeletePerhaps next time you could say that all your friends are going to wear men's y fronts bacl< to front and see what they say to that.They clearly have no sense of fun and try to ridicule others to feel better about themselves x
DeleteI think that many of the people who commented negatively don't know what they are talking about. They have never read your blog, which is a pity for them, as they could learn a lot from you. Patricia
ReplyDeleteHi love your blog and how you live your life. My husband and I have been careful all our lives with money but we have a good life. Had not read your blog for over two weeks as we were cruising from Italy to the Caribbean now sitting in the sun we will be here for as month. Also this year we have been o South Africa a month walking in Devon and Cornwell, two weeks in the lake district and s few months in Scotland. We are not rich shop around four good deals. This years expenses will be £17000 Not cheap but not bad. Continue to enjoy your life.
ReplyDeleteObviously do not know your blog and the message you send out. Be your own person and do not follow the crowd. Liked the comment from the Australian web site about perhaps you eat road kill to save money - is that why you were building hutches for the hedgehogs eh Ilona? Sharon
ReplyDeleteI was first attracted to your blog because I interpreted how you live has a lot to do with not 'wasting' anything and reusing what you can and stop as much 'stuff' ending up in landfill. Some people call you extreme but agree with almost all of what you do. My pet undesirable is wasting of water and am I given a hard time about it. I also think the person who wrote the article had great delight in saying you lived off $5000 a year when in fact it is considerably more when 5000 pounds is converted to Australian dollars. Keep up your good work.
ReplyDeleteRegards
Melinda (SE Queensland Aus
I am filled with sadness Ilona that you have been subjected to such ignorant vitriolic opinions shown at the end of the web article. If I had read the stupid comments first, I would never have drawn it to your attention. I am so sorry.
ReplyDeleteI've been having a field day reply to some of those nasty comments. Who the fxxx do they think they are??? Jane
ReplyDeleteIt’s so predictable - very narrow minded people. When I was in the Daily Mail recently I made a point of not looking at any of the comments. I knew they would be horrible! Live and let love. Maybe they have more money than Sense?
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately we have a whole generation or maybe even more that have never been taught how to budget,be frugal, make money go further and only live within their income. It's a throwaway generation... kids bringing up kids...and credit. Very sad. Rae x
ReplyDeleteThis comment is a bit late, but the biggest takeaway I get from your blog (which I have read for years) is that instead of opening your wallet, it is possible to live a wonderful life when you use creativity, imagination, and a healthy dose of elbow grease! As we used to say, keep on keeping on, Ilona!
ReplyDeleteTotally agree
ReplyDeleteI couldn't bear to read the article or the comments, which are probably interesting, but living in the US has been pretty overwhelming lately. We seem to think whoever does something we ourselves don't do is to be harshly criticized, mocked, even shunned. I occasionally try to figure out why this is such a Yank reaction. When I lived in England for 3 years as a teenager, I was struck by the British tolerance for "eccentricity." It seemed to be an attitude of "no harm, no foul, that's just how that person lives."
ReplyDeleteI am currently supporting the theory that our country is just so big and so isolated (Canada, rightly, pretty much ignores us) the average person just can't imagine another way to do anything. Even when we travel, most Yanks live in a little travel bubble, protected by wealth and arrogance from any attempt to understand another culture. Perhaps the size and relative isolation of Australia leads to some of the same attitudes.
I am an old crumbly now, and one thing I have trouble seeing is the Americanization of other cultures. Maybe it's just old age, but I'd love to time travel back to late-50's England and re-live that wonderful "otherness" that totally enchanted me when I was a teen. That is maybe a bit off-topic, but I especially love your blog, Ilona, because you show me more open-minded ways to live. As one comment said, keep on keeping on, Please!
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There are many who criticise others, and you don't have to be eccentric to be on the receiving end. You just need to have a gym membership, or buy takeaway coffee, or buy nice clothes, or do anything that the person who is doing the criticising thinks is unnecessary. Those things alone will make you a target for some people.
DeleteDear Ilona - I'm so ashamed at the vitriol and nastiness shown in these blog comments. I have never heard of this website, but won't be joining anytime soon - sounds like a club of very bitter, whinging people who do not have any resourcefulness or creativity. I would have said it's very unAustralian to see this but sadly it's happening more and more in letters to the editor in daily newspapers. People are just happy to whinge and blame the government, society etc if they haven't provided for their retirement instead of looking inwards and changing their behaviour. Thankyou for all that you do to inspire me daily - best wishes, Jenny ( a very grateful Ozzie) xx
ReplyDelete