The surprising total of our daily "expenses"

[screenman]

True story, a friend of mine and his wife lived frugally for 23 years, she worked full time as he did and banked every penny she earned, he took early retirement at 51 and locked his lump away for 20 years. They then went through a messy expensive divorce and never did get to enjoy what they had both worked hard for together.

I live in Lincolnshire and believe me the scots have nothing on the people around here, OK some only use a teabag twice when they are feeling extravagant, but boy do a lot of them know how to save and be miserable at the same time.

 

[cosmicbike]

I cycled to work to save money on diesel. Used to cost about £4 a day on diesel, and when I cycled I bought lunch at work, which cost about £4...

 

[Accy cyclist]

Or you could buy a nice house that the Government will take from you to pay for your care in old age, while you sit dribbling in a home somewhere wishing that you had blown it all on coffee and sandwiches.

You beat me to it Brandane! My dad worked 49 years in the same factory he scrimped and saved to pay off their house,forfeiting holidays,and they never had cars till they paid off the mortgage when they could afford small cheaper to run ones. He died four years after retirement and my mum is now sat there dribbling in a care home while her home is under lock and key waiting to be sold off to pay for her 600 quid a week stay!

 

[Brandane]

You beat me to it Brandane! My dad worked 49 years in the same factory he scrimped and saved to pay off their house,forfeiting holidays,and they never had cars till they paid off the mortgage when they could afford small cheaper to run ones. He died four years after retirement and my mum is now sat there dribbling in a care home while her home is under lock and key waiting to be sold off to pay for her 600 quid a week stay!

Sorry to hear that Accy Cyclist, and glad you took my cynicism the way it was intended.
It is sad how often we hear similar stories. My own mother and father passed away relatively young, which has no doubt been a factor in my cynical "f*** it" attitude to most things in life, but especially to saving for the future!

 

[Blue]

"If I had all the money I've spent on drink, I'd spend it on drink."

(Stanshall)

 

[tyred]

In theory, I should have saved money this year by stopping smoking.

WHERE THE HELL IS IT?????

 

[colly]

I saw a cartoon once (which I can not find anywhere)

Three old guys sat in wheelchairs, tartan slippers on , blanket over the boney, wasted knees. All looking extremely green and crumbly, dark glasses, hearing aids, few teeth, . Wizened and totally decrepit.
One bloke says :

'Just think lads, if we had not given up the fags, the booze, the greasy food, the fast women....................we would have missed out on all this.'

 

[screenman]

In theory, I should have saved money this year by stopping smoking.

WHERE THE HELL IS IT?????

If it is where mine went it is hanging up or should I say they are all hanging up nice and neat in the garage. I packed up when they were £0.32p per packet and was on 30 a day, so that amount has likely paid for a lot more than just bikes over the years.

 

[cyberknight]

I take my own coffee to work as they provide hot water free and i drink it black , i also take sandwiches so my daily expenditure is a big zero .I am not worried though as swmbo more than makes up for for it which is why i don`t spend anything because the moths have a good home in my wallet what with the cash already being spent !

 

[cyberknight]

Sorry to hear that Accy Cyclist, and glad you took my cynicism the way it was intended.
It is sad how often we hear similar stories. My own mother and father passed away relatively young, which has no doubt been a factor in my cynical "f*** it" attitude to most things in life, but especially to saving for the future!

It affects us all differently, my mum died when i was 10 leaving me to be the strong one of the house as my dad was no use ( he died of cancer later as well) and with 2 other siblings to look after it was hard .It certainly affected my social skills and the ability to let anyone in , in case they die.