Budgeting on a Pension… And Still Enjoying Life

It may seem a little strange, but budgeting can be great fun, leaving any money saved to splurge on rainy days and holidays. Sometimes we may just want peace of mind, knowing if something unexpected comes up, we will be OK. I have to say I am really enjoying budgeting, it makes me feel in control, capable, adaptable, and quite pleased with myself. :)

A Little Game

I look at budgeting as a bit of a game. That way I can not only enjoy the money I save, but how I save it. Going on holiday? Instead of buying an expensive sarong, find some gorgeous fabric (charity shop, old dress) and make one. Thinking of buying flowers? Look what’s in your garden or by the hedgerows. There is usually beautiful green foliage or wildflowers that will make a beautiful bouquet.

Finding a Bargain

As someone who likes to travel, I have found my best bargains tend to be at the last minute. Usually, I don’t mind where I go, or how I get there, so I am just looking for something that I know I will enjoy. I have been on cruises and met people who have paid almost double for the same accommodation!

If hotels aren’t full, you can usually get accommodation at a reduced rate, and I have enjoyed some incredible upgrades! I once booked the cheapest room in a hotel out of season, and was given a fabulous suite, with a view over the savanna and grazing giraffes. :)

Gardening

My latest money saving venture is propagating and growing from seed. When I moved to my little cottage, the garden was a complete mess and took me all of last year to get it in basic order. This year I want to turn it into a cottage garden.

I bought one large lavender plant and took 20 cuttings that are now growing on my windowsill. I also bought 10 packets of seeds, some germinating in glass jars, others in soil. Obviously, not all will grow, but I still have the potential for hundreds of new plants for very little.

DIY

The internet, in particular YouTube, is a fantastic medium for learning new skills. I use it for practically everything: cooking, gardening, designing, languages and DIY. Not only is it really satisfying doing things yourself, but it can also save huge amounts of money.

Batch Cooking

When my family were all at home, I loved to cook, but after each member went their own way, it didn’t feem the same cooking for one. Now I cook 5 or 6 meals at a time and freeze them. Pasta sauces, curries, casseroles, chilli, pies, my freezer is filled with delicious home-cooked meals whenever I need them, and the bonus is, it saves time and money.

Up-Cycling

Another favourite hobby of mine is up-cycling. It gives me so much pleasure to put a little love back into something and extend its life. Painting or stencilling furniture, making old picture frames into fabulous photo albums, covering lampshades, decoupaging furniture.

There are many places to find old things to up-cycle, including your attic, garage, skips, auction houses and free recycling adverts. One of my favourite finds was a brass bed left outside someone’s house with a note on it, saying, ‘Please take me. I am free.” :)

Making Things a Little Special

Although many of us have a limited amount to spend, it doesn’t mean that things shouldn’t be special. We deserve to enjoy our lives, so making a little effort can make a huge difference to how we feel.

After my family all fled the nest, I found mealtimes difficult, and often just ate a sandwich while doing something else. Now mealtimes are made special: a few wildflowers in a vase, a pretty paper napkin (often left over from decoupaging) and a little music change everything.

Budgeting doesn’t have to be tough; in fact, knowing there is a rainy-day fund makes it wonderfully easy, and a real pleasure. As well as saving money, I have learnt new skills, become proud of myself and never have time to be bored. :)

Join the Conversation:

Do you like to budget? What is your favourite way to save money? Have you learnt new skills?