Notes From The Frugal Trenches - A Downshifting Journey

Thursday night two friends came over for a cup of tea, one brought a nice bottle of wine but I couldn’t enjoy it due to antibiotics! I digress….

The conversation turned to debt, one friend had never been in debt, the other is in major debt. The one that had never been in debt, met her current boyfriend quite young, she was 22, he was 29 and had been working for 7 yrs. He had also bought a small property before the boom. She was very understanding towards the other friend and said that she and her boyfriend had luck on their side re debt - he had a small inheritance, got on property ladder, home doubled in four years etc. They had two good incomes (about £25K each = $50k each) and were waiting to have children for another 4 yrs (they’ll be 32 and 41) when they will be able to afford to live on 1 income, have about £20k in emergency fund, will have both been paying into pensions for 10 yrs both work and private. They both earn average incomes, don’t spend on stuff, but enjoy eating out once a week, a long weekend away (Paris, Madrid) twice a year and a 10 day holiday once a year.

The other friend revealed to us, that she and her husband had £61k in dept plus their mortgage, which is higher than the value of their home. They’ve had some hard knocks although admit she has in the past “kept up with the Jones” particularly in her pregnancy. Both had student loans from their degrees, he had 9 months out of work, they paid for 4 rounds of IVF (total cost somewhere near £20k= $40k), his car broke, a year later her car broke down, their furnace broke, their house had subsidence, their families are all more than 8 hrs away so their is no help with childcare etc. They had their child 2 yrs ago, but childcare costs in the South East average £38 a day = $76 and on her income after paying for petrol to drive the 8 miles to work and nursery, she was bringing home about £10 a day, so she gave up work. As my friend cried and we comforted her.

It made me realize that however hard it is at times to stick to under £20 a week for food, how I worry about losing my job when relying on one income, how I worry about how long it will take for financial peace (which for me isn’t being rich, but having 6 months expenses in an emergency fund, saving towards work and private pension by fully maxing my ISA allowance each year) I don’t have to worry about not being able to feed a child, or having my house repossessed, or being in negative equity and for that, I am very blessed indeed!

July 17- £4.70 - unplanned expense, became faint @ work and needed to eat a carb (my blood sugar was dangerously low) and as I’d already eaten my lunch, needed to go to the expensive sandwich shop (well my colleague went for me!) and have a carb with protein and a sugar drink to bring up my blood sugar/insulin level. I think it went low as I was busy and using more of my “own reserves”. Could kick myself though! Then decided to do my weekly shop that day as I was low on carbs @ home, so thanks to Sainsbury’s online I bought:

• 4 organic brown seed rolls = £0.99 =$1.98
• VERY small organic peanut butter = £0.52 =$1.04
• Raspberries £1.69 = $3.38
• Prepacked Broccoli (very small!) £0.49 = $0.98
• Four baking potatoes £0.73 = $1.46
• Celery £0.34 = $0.68
• Mini fusillini £0.51 =$1.02
• Basic digestive biscuits £0.22 =$0.44
• Cranberry Juice £0.88 = $1.66
• Low fat yogurt £0.72 = $1.44
• Organic skimmed milk £0.99 = $1.98
• Wild Rocket Leaves £0.99 = $1.98
• 2 Courgettes £0.99 =$1.98
• Organic grapes £1.99 =$3.98
• Two small personal vegetarian pizzas £3 =  $6
• Pack of radishes £0.59 = $1.18
• 2 vegan burgers £2.19 =$4.38
• 2 olive oil (buy one get  one free) £3.79 = $7.58

Total Spend on Groceries after voucher: £18.78 = $37.56

Dinners planned for the week:

• Vegetable pizza with salad (rocket, grapes, radishes)
• Courgette aka Zucchini,Beets and Broccoli pasta ( 2 meals)
• Baked potato with salad (rocket, grapes, radishes) and chick peas
• Vegan spinach burgers with tomato, carrot sticks, chickpea salad (2 meals)
• Vegetable stir-fry (carrot, broccoli, zucchini, frozen peas, onion) with brown rice

Lunches:

• Peanut butter roll with raspberries on the side (3 lunches)
• chickpea salad
• tuna pasta salad (2 lunches)

Breakfasts:

• Cereal with raspberries and cranberry juice (2 meals)
• Cereal with apple and cranberry juice (3 meals)
• yogurt with honey and tinned mandarin oranges (2 meals)

I have to spend today - I have a business trip next week and need to get my ticket (will be reimbursed!), need to buy a card for a friend who just adopted, need stamps and vinegar to clean with!!

July 18 - 12/18 no spending days!

Perhaps one of the biggest conveniences and advances in our society has centred around advances in technology that makes things happen in an instant. We can now microwave food in minutes, have fast food almost anything, pay our bills with a few clicks of a mouse, buy clothes, accessories and food on every street corner, heck our pizza is even free if it doesn’t arrive within 30 minutes…but at what cost?

Before I started on my downshifting journey, I liked fast. When I left my two year stint in North America, I missed drive through banks and drive through coffee shops, back in England I groaned about the slower pace and I notice my favourite places became places I could be served fast. I’ve started to think about why this is such a dangerous precedent for my finances.

Firstly, fast allows you to make split second decisions - driving in your car, you see a drive through coffee shop, in a matter of a couple of minutes you can be back on route with a coffee and donut in hand. When you know life will be rushed, you can swing by Sainsbury’s or Tesco and pick up a ready meal that you can quickly heat up in the microwave when you get home, you tell yourself it’s OK because you don’t have the time to cook. You see a new phone or electronic toy and you buy it, not 6 months from now after you’ve saved but as you do your weekly shop because to make life easier the supermarkets now sell everything you “need” (pretty smart advertising if you ask me!) You see a new CD or film you want to see, no need to plan when you can get to the bank to withdraw money, you can simply use a bank card or credit card or transfer money online….see a patter here?

The fast life, means we spend money, a lot of money. This month I’ve seen CD’s I’ve wanted to buy, a couple of restaurants I’ve wanted to go to, a book I’m desperate to get hold of that isn’t at my local libraries….but I can’t spend. I don’t use cards now, I work full time and can’t get to the bank until August (my bank is only open Mon-Fri 9:30-5). I can’t take money out of my grocery fund because I wouldn’t have enough to feed myself. I can’t take money out of my emergency fund because that is probably the most important account I have. This week I ran out of milk, mayonnaise and olive oil, I planned to use a recipe where I’d need them, but instead of going out and buying them now, I’ll have to make alterations so that I can do without.

I’m learning to say good bye to the push a button and it’s done mentality we have in modern life, and it’s a pretty good feeling emotionally and financially.

No Spending!

July 15 10/18

July 16 11/18

I had planned to spend today but my plans fell through….secretly, I was delighted!

I’ve mentioned how I think the weightloss industry is taking our hard earned money, well the same can be said for the skin care industry! I, like most women, have struggled with skin blemishes from time to time, but one thing it taught me is that expensive lotions and potions didn’t work for me! Instead, here’s what has.

1. Increasing the amount of water I drink - my skin became fresher, softer and less blemished! I now drink about 4-5 bottles of water a day, which is about 8 glasses! I can’t cope with 8 glasses a day, but I can cope with 4 bottles of water - 1 before I leave for work, 1 mid morning, 1 with lunch, 1 with dinner and usually another one before bed!

2. Increasing my variety of fruits and veg! We all know a minimum of 3 veg and 2 fruits are what our bodies need, well actually, I increased mine to about 4 veg and 3 fruits a day and again, really noticed a difference!

3. Cutting out caffeine and sugary drinks - I can’t tell you the effect on my skin, everyone noticed!

4. Look for organic, natural products at health food shops! The best moisturizer I ever found was a £0.99 = $1.98 organic cucumber moisturizer @ a local health shop! It’s spectacular, smells wonderful, is fresh and helps my skin!

5. If you have a product that works for you but perhaps is expensive, make it your regular “want” on your Birthday and Christmas list. I like Clinique anti-blemish cleansing foam. It is what I ask for on the Birthday and Christmas list! Some people don’t like practical gifts, but for me they work!

6. Make your product last - I make sure I only use a small amount of product- about the size of a 50 pence piece! Doing this means my product lasts twice as long!

7. Make homemade products - oatmeal is brilliant for a facial and cucumbers are brilliant for eyes (although not inserted in them obviously!) I also make homemade foot soaks! I’ll post the ingredients lists another day!

8. Protect yourself from the sun - wear a hat, stay in the shade, wear a shirt and when you need to be in the sun put on sunscreen - I’m sure we all know the effects of sun on skin!!

9. Letting my skin breath - I apply minimal makeup each day- foundation, mascara and lipstick. I try to have two no make up days a week and I wash my face with water

10. I try to get enough sleep -sounds terribly simply and old fashioned, but the effect of consistently getting enough sleep has a very positive effect on my skin!

11. I don’t use old products or old sponges. I only keep my make-up for 3-6 months and only buy a minimum so I’m not infecting my face!

I should also say I think skin is effected by your genetics, metabolism, health etc so I try not to be hard on myself if I have a bad day or two!

Yet another day of no spending, bringing me to 9/18!

1/2 way to accomplishing my goal!!

Didn’t spend today, instead enjoyed watching Countryfile on TV (my favourite Sunday program!) reading my new book from the library, listening to Vinyl Cafe (Canada’s best export - definitely worth a listen to these wonderful stories!) and Sigur Ross, making a new recipe, reading articles online from the Guardian, Times and New York Times. A simple, relaxing, enjoyable day, which will be finished with a nice hot cup of tea!

No Spending 8/18 - only another 10 days and I’m @ my goal!

My goals for June went wayward as I was on holiday and then in hospital, but I’m determined to accomplish my goals for July!

1. To have 18 no spend days - so far 7/18

2. To make sure I get 5 fruits and veg a day for cancer, diabetes and heart disease prevention - we owe it to ourselves and our most certainly our children!

3.To spend no more than £90 = $180 on food - so far £48.78

4. To max out my ISA for the year - I opened an ISA account @ 6% and have been putting money in since May, including all money owed to me by my previous employer - Done

5.To open my emergency account in an ethical account - Done

6. To have £1000 = $2000 in an emergency account by July 31

7. Finally…..to pay off the final money owed to my credit card and make myself debt free!!!

This is a post that has been knocking around in my head for some time, then today when I read a post on Frugal Babe about how few clothes her adorable 10 week old baby really needs, I decided to share my wardrobe with you.

When I first became more knowledgeable about the retail world, who made the clothing we buy, how little they are paid, what conditions they were kept in, I vowed to make a change. I started to think more about the fact that part of the problem was just how big the clothing industry is - we create such a demand for “new trends”, we shop cheap without a thought as to why clothes are cheap, we buy clothes as if we needed them to survive and nourish ourselves….note: clothing is not food!

Slowly, I’ve started making changes about the clothing I buy and what I wear. The first thing I did was stop buying cheap, I looked for clothing that was fair trade, local, organic or second hand. I found this much easier when I was shopping for baby clothes for friends, then for adult clothing, but as the years went on it got easier. The second thing I stopped doing was buying clothes monthly or even by-monthly, I now do a “clothing shop” twice a year, usually just before the summer (April or May) and then in the winter. This lets me clearly determine the difference between need and want. Then as I changed dress sizes, I began to majorly downshift the clothing I had. I donated my old clothes to women’s refuges and slowly purchased what I needed.

I get positive comments on my clothes everywhere I go, when I visit the GP/Family Dr, when I go to work, when I meet friends, you might think I have a large expensive wardrobe filled with designer products, well that couldn’t be further from the truth. I currently have:

• 1 work black skirt with a nice fashionable flair
• 3 work dress shirts - 1 red, 1 green, 1 black
• 5 dresses - appropriate for work, an evening out, Church, functions etc
• 1 pair jeans & 1 casual t-shirt
• 1 pair work dress pants
• 1 workout outfit and 1 swimsuit
• 1 formal work jacket &1 informal long cardigan
• 1 pair PJ’s and 1 nightie

I may never have had the hundreds of pieces of clothing several of my friends have, but I had too much. My clothing has gone from filling up a wardrobe and a 6 drawer dresser, to filling 1/6 of a wardrobe and 2 drawers in my dresser. I now know when I put clothes on that they haven’t been made by someone working 16 hr days for peanuts, they have helped small business owners, given people lively hoods and provided food and education for workers children. My life is about downshifting and downsizing, starting with your wardrobe is a great way to do that. After all, there are only 7 days in a week, how many outfits do you really need?

If you need any further inspiration have a look at Fabulously Broke In The City who created a site about getting rid of her wardrobe!

So today was the weekly shop and I bought:

• Single garlic £0.35 =$.70
• Small tin mandarin oranges £0.37 =$.74
• Small organic avocado £1.29=$2.58
• Bag granny  smith apples £1= $2 (for 7 local apples!)
• Bag organic raisins £0.79 = $1.58
• Four baking potatoes £0.73 = $1.46
• Small bag red onions £0.49 = $.99
• 3 organic courgettes/zucchini £ 1.98 = $3.96
• Gratin Potatoes £1.99 =£3.98
• Bag of vine tomatoes £0.89 = $1.78
• Cranberry Juice £0.88=$1.76
• Organic Hummus £0.98 = $1.96
• Low Fat small chocolate yogurts £0.66 = $1.32
• Cod in Mornay Sauce (2 pieces) £2.99=$5.98
• Organic Wholemeal Pitta £0.75 = $1.50
• Wild Rocket Leaves £0.99 = $1.98
• Small local honey £0.61 = $1.22
• Small organic grapes £1.99 = $3.98
• Small organic carrots £1.09 = $2.18
• Small organic mozzarella £1.09 = $2.18
• Small bag grated Cheddar cheese £1.52 = £3.04
• Salmon pieces (2) £2.99 = $5.98
• Very small Organic skimmed milk £0.50= $1
• Food Doctor Spelt Organic Crackers £2.34 = $4.68
• Box of oat cereal £0.99= $1.98

Total Paid: £29.88 = $59.76

Lunches will be either a pitta with rocket, grapes, 1 tbs hummus and 1/5th avocado OR Spelt cracker with grated cheese, vine tomatoes & courgettes

Dinners

1. Salmon with mozzarella and tomato salad with carrots x 2
2. Cod in mornay sauce with chickpea, grated carrot & raisin salad x 2
3. Courgette homemade pasta with homemade lemon vinaigrette and a side salad x 2
4. Veggie stirfry - onions, corgettes, carrots, tomato, broccoli, brown rice

Other Spends Today: Bus card top up £6.00

Total Spends: £35. 88 = $71.76 - Groceries for the week and bus travels for the next 2 weeks.

Two welcome surprises, I had £6 already on my bus card, meaning by adding another £6 I’m set until payday!

There was a problem with my grocery order, meaning I was compensated £7.83 = $15.66 to use towards another shop!!

After shopping and topping up my bus card I went to the library and got a book on ethical living which I can’t wait to read!