Sam Vines boots

 

You probably know about boot theory: that people in poverty have to buy cheap products that need to be replaced repeatedly, proving more expensive in the long run than higher-priced items.  Put more simply it's buy cheap and you need to buy twice (or even more!).  I am able to set money aside to save me money long term, eg I bought an air fryer and thus save on energy costs, but others can't afford that investment.  

Although I try to be frugal, my frugality is by choice.  I have a fair income (state and occupational pensions) and my needs are modest.  I am aware that there are many who have to choose between heating and eating.  There are parents who go hungry to feed their children.  There are many for whom Christmas is a time to dread.  Frugality is not a choice but a life sentence. 

My frugality is about getting value for money rather than getting the cheapest possible.  It's also about avoiding waste as a matter of principle.  It's about mindfully using my money, possessions, skills and time.  

I take my hat off to those who have far less choices and still live a glorious life.  

What? why?

  

I am very conscious that, although I am pretty careful, there are those who are much more frugal than me because they have no choice.  Some may find my calling myself frugal offensive.  

I've decided to leave my "Frugally Challenged" blog for a while and to take a year looking at how I use my money, possessions and time.  It will be a very personal record but if others read it I shall be very happy, especially if they find anything useful in it.  

I'm by no means wealthy but I have an occupational pension as well as the state one.  I try to use my money, possessions and time wisely.  I've been retired nearly fifteen years.  I live alone.  

My hope is to write very short posts on this  blog, each highlighting a saving or a failure.  I will use labels so that I, and any readers, will be able to find what I did.