WHY are you old style?......

dell_2

For me it's a case of wanting to understand what I do with my money

I don't "need" to cut back, I'm lucky enough to have a good job that enables me to save each month.

However, when I get to the end of the month I often think "where did it all go"? - old style has helped me remember that I CAN COOK!

So I guess for me it's all about satisfaction


AT - you'm a star - another brill thread.

Rage_in_Eden

Why am I old style? Well, partly it was the way I was raised - Mum and Dad had me quite late and unfortunately Dad died when I was little so Mum had to manage on her own. Money was VERY tight (I never even bothered telling her about school trips...) and she had to budget for everything - including the presents my older married sisters wanted for their children. I personally think she should have been a bit more open with them but that age group were very "stiff upper lip". I must say that now I have to be OS as OH was made redundant and couldn't get a new job so set up his own business. At the same time I resigned from a well paid job because of a bully and now work as a part-time GP secretary. As NHS wages are not that great for clerical staff I can just about keep the house going as long as I stick to the way I was brought up and take in extra typing. Annoys me in one way but in another I quite like doing the cooking routine <although I would have liked to have used my week's holiday to do something more than bake......> still, as OH keeps saying "this time next year rodney we'll be millionaires". I also think life today is far too commercial - I never remember it being so marketing driven when I was growing up although I am sure that was an element. Now people are judged by what car they drive, what trainers they wear and where they do their shopping. People should be judged by who they are and not have to clothe themselves in labels to get affirmation. Plus I love a bargin :j

doddsy

Have been thinking alot about this lately.

I have by nature always been os. Coming from a country/farming background and with a much older mum I learned the 'old' ways and how to respect money etc etc. It's something I have always enjoyed - BUT - due to a few changes in our circumstances and the (imho) awful cost of living where I live being os has become a necessity rather than a choice and it's making me resentful.

We are all here because of os'ing, but is it a way of life with you or a must? or a 'must' that's become a way of life? I think I need some attitude adjustment at the mo! (sorry for the moan!)

Doddsy

sproggi

For me it is a case of always wanting to be OS, but too lazy, always finding excuses:rolleyes: . Then it became a 'must' due to debts. Now it is still a case of 'must' but enjoying soooo much that we will be keeping it up:T

DS1(just shy of 18) asked me last month whether we could keep it up or whether, when debt cleared, we had to go back to old ways. I felt guilty and proud all at the same time:o

Sproggi

Tondella

i have come to it out of must, but to be honest, there was always a grain of OS in me from my granny, and it's been a pleasure to learn new OS skills. It certainly fits with my ethic of not being a mindless consumer. If I had twice the wages i had at the moment i would not be buying ready meals etc, though i might buy nicer ingredients and eat out in fine restaurants more!

1sttimer_2

Sorry you're struggling at the moment doddsy, everyone has their down days, but keep trying and I hope something from this forum will help you keep your chin up.:grouphug:

I look as OSing as a way of life, bit if I'm honest, I would say it's more of a want than a must for me.

Having said that, I also grew up with OS as a lifestyle, my mum having to do so through the war and rationing etc, and when we first married we had no extra money anyway. After the children were born we continued osing but now they've grown and one still at home but contributing to the household, and we are all working, we are more comfortably off.

tiptoes

Imo I think that Osing is both a want and a need in my life as without being os I would being debt, though I get a real sense of satisfaction from making my pennies go that little bit further and feel that I give my children a better life by cooking from scratch and using less chemicals in the home.

FunkyFairy

I OS because i want to not because i need to.

I am one of the lucky few that has no debts or money problems.

I am a mum or 2 who wants the best for her children and that is why i OS

culpepper

For me it is both want and must.
I decided to stay home for my kids so we are on one wage which to begin with was very low.
I love all the old war time type books,make-do-and-mend etc and rationing and love having a go at the ideas myself.Its so fulfilling.
I think it is important to put a little bit away for a treat,even if it is just for a cup of tea while you are out shopping, a magazine once in a while etc.
My kids were allowed to get dirty and play,we didnt have to worry that they might spoil their designer clothes.Our house is always 'lived in' ,people can breathe in here. There is always the makings of a meal in the cupboard.

Its also about saving the planet as a bonus.England had a carbon footprint of one planet per person in 1961 so if I can live more like they did back then, I keep my carbon footprint down.

doddsy

Neither oh or myself have had a decent pay rise in 3 years and cost of living has definitely gone up. My daughter was being bullied at school and so we had to move her - that meant I had to get a car so car loan of £200pm, tax, insurance etc etc and £100 a month in petrol. I work 5 - 5 1/2 days a week so trawling round finding the best deals when shoppping is not easy.

Don't get me wrong, we are not in debt, but before I CHOSE to be careful and that felt better than having to be iyswim.

Anyway, thank goodness I found this site, it's nice to know there are lovely people out there doing the same thing:A Thanks for listening.
doddsy