Away From The Madding Crowd

Humboldt

Hello and welcome to my little part of this wonderful MSE community.  For almost 10 years I have read the contents of various forums seeking advice and inspiration regarding a multitude of subjects.  The help and knowledge that I have gained cannot be underestimated and there are literally too many people to thank individually. Despite being an avid reader of numerous threads, I have never actually contributed, until now.

So, why now? At the age of 60 years old, I find myself mortgage free, debt free and semi-retired. I feel very fortunate to be in this position, but it was not easily achieved.  Since making the difficult decision to leave full-time employment due to work-related stress, I have attempted to manage the negative impact this situation had on my health and our finances.   However, I am slowly realising that this new chapter in my life is not only an opportunity to heal, but to also thrive.  I hope that a diary will keep me motivated and may even help others in some small way.

I have chosen the ‘Over 50’s MoneySaving’ thread for my diary because I think it best fits my criteria.  I am over 50 and intend to share how I make the best of our finances whilst also enjoying life.  

In terms of money, my DH still works full-time. I work part-time, receive a small work pension and monies from my side hustle (crafting). I do not intend to share detailed information regarding our finances; however, I will include tips on how we keep within our own budget and how we make the most of it.  Suffice to say that some have more than us and others have less.  We have enough for our needs.

So, deep breath. Here we go.

Humboldt

Hello and welcome.

Motivational quote of the week

Today you are the youngest you will ever be again – Eleanor Roosevelt

Money Saving

Our monthly grocery budget for me and my DH is £200 per month.  Total spend for January was £196.82. I am currently monitoring our budget with a view to increasing it to £250 per month because of rising costs.

Collected a £5 M&S voucher from Oxfam for donating unwanted clothing (one item must be from M&S)

Purchased items in the Fat*ace sale.  4 x Christmas gifts at vastly reduced prices (my side hustle makes around £400 a year and this is used for birthday and Christmas gifts), plus a dress for me that was reduced from £79 to £24.

Used a 20% off voucher for my haircut this month

This week’s main menu

I am in the fortunate position to have the time to not only plan our menu, but to cook most of it from scratch.  I am not averse to buying reduced items and will actively seek out offers/discounts. Our menu reflects our need to make healthier choices, but how poor life would be without a few treats!

Monday – Red pepper and bean soup with wholemeal pittas

Tuesday – Chilli stuffed peppers with salad (beef mince, peppers, and salad were all reduced in price)

Wednesday – Ping Meal - As above (cook once eat twice – saves time and energy costs)

Thursday – A version of Gennaro’s sea bream recipe using cod with roasted Mediterranean veg (cod reduced in price and frozen until required)

Friday – Italian pasta and bean stew (Taste the Difference back bacon currently £2.50 Nectar Price)

Saturday – Eating out

Sunday – Red lentil and aubergine moussaka with salad

Overnight oats in various guises account for most of our breakfasts. I cooked a whole chicken in the slow cooker on Sunday and the leftover meat will provide a few lunches, together with homemade soups from the freezer.

Healthier Lifestyle

Completed 3 free workouts via Fab*lous50s on You*ube last week

Step count last week is 64,031

Completed 4 free meditations

Simple Pleasures

A bunch of daffodils (98p)

Drying bath sheets outside on the line

Saw first snowdrops of the year

Books read 1/2024 - The Heavenly Italian Ice Cream Shop – Abby Clements (book swap with a friend)

Lunch out with my DH and a wander around a local town that we had not visited for a while

Thanks for dropping by and taking the time to read my diary.

[Deleted User]

Hello @Humboldt. Welcome to the Over50s section of the MSE Forums. Looking forward to reading more. Have you checked your state pension forecast?
Feel free to read through my thread and the 'How Much To Live On' thread also in this section. The links are in my signature. 
Looking forward to reading more.

louby40

Ahhh this was lovely to read thank you 🙏🏻 

Humboldt

Visitors! You are so welcome.

@[Deleted User] having been a regular reader of your own thread and ‘How Much To Live On’ for some time, I finally get to say a very big thank you for your wise words.  In answer to your query regarding my state pension, I can confirm that it is in hand.  I only had a few of gaps in my national insurance record and I paid my last voluntary contribution last month.  Once this payment is showing on my NI record, I will be eligible for the full state pension.

@louby40 thank you for your kind words, much appreciated.

Today’s Simple Pleasure - The joy of a hot cuppa in my favourite mug whilst watching Mr Blackbird enjoying his breakfast on the bird table.

Katiehound

Simple pleasures are the great ones!

I was thrilled a couple of weeks ago when I saw a wren in my garden, especially as this is a teeny terraced house garden with cats everywhere!

Last weekend I spotted that my bergenia (Elephants ears) had wonderful pink flowers hidden under those big leaves.

I shall enjoy reading your thread.

Humboldt

@KatieHound welcome and thank you for sharing your simple pleasures.

How magical to spot a wren in your garden.  Such a tiny bird which according to Goo*le weighs only 10-12g. I am sure that the splash of colour provided by your Elephants Ear flowers is so welcome at this time of year.  I am currently enjoying my flowering Primulas in the garden, all of which were originally bought to enjoy indoors and then planted outside after flowering.

Today’s Simple Pleasure - A glorious sunrise that glowed red, orange and pink.

Scott_Chegg_

your posts really resonate with me @Humboldt. especially the simple pleasure. I have subscribed to your thread and look forward to the updates

Katiehound

Today's pleasure is sunshine! Lots of clouds but you can see blue sky... and the days getting longer. Wonderful & uplifting.

I have spotted 2 snowdrops in the garden & shoots developing on different shrubs

Humboldt

@Scott_Chegg_  welcome and thank you for your kind words. 

@Katiehound you came back! There is a shift in the season for sure and it is a joy to observe.

Today’s Simple Pleasure – recalling last night’s clear skies that provided an inky blue backdrop for a myriad of twinkling stars 

Katiehound

yes I came back!
Sometimes I forget which threads are which....or which ones I have contributed to..... (or how I should be doing something other than typing on the computer!!!)
I'll be back