NST August 2026: The Good Life

apple_muncher

NST August 2026: The Good Life

At 40 years old, Tom Good is no longer able to take his job seriously and gives up working for a company that makes plastic toys for breakfast cereal packets. He talks his wife, Barbara, into giving up the rat race and joining him in a life of simplicity and self-sufficiency.

Their house in Surbiton being paid for (oh, what a dream – at 40!!!), they turn their front and back gardens into allotments, growing soft fruit and vegetables. They introduce chickens, pigs (Pinky and Perky), a goat (Geraldine) and a cockerel (Lenin). I think there was also a horse, a cat and a cow at some point. They took the goat(?) to graze on the nearby common. They generate their own electricity and attempt to make their own clothes. They sell or barter surplus crops for essentials they cannot make themselves. They cut their monetary requirements to the minimum, with varying success.

The new use of their property comes as something of a shock to their kind but very proper neighbours, Margo and Jerry Leadbetter. A social climber of the first order, Margo can't bear having chickens roaming the back garden. She'll have to put up with it, though, since Tom, despite his desire for self-sufficiency, can't bring himself to kill them.

It is a juxtaposition of one conventional household that is based on social standing and appearances, and the other one aiming for a sustainable, simple and as self-sufficient a lifestyle as possible.

Pick your camp? Nah, you can have a foot in both. Both couples are actually good friends and get on well, despite the clear contrasts in their approaches to life.

Although most of us won't be able to follow exactly in Tom and Barbara's footsteps, the series provides a form of escapism and opportunity to dream of what a good or better life would be like in our own contexts. I mean, who would want to live in Surbiton???

What can we learn from them and apply for August?

Money management. They live on a tiny budget, and personify the ‘make do and mend’ mentality. It was by no means always easy, but they were committed to living that way and enjoying it. Have a budget and keep track of what you spend. Where you overspend, try to understand why – is it price increases you hadn’t factored in? Do you splurge on other people? Did you have to travel more than expected? Budgets are not set in stone and can be tweaked. Do you owe money? What’s the repayment scheme? Do you know the %? Can you pay it down faster?

Creativity. Remember the knitted clothes? The Christmas gifts? Unleash the 4 year old you, the one who has no fear in creating new things. Who paints with abandon. Who wants to bake biscuits – NOW! Try a new skill, practice an old one. Have fun!

Community. We all need human contact at some point. Some love to be among many people; others are all peopled out after spending time with just 1. And we all need hugs. Hugs are awesome. Cheer others up by complimenting them.

Perspective. Remind yourself of all your blessings. Don’t compare yourself with others. Find contentment in who you are and what you do. The Goods looked forwards, not backwards.

Redefine success. The Goods' back-to-basics lifestyle vs the Leadbetter’s constant striving for status. The Goods’ wins for me! What they do is genuinely fulfilling and they are not subject to the whims and demands of others. Do what fulfils you and brings you joy.

Who is with me for a Good Life?

apple_muncher

1 apple_muncher

2 grandmanerd

3 beanielou

4 weenancyinAmerica

5 Kerry_Woman

15 Gloveman_2

55 f0xh0les

beanielou

I’m in for a good life @apple_muncher. Thanks for our shiny new thread. Can I please be no 3. Thanks.

grandmanerd

I'm in, apple. Just about ready to fill the garden with quick grow and wintering over crops.

weenancyinAmerica

I'd love to join in too. This is my birthday month (will be 79). A lot of reflection happening. I watched The Good Life - still upset by the ending. I collect books on ecology, money-saving hints, and the Home Front in World War II. Benn writing a book on saving money for years. Maybe I will be able to finish it this year.

Gloveman_2

I'm going to try 15 if I may. I Plan to retire early in two years so need some discipline.

DawnW

Me please @apple_muncher 😊

f0xh0les

Pinch Punch 1st of the Month and no returns!

Can I join in too please apple?

apple_muncher

Good morning turtles! Welcome one and all to a new month. Thank you for joining me.

Please choose your own number of NSDs that you want this month - I'm going for 16.

Check your budgets and diaries - don't get surprised by forgotten events!

I'm off to Lunnon town today to see Pip perform in a Community Choir, the culmination of 10 weeks of trawling there and back once a week. Last Thursday, we bumped into a couple of ladies who are in a choir elsewhere and who had their performance last week and they are now starting on Christmas songs!!! So, do make a list of who you want to give presents to and keep an eye out for those bargains.

Kerry_Woman

Can I join for this month please

beanielou

I’m going for 19 NSD’s.