- Would you say you have been thrifty since childhood?
Not at all. I always spent too much and had no idea about how to manage my money. Mum was always very careful moneywise and I think I just went the other way, as I hated the idea of not having enough. She could easily have rivalled Jesus feeding the five thousand with his two fish and five loaves, as every ingredient was always stretched to the max. Even now I always make sure fridge and food cupboards are amply stocked. Once I started working in my teens, I should have been starting to save and contribute towards the housekeeping pot but I was just clueless. That’s something I’ll always regret.
- Have you had lessons on money management in secondary school?
I don’t remember having any financial education in school and doubt I’d have listened much to any advice mum and dad had either which is a real shame.
- What would you say are 2 or 3 epic money fails you have had since becoming an adult?
- Using a Debenhams credit card for cash to help a friend of mine when in my late teens. Mum had to pay it back in the end.
- Taking out a loan on a new car when I didn’t really have the income to cover it because I wasn’t able to admit that couldn’t afford it.
- Did you have a frugal epiphany? What caused it, or how did you decide to develop the frugal habit?
Meeting my husband was my frugal epiphany as he’s the total opposite of me. He’s very financially savvy and he really made me think about what I was spending and how to manage my money better. I even save now and quite enjoy doing so!
- What are some of the things you practice now as part of a frugal lifestyle?
I use a spreadsheet to record all of my financial transactions even with my credit card, which I effectively use as a debit card and pay the balance in full each month. It’s cash back card too so that’s an added bonus.
- What is the biggest saving you have made as a result of being frugal?
When we were house building, we always got three quotes for everything and negotiated with companies every time to secure the best prices for everything. This saved us hundreds of pounds in the final bill.
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- Now that you are more money savvy, what 3 pieces of advice would you give to others about handling money?
Never buy anything on impulse unless you know you can return it if necessary. Always take some time to think first or you may pay later.
Deals are not always deals. Again take some time to think before you buy and do your research.
Make sure you can account for every penny you have and that you spend.
- What about frugal fails? We’d love to hear a few of those too.
I paid insurance for a mobile phone once, which I didn’t have anymore. Must have been for at least a year. What a muppet!
I don’t know about you but I am really impressed with Lady Janey’s contribution today. Do check out her blog using the link below.
That very first question is the reason I get so mad about personal finance. We learn algebra and geometry but not how to balance a checkbook? We learn geography and world history but not how to find an apartment or buy a house? Public education is supposed to prepare us for the real world and I’m seeing that more and more often it does not.
I love the advice about impulse buying… I am one who has to make a spreadsheet to weigh the pros and cons of every major purchase. But I need to work on those smaller impulse items.
All the best with it Dee. Just think about the long-term gains of having the savings.
I totally agree impulse buys are the most dangerous as are deceptive desls and the word sale. People go crazy thinking they are getting a bargain and feel the urge to spend,
You are so right, Nayna. I love learning of mistakes others make so I don’t make them myself.
This is a great post indeed about saving money and learning how to manage it at an earlier age.
I am always the spender at my house! Good info.
Get a hold Anita!
Sounds like met and married a very wise man! Great lessons learned!
I also struggle with managing money and saving, this has been helpful. Thanks for sharing.
Evelyn, there are lots of tips on the blog for handling money. We even share each week about the frugal living things we’ve done and also about our meal planning every week! We hare saving hundreds.
I really think that everyone should learn how to handle money and you really demonstrated through your personal story which is super easy to relate, thanks for the awesome post!
This was such an important read with some excellent tips. Proper financial management is crucial!
I can always use tips on money management. It’s something that I’ve always struggled with.
There’s a great post here about staying within your budget. Do get the help. It will be much easier than you think.
Exactly, many times we’re adults when we learn how to manage our personal finances, wasting time and money that would have otherwise been saved had this been taught in primary school.
I really get that so many people are upset that such basics were not taught in schools. And as a teacher myself, I can say it is still not in the curriculum in English schools.