Making adjustments

I never thought that my ‘simple’ lifestyle would be taking such a hit from the rising cost of living. I’ve even asked myself, “Am I high maintenance? I think I’m frugal enough; when I used to work, I saved more than I spent on frivolities. But now that I’m retired (and haven’t done any private work for a while), the soaring prices have made me become quite cautious. I wouldn’t want to run out of money before my pension could begin, so I’ve been looking at my food and toiletry purchases and thinking about the alternatives.

Years ago, I resolved to eat and drink better tasting/quality foods, and treat myself whenever I felt like it, because I felt that I was working hard and deserved it. For example, I stopped using margarine spreads and switched to ‘real’ New Zealand butter (and cheese), I avoided the budget ice-creams for the much creamier, tastier/healthier ones and when I wanted cheese cake I’d go hunting for ‘baked’ ones, instead of those made from a box. It was a similar thing with toiletries; I opted for some of the better brands. I could easily have afforded them then, but now…not so much, I think.

Making adjustments is usually how we manoeuvre through life each day, but we’re not always ready to do that. I’ve looked at some of my food alternatives and don’t want to switch. I may really have to, but, like a spoilt child, I don’t want to. Great tasting food is one of the few joys in life that I shouldn’t have to compromise on, especially since I’m not a ‘heavy’ eater.

I’m not giving up yet; I’m going to continue buying and enjoying them for as long as I could, without resorting to shoplifting , and make the adjustments as best as possible. Maybe I’ll have to start requesting those items as birthday and holiday gifts instead of the usual (i.e. clothing, perfume, cash, etc).

And there are also other adjustments to be made (e.g. fuel consumption, utilities, etc), but all in good time I suppose.

Have you had to make any such adjustments lately?