The Rambling Expat applied for job after job and eventually landed himself a 5 month position in his field. A month latter he was offered another position not in his field and at a much lower pay. He took it because it was permanent. A security. Well a kind of security as the original job he lost was also a permanent position.
With the pay cutback in mind he requested, fought and won (with the help of dedicated people) to be paid his previous rate for 1 year. So this means it's time to pay off our mortgage as much as possible and tighten our budget for when his pay reduces by more than $10,000 a year. We are not poor by any means. We both earn an income and as a family live counting the pennies so we can afford the good things in life. We pay for extra classes in dance and circus school for our 6 year old, we go on holidays, we eat out and our fridge is full. We currently both earn under the average wage but live comfortably because of our careful financial management.
We are the lucky ones. We see friends packing up and moving every month as the cost of living rises in our city. Housing has become out of reach for many and day to day living just too hard. We started our frugal journey just over 6 years ago and it has made a huge impact on our life. We think carefully about our purchases, needs, lifestyle. We aim to live rich full lives. An abundant life, but on a budget.
Bills have been rising, costs increasing and further budget cuts make work insecure making budgeting an absolute must. I would love to hear how you manage your budgets. Do you use the envelope systems, spreadsheets, a note book, MINT or any other programs that are similar? I would love to hear what you have to say about your financial incoming and outgoings.
Lets all help each other in good money management to keep afloat or get ahead in life.
Stephanie @ Frugal Down Under
Lets all help each other in good money management to keep afloat or get ahead in life.
Stephanie @ Frugal Down Under
Hi Stephanie.
ReplyDeleteMy money goes directly into the bank to pay for all the household bills but M who is a taxi driver has lost of different bills at different times and have to be budgeted for so I use a note book, envelope and bank system. For treats and holidays I used the envelope system. It works for us.
Carolx
I've seen a lot of that kind of thing here, too. Now all the jobs in the U.S. (other than the upper echelon types) are moving to part time because of Obama Care. How people will survive on 16 to 26 hours a week is beyond me.
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