I used to spend freely but not any longer

My money tree is bare and there are no new buds

I have suffered a dramatic change. All of a sudden I have to think about spending money, or rather, not spending money.

My disappearing shopping support system

I built my personal financial system carefully over years and years of spending money, sometimes cautiously, sometimes rashly and sometimes wildly. At all times I planned, saved and budgeted, always keeping my spending directly linked to my earnings.

Now I'm in a "hold spending" period. I’ve saved hundreds of dollars this year by getting some good deals on financial products. You can do it too.

Our shopping expeditions

This small section belongs under the advantages/disadvantages of working at home. Years ago I fell, or was sucked, into the habit of accompanying my wife on her trips to the supermarket. These outings ranged from 'totally boring' to 'mildly interesting' until I discovered that there's a man's world in the supermarket. I discovered the 10 varieties of olives, the 20 varieties of pickles and the carousel of fiery hot spices. I found the exotic cheese counter and the cheap t-shirt rack. So I bought what I fancied. My job was great, the salary package was generous and I never thought twice about throwing out a few ounces of uneaten green cheese.

Layoff hit hard

Then the owners closed down the company I was managing – not enough work to justify, blah, blah, blah… the faltering hi-tech industry, yak, yak, yak… So our shopping trips have changed. I still accompany my wife. We go to the supermarket with a list. We buy the items on the list and come home. Money saved: Considerable. ... click here to read the rest of the article titled "I used to spend freely but not any longer"