14thMarch..LIVING ON A FIXED INCOME

SAVE $$$$ ROBBIN'S WAY

Living on a fixed income in retirement is relatively easy for me as I acquired
sound financial habits while running my own business.Even when I was
married,I remained financially independent.
Now,I own my home and car,so I only have to meet basic expenses.

Here's what I do..

* l keep all my receipts
*I use direct debit for monthly essentials e.g insurances,health fund.
* I write all monthly expenses in a notebook and balance them against
my income.
*I spend anything left over as a reward for being so thrifty or I save for a
  holiday,Christmas presents etc.

PHONE AND IPAD
*I do not have a land line.I use a mobile,buying a $20.00 voucher each month.
*I am on a very economical plan for my ipad.

FOOD AND ALCOHOL
*I don't eat as much,now I'm retired.
*I eat less meat but better quality.I eat more eggs and salmon or tuna.
*I shop locally and don't chase specials all over the place.
*I will have coffee and cake at a cafe instead of a more expensive lunch.
*Champagne with friends is preferable to cheap booze alone.

ENTERTAINMENT
*I don't gamble or smoke.
*I ask for seniors' discount at the movies or theatre.
*I belong to the library for books,cds and dvds.
*I have lovely friends and we visit each other regularly,sharing food and drink.

FITNESS AND HEALTH
*Walking is free
*I download free fitness apps to my ipad and workout at home.
*I don't take any medication,so fewer doctor's visits and no chemist bills.

CAR EXPENSES
* My car is very economical to run.
*My car is cared for by a trusted,local mechanic.

CREDIT CARDS
*My credit card is used for emergencies only.

                   I don't feel that I miss out on anything;I feel very much in control
                    of  my life,rather than having debts hanging over my head.