I haven't gotten more than a COLA for 10 years. And since my portion of health insurance increases every year, my actual paycheck is less than it was 10 years ago. I've taken on side hustles and put in applications elsewhere, I have roommates off and on. So I'm working on the "increasing income" part now after a few years of serious medical issues.
10 years ago I had a budget. It was fine. I saved a lot. Then my partner died, and I lost the help with the bills. Then I started volunteering where I travel and work with people all over the world. I never had real self esteem before this volunteer work, it saved my life after my SO's suicide. Unfortunately, I do often end up paying for my food/transportation for this. So that costs each year. Then I had a series of medical issues and was off work for a time. Then I bought a house, and though I'm building equity and it's probably for the best in the long term for me, my housing costs for the basics went up 30% or so.
With every one of those setbacks/new costs, I've had to find ways to save in the budget. Cell phone went from $80 to $15/month. Groceries went from $300 to $150 and now less. Alcohol went from like $500 to $50 (I really like craft beer and wine...). On and on. It's just tougher every year. I give up more and more truly basics now (like groceries). My 30s have been a struggle.
There's good parts, too. I'm better off than the picture I paint. It's just I'm so tired of figuring out how to live off of $30/week or less for groceries and gas. I remind myself that most of my trimming is to pay for the travel for the volunteer work where I get to make a real difference in people's lives. So it's self-imposed. I'm just feeling so ... thin, emotionally today with the austerity.
What's something rewarding you are frugal for?
September 06, 2018 at 10:43AM
