We should be making some, really, I told my husband. It seems to dominate the media at the moment, in spite of all the other bad things that are going on, and it's probably one of the few areas we as individuals can take action. I'm talking the 'cost of living crisis', as it's being billed, which is creeping up on us all and no sign of a 'cure'.
Now I have to say P is not a panicker, he's been in business all his
life and taken the downs with the ups and I've been through most of them
with him. But the increasingly gloomy outlook for our UK economy (more
so than many others) is getting through to me which is why I broached
the subject. I knew he wouldn't like it and he didn't, he said it would
pass and that it would probably even present opportunities. I knew what
he meant by that, he was talking markets but I was talking practical
everyday things we could do to reduce outgoings.
'Give me a list of all the areas you think we could cut down on and then we can sit and talk about them', he said. '....And don't forget to
mention hair, manicures, pedicures, skin creams and such.'
I said I didn't want to make a list it seemed too clinical, I was
thinking journeys, shopping changes, discretionary spending and those
sort of things. He said maybe there were some areas we could cut but
we'd probably have different ideas on what were essentials and what were
not and it probably wouldn't get very far. We agreed to look for areas,
as we go along, where we could make changes which would cut costs
without cutting pleasure. Easier said than done but that's the plan and I
feel better having at least aired the subject. We'll see how it goes.
Later the same day we were over at our son's discussing a family holiday
abroad we're thinking of taking in October. Our son was sensibly
querying costs and do we need this and that and whereas P's comments
were more along the lines of 'it will be better with this' and 'bigger
not smaller'. I think it will be hard work getting him into economy
mode.
Maybe a few clashes along the way. I hope so:)
Stay safe.
Have a good week.
Ronnie
xx