I have been living on a very meagre income for several years now. I retired at the age of 65 without any retirement savings or pension so am totally reliant on what I have contributed over the years to my Canada Pension Plan. It is not a lot still I have learned to live comfortably on what it provides. There are some months and times of year when it is more challenging than others.

Reducing Expenses

This month I decided to cancel all my streaming subscriptions except one. I kept SportsNet because I am a diehard Blue Jays fan and want to watch all the games no matter how badly they are performing. It is amazing how the cost of all these apps like Netflix, Amazon Prime and all the associated add ons can grab a hold of your wallet without you even realizing it.

I don’t own a TV so the only cost I have is paying for my WiFi and cell phone which in Canada is a ridiculously high amount. Don’t get me started on that one!

Knowing When to Say No to Yourself

Today there was a yard sale at my apartment complex and I decided not to go. I could see some of the items for sale from my window upstairs and knew there were things to tempt me like pieces of artwork, a cool bright green lamp and others. It was hard to resist still I knew that I only had a little bit of money left and wanted to be able to take the bus down to visit a friend of mine later in the month. Often the only discretionary income I have left after paying rent and other bills is my food budget. So I have learned to buy whatever I feel like eating each week and making sure I have a few extras on hand in the freezer. I am not one to stock pile on sales and have a cupboard and freezer full of food that could sit there for weeks or even months. I can not do without good nutritional food. It is at the top of my list.

Treating Yourself Now and Then

Some months I get a little extra and when I do I treat myself to a meal out, some foods I don’t normally have around or something I have been waiting to purchase for my apartment. Being aware of the simple things that bring me joy is what keeps me on the straight and narrow when I am tempted by all the ads I see on FaceBook and other media.

I love thrift store shopping even just for the thrill of the hunt. I only buy what I know I will use and often will donate something I no longer need or love. It keeps my place fresh and clean and also gives me the opportunity to express my more creative side. It is like a revolving door form of entertainment. My place is small so I avoid accumulating large items or multiple items at a time. My furniture is all pretty basic white IKEA modern styling so it lends itself to fun and sometimes funky or vintage style accessories to add a pop of colour or visual interest. I have lots of plants and once a month I treat myself to some fresh flowers.

I live in a studio with lots of white walls to hang pieces of art work on. That is why the sale today was so tempting for me as I saw some pieces I really loved. Still there will be other sales I am sure when my budget will be more able to handle the extras. Knowing when to say no is the key to healthy living. Setting priorities for what is most important and staying open to treating myself once in a while is what really works for me.

I wonder what works for you. How do you stay on track or do you? Sometimes it is really hard and we can find we have dug ourselves into a hole. That is when it is a good idea to sit down and look at what you can do without for a while so you can crawl back up and get on even ground again. No point berating yourself. Simply go forward with a lighter step and don’t be reeled in by all those adds that tell you that there is something you must have when you really don’t. Take care of yourself as best you can and trust your heart to guide you.