Reports that millions of pensioners are living in poverty and that most of us are not saving enough for our retirement terrifies me. That is why I am taking action to avoid financial hardship in later life. Receiving maintenance grants was the first time I saw four-figure sums enter my bank account. This was when I decided I would never take money for granted.
I had some casual shifts at university working as a student brand ambassador on open days, which helped me earn some extra cash. But it was in my first job as a press officer in when I received my first pension statement that I became interested in pensions. Seeing the estimated value of my pension in retirement inspired me to boost my contributions to have a comfortable retirement.
So I start each day with a bowl of oats, which I buy in bulk for just 90p for a 1kg packet. For lunch, I tend to rotate between either chicken fillet and lettuce, or salad tomato sandwiches or noodles with a boiled egg.
I cook a container of seasoned chicken fillet strips that I can use several times a week. Dinner includes either a batched pot of homemade chicken fried rice with mixed vegetables and king prawns, pasta served with a portion of meat, or veggie casserole.
I have only flown abroad three times with my family and the last time I did that was in My commitment to frugality means that I only attend the weddings or birthdays of very close family members. I am content being at peace at home enjoying a nutritious meal and watching EastEnders!
