I’ve been hearing the expression “making ends meet” far more often lately. There is inflation, interest rates and a volatile world economy, so just how do we pensioners (and indeed anybody) keep our heads above water?

It’s tough I agree, but I do have a few handy tips which might help. And you probably will have some for me. Firstly groceries. I get my main shop fortnightly at one of the main supermarkets and then supplement it with a budget shop at the one starting with A. Im not a big meat eater so do a few vegetarian meals and egg based meals for protein. I buy veggies and fruit in season, and go for the ones that are marked as seconds. I buy meat on special and divide it up into meal portions and freeze as I’m on my own. Occasionally I make a big pot of soup or a casserole and divide it up into meals and freeze for later on. I love a good coffee and have an espresso machine at home. This means I save a heap on not buying my flat white when out. I also buy the coffee beans for $24 a kg when they are on special and this lasts me a month.

Rent is hard for those who are still renting. I am, so I put this away first, plus insurances and money for bills. I’m not in a health fund so have medical costs which aren’t covered by Medicare, however, I budget for these by putting money away each fortnight. Bills, the same. I always have a small stash of cash and some savings for a rainy day which I am hoping will not come for a long time, however my umbrella is ready.

Petrol is purchased via my grocery shopping app, which is also putting money away in a Christmas club for me to spend in December. I also have a plan where I put an amount away each fortnight and in 52 weeks I have around $1360 saved to tide me over Christmas.

I’m fortunate to have a small part time job which I use to pay bills and insurances and to keep my car on the road. I also supplement my income by minding cats (I have one here at the moment and he’s trying to sit on my knee as I type). I am cheaper than a cattery and the moggy gets lots of love and attention.

Meeting friends does not have to involve a big spend. A walk together is good for mental and physical health. And it’s great for social contact. When my girlfriends and I meet up, we each bring something yummy to contribute to a share platter and with a few vinos we have a ball.

Expensive clothes are a thing of the past, and I find a lot of bargains on market place or in op shops. I give away or sell my clothes to benefit others. I use a library so I don’t buy many books. Netflix is a luxury but is my one vice. So making ends meet can be a good challenge when we put our heads together and share ideas on how to save money. Being frugal does not mean we cannot enjoy life, but it does mean we can keep afloat when the storms come.