I just can't understand...

[Marmut]

how some people manage their finance...

I am an immigrant and came here as a student with a stipend (no family supporting me financially). Even living on a stipend and a very part time work, during my study, I managed to save more than £10k. I did that by making sure I saved every month and minimised my ongoing by very rarely eating out, walking everywhere, cooking my food every day and socialising by inviting people over so I could do it on the cheap (cooking the food, etc.). I guess what I am trying to say is that I am not always have a good salary/income to rely on and yet I always manage to maximise savings by minimising my expenses so that I can spare some money to save.

Anyway, 19 years later after I came here, our mortgage was paid off, I have a saving of nearly 80% of my annual salary (my own, not a joint saving), an emergency buffer of about 3 months outgoing, my pension is also on track, and I may be able to retire 8-9 years earlier than the state pension age. We also have a £18k saving for our DD and, provided we continue with our monthly saving, it will be about £50k by the time she is 18. Although our joint income is about £100k (ony very recently), I carry on with weekly meal planning (adjusting the meal plan based on what is on offer) and keeping close watch on the budget of our groceries and family outings. I buy things when they are on sale and only replace things when they are broken. I continue bringing pack lunch daily and only occasionally buy lunch while at work. We do not deprive my DD of life experience, as we still still go to holidays abroad every year (which we plan ahead and I have a specific "top budget" in my mind) and she still joins any club she is interested in.

I am aware that my post sounds like a humble brag. But it really frustrates me to see how other people could have "got" out of a dire situation if only they were willing to manage their finances properly and go for the long game instead of instant gratification. Even saving a very small amount, if it is done regularly and continously, will make a big difference.

Some of them are infuriating but at least entertaining reading
Monday: I am determined to save money this week and not make any insulted purchases
Friday: went out for "just one after work". Ended up buying shots for the whole pub, £40 on a kebab and taxi home then when I woke up remembered I'd booked a £300 minibreak.

Or there was one guy who had the most boring, frugal m-f, literally just "went to work, gym, came home" and spent no more than £50 all week, then Saturday was like "called my dealer and spent £150" Sunday "didn't leave bed after massive comedown" Monday "7am back in the gym"

Financially prudent, maybe not but at least they've had a good time.

Then some are just annoying
Tuesday: bought diet Coke and chocolate bar £2.10
Weds: bought diet Coke and chocolate bar £2.10
Thurs: bought diet Coke and chocolate bar £2.10

If you know you're going to buy them every day just get a multipack and stick them in the fridge ffs, save yourself a tenner a week, the time going to the shop every single day, and the temptation of spending more money while you're there.

Or "decided to walk to work to save the £3 bus fare. Arrived 40 mins later cold, and wet because of the rain so bought myself a latte to cheer myself up, £4.10."
So you've just arrived late and sweaty after a 3 mile walk in the rain to work, have to sit in wet clothes all day and have ended up spending MORE than you saved?

@latetothefisting

Hahahaha. My money diary would be boring, I was thinking like the boring frugal guy you mentioned, until you got to the drugs part 🤣

This was my childhood. My parents took us to places but never, never, bought food when we were out. It was always packed lunches. Naturally this meant that the sight of all the people at the cafes, food trucks, etc. you see became terribly coveted and exotic in my mind, I craved to take part in that, just once.

@MLMsuperfan you made me smile. I'm thinking back to how I thought people must be so rich and fancy to be able to eat in service stations. And to eat branded items!