It is important sometimes to have some frugal relief and spoil yourself, or have a nice experience. Frugal fatigue can set in otherwise. That can be dangerous. It is so easy to blow the budget when one gets fed up of being frugal all of the time.
Each month we have a bit of pocket money that we can spend on what ever we want. This might be a drink with friends, some chocolate, a charity shop find, or a present for someone. We then have no excuse to feel deprived. The picture shows a soft drink in Wetherspoons with castle walls behind.
Another thing that we do is to have a couple of cheap breaks away in Spring and Autumn. We work really hard growing food and preserving during the summer, and so it is such a relief to get away. Our Spring breaks are something to look forwasrd to during Winter. It doesn’t have to cost a lot. We have often found static caravans for £49 for 4 nights and 5 days at holiday resorts. They are only used as a base and we don’t buy the entertainment passes. The resort parks are usually quiet out of term time, with a lot of older people taking advantage of the cheap deasls. On these breaks we still keep it frugal by taking food with us from the fridge, freezer, and cupboards.
However, we also give ourselves a big treat and a chance to celebrate our wins for that season. It is important to reward ourselves for what we have achieved. Sometimes it is a meal out, other times it is an experience, or paid attraction.
This year we went to North Wales. We were so lucky as we were allocated a van near the path to the beach. Both of us enjoyed the simple things like watching sunsets, walks on the beach, exploring the countryside, and mooching round the local town, and charity shops.
We spent our pocket money on a hot chocolate in a lovely cafe, a drink in a pub, and a special bun from a bakery. These are things that we rarely do and so we appreciate them and feel gratitude. They are special moments and we don’t take them for granted.
Our big treat was to travel by tram up the Great Orme, something we have wanted to do for a while. It was £10 odd each, which feels a lot for us, but is the cost of a couple of coffees for some. We had such a lovely time. The journey to Llandudno was incorporated it into our journey home to save on petrol.
Whilst away we used the caravan to our advantage. We used the free fuel to make meals and bake bread to bring home. It was also nice to have the free heating as we don’t put ours on until November. Often I find that living with only a few possessions for the 5 days makes me feel like decluttering my life when I get home. I enjoy living simply as it is less stressful. This time we had no phone or internet signal and so we had a rest from social media as well. We read more, talked more, and played games more.
Do you have some frugal relief? It is possible without it costing a lot of money, or messing up your financial goals. We had such a brilliant time and made memories that will last forever.
23 tips for self catering holidays
I think when we indulge all the time not much feels special but when you limit those indulgences each one does feel so much more like a treat.
So pleased you were able to get away and enjoy your holiday. You seem to have the balance right for you although it’s probably not that easy to achieve. Keep well, safe and happy over winter. Best wishes, Pam
We are in our late 70s and so need to enjoy what we can whilst we’re able. I plan holiays from home every so often when I look for local things we can enjoy at a reasonable price. it may an exhibition at a gallery or museum, a walk in a new area, using our bus pass to enjoy a new route (we’ve found some delightful villages this way), enjoying lunch with a special deal, or an occasional movie matinee. This year we took Historic House membership and have visited some amazing castles, houses and gardens – many on our doorstep. We are lucky to live in the wonderful county of North Yorkshire.