Introduction

I never considered myself a big spender. I was brought up to respect money and use it wisely.

I also got used to having and appreciating certain things, and although, growing up in a family where money was tight, I never took them for granted, I got accustomed to them enough for not wanting to ever not have them again. Things which are not a necessity as such but life enhancing and part of my routine.

* presents and parties for birthdays and Christmases

* a good, well maintained haircut and an occasional manicure or beauty treatment

* an annual holiday in the sun

* fashionable clothes

* meeting friends in swanky eateries and bars

* theatre

* a book habit and several maganzine subscriptions

* good, fresh food

The longer you think about it the longer the list gets. Only that I never thought about it much.

Then, we were faced with redundancy...