We can all change our own future

Written 9th January 2025

When I was 20 I headed off to Switzerland to be an au pair. I lasted a week.

I had to borrow money from my Mum to get my flight home and move back in.

I managed to get a job where my step dad worked at the skip company taking the orders and routing the skip lorries.

I was about 4 stones overweight and depressed. Had no friends or boyfriend and used to console myself with food and other substances. Life was pretty rubbish.

This went on for four or 5 months.

My dad was turning 65 the following April so about January 4th I decided to get a grip and lose some weight so at his retirement party I'd look better.

I started walking the 3 miles each way to work every day. I'd go for a half hour walk in my lunchtime and sometimes do my step machine in the evening too. I had limited carbs and protein but ate masses of fruit and veg.  I was 14st5 when I started and 11st 7 by my dads birthday and retirement 12 weeks later. I was pleased as punch and he was incredibly proud of me. I still have the letter he wrote me telling me so.

Since then, I've been as low as 9st10 but generally around 10.5st and now I'm in my 50s, nearer the 11 stones mark.

What has this to do with saving money? Nothing at all but hopefully what it demonstrates is that no matter how glum and hopeless things seem at any given point in your life, you have the opportunity to change it. I learned not to binge on chocolate and biscuits but to binge on sandwiches if I need to comfort eat. Or a big bowl of cereal with fruit and yogurt. I can still eat if I'm hungry or need comfort, I've just learned how to reduce the impact that has on my well-being, both mentally and physically.

If you start making changes to your spending and saving, even only small ones, it will make a difference long term to your life. Looking for other things to fill whatever your need is, that aren't necessarily financial, can have a huge impact.