If you’ve been reading my posts, you already know my main goal from this site: I want to show you the absolute joy of living without money worries and help you get there too. I’m incredibly lucky to be on the other side of the hill - I’ve paid off my mortgage, I’m happily retired, and I sleep like a baby because I chose financial peace over keeping up appearances.
But I know getting to this point isn't easy. It takes discipline, and let’s face it, human beings are terrible at saying "no" to themselves. It's sometimes hard to see the long term big picture when you're making changes that feel scary and make your lifestyle a bit different to what you're used to.
Assuming you could just figure out why I write the way I do felt a bit shortsighted, so I wanted to pull back the curtain and introduce you to the two forces steering this blog: Lady Frugal and The Strict Witch.
Why "Lady Frugal"?
I write under a pen name for a very simple reason: anonymity gives me total freedom to be honest. Money carries a massive amount of societal judgment. By operating as Lady Frugal, I can share real stories, real numbers, and real truths without any personal baggage getting in the way. I’m the sane one of the duo. I’m here to show you that a peaceful life is worth way more than a flashy driveway.
Enter the Alter Ego: The Strict Witch
But being nice only goes so far. When you are standing in a shop, staring at something you absolutely do not need, a gentle reminder from "Lady Frugal" isn't going to stop you.
You need something stronger. So, I created The Strict Witch.
She is my alter ego, and she is the blunt, no-nonsense, spending-killer you need in your corner. Think of her as your external conscience. She’s the voice that pops into your head when you know you can't afford something, looks you dead in the eye, and tells you to put your wallet away.
I built her because I wanted you to have a character you could mentally call on when you are about to slip up. When temptation strikes, make yourself imaginarily accountable to her. Let her do the heavy lifting and help stop you giving into temptation.
'What will Strict Witch say when she see's my balance?', 'She's not going to be happy, best put that back!'.
A Quick Word of Advice...
She is incredibly strict, and she will offend your spending habits. If you find yourself reading her advice and absolutely hating her for telling you what to do, don't worry. Do what I do: just swap out the 'W' in Witch for a 'B' and call her a Strict B.... instead.
It works wonders, it usually gets a laugh, and she won't mind one bit as long as it stops you from buying things you don't need with money you don't have.
Why We Are Doing This
At the end of the day, this site isn’t about dry maths or complex portfolios. It’s about getting your freedom back and then keeping it. With me providing suggestions, calculators and loads of waffle to keep you heading towards the light and The Strict Witch keeping you on the straight and narrow with a verbal clip round the ear, we can get you off the treadmill and sleeping soundly in no time at all.
Welcome to the journey!
Where to next?