Sunday 25 July 2010

£3.50 for a cup of tea guv?

'Annual income twenty pounds, annual expenditure nineteen six, result happiness. Annual income twenty pounds, annual expenditure twenty pound ought and six, result misery.' So wrote Charles Dickens in his 1849 novel, David Copperfield.

How I can relate to those words. It seems to have been a financially ruinous time just lately, notwithstanding I am earning less in my current job than I used to. The MOT, insurance and road tax on my car was all just about budgetted for but then my hot water tank decided to split (which my insurance won't cover as they consider it a 'wear and tear' issue) and my laptop decided to go haywire and one of my back teeth decided it needed a crown. Meantime my home insurance is rapidly approaching, my home needs reinsulating before the winter and the telly has now decided to go on the blink! And did I mention the five faults they found on the car which whilst not preventing it passing its MOT will need attention before long? Then there was the unfair parking ticket which I failed to get repealed and which mounted. As for that defunct garden pond with no water remaining in it, well that is last on the list.

Despite not smoking, drinking or indulging in designer handbags or exotic travel, and inhabiting cheaper housing than many, I seem to be spending money at a much faster rate than I am earning it at the moment. If I had a child I would probably have to sell it to a wealthy American couple.

All get rich quick ideas gratefully received...

Unfortunately I was rejected as a People's Peer, where I could probably have lived off the expenses alone.

I do find myself spending an inordinate amount of time watching people in city centres lately and wondering how they all seem to be able to afford whatever they want. Luckily most current fashion is too hideous and unflattering to possibly tempt me and I am old enough to know expensive cosmetics are no more magical than high street own brands.

8 comments:

Steve said...

At first glance I thought Die Broke was a german tome... instead I find it is a curiously English one who's plotline I know all too well. You can join me busking if you like Laura. I've got a spare harmonica.

Steerforth said...

I'm just writing a blog post about the same subject.

I know exactly what you mean, particularly when it comes to cars and dentistry.

I hate the fact that the cheaper and older the car, the more it costs to keep it going - I've just lost a week's wages getting my car through an MOT and I'm sure that I was ripped off.

This isn't what you want to hear though. You want inspiring, uplifting words, so I'll quote another line from Mr Micawber and assure you that something will turn up. It always does.

DuchessOmnium said...

I can, as they say these days, "relate". It has been almost a year since I have had regular employment. My life on the boat is pretty minimal, but every month there seems to be a shortfall for one reason or another. And then I too think of Mr Micawber -- but though his advice was one thing, his life was quite another. And, as Steerforth says, something always turns up.
Alternatively we could be like Miss Flight and expect a legacy any day (though that didn't work out so well...)

The Sagittarian said...

It never rains but it pours eh? Honestly, it;s like the money munchkins KNOW when you've got a sapre few dollars and they devise ways of taking it off you!!
Whats a Peoples Peer???

Nota Bene said...

Oh oh oh...how I empathise...I wish I knew of a get rich quick scheme...I'd be there like greased lightening...

Dan said...

You can have some of mine - I am sick of all the lone, terminally ill princes who are trying to get their money processed via my account. It's such a bore, all that paperwork! Are there no banks in Lagos?

The Poet Laura-eate said...

Steve. Right, you're on. What are you doing this Saturday?

Thanks Steerforth. Your erudite posting was most enjoyable. Sorry to hear your car expenses were so much worse than mine. Not much has turned up yet alas, though I found a penny in the street yesterday.

Duchess. Thank you for your sympathy. I think you and I need a new hero/heroine other then Mr Micawber and Miss Flite by the sound of it!

Sagittarian. Money Munchkins. Ah, if only their job was to bestow it rather than to devise new ways to deprive one of it!

NotaBene. And there I was assuming you were a wealthy advertising magnate, despite your blog handle!

Dan, I know what you mean - I spend half my salary on rescuing impoverished African princes who never return the favour! ;- )

white rabbit said...

Maybe start smoking, drinking and designer handbagging?

Sounds like you miught as well...