Retiree has living on £11k licked – even with cat treats

I retired eight years ago, however I am unable to start claiming my state pension for three and a half more years. This means I am living on a private pension and money I saved up over my working years, plus “borrowing” via a credit card.

In my early days, I worked as a manual worker. I progressed up the ranks to become the technical director of a multinational food company. I was on a salary of about £55,000, plus car and medical cover. The firm also had a private pension scheme, which I joined. I met my wife while at this company and we bought a house together. She had a chronic health problem and was unable to work. Unfortunately, in 2011, I was made redundant. This caused my marriage to break down and we divorced. All of my assets were split equally between my wife and I. This meant my pension was halved.

I started my own consultancy after realising that the technical skills I gained from my previous job were in high demand. After a year I was earning about £80,000 a year. By the age of 55, I had saved up enough money to buy a house in the East Midlands, purchase a car and finally retire. Now, my cat and I live there happily and healthily together.

Day 1

I started my day by heading straight to the Lidl reduced section. I bought a range of groceries, including a 60p loaf of bread and a £1 chicken curry. This came to £6.08 in total.

The day was spent doing some gardening and meeting up with old school friends. Going home, I stopped at Tesco Express and bought a couple of sweet treats – some reduced raspberries for 80p and two egg custard tarts for 60p.

At the start of each month, I withdraw £300 for my food budget for the month. I find it is the most effective way of managing my money.

Total: £7.48 Day 2

The day began with a 10-mile hike with a friend. I had prepared a packed lunch from the food I purchased yesterday.

On the way home, I stopped at Aldi for a small grocery shop, which included a pizza and some porridge oats. This came to £4.25. I also visited Lidl to buy some vegetables and cat treats

(£ 2.50). My cat would not be impressed if I forgot these.

Total: £6.75 Day 3

I nipped out to Lidl again in the morning to pick up a few essentials, including a bag of cat food (£11.10). I try to work on a rough budget of £10 a day for food for myself and my cat. My only other purchase today was a pair of long nose pliers from Amazon, which cost £5.13.

Total: £16.23 Day 4

My day started once again at Lidl. Today’s haul included a reduced pork shoulder. This shop came to a total of £ 5. I then drove to the Peak District

with a friend for a 12-mile hike.

Total: £5 Day 5

I woke with a craving for doughnuts. I headed to Asda and bought these and a few essentials (£3.65).

Total: £3.65 Day 6

Today started with a trip to Sainsbury’s for some cat food. I also bought s ome grap e s (£3.70). I couldn’t resist a trip to Lidl on my way home. I bought a range of essentials including shaving gel and marmalade (£7.55).

Total: £11.25 Day 7

I spent the day in town and visited a range of shops. My first stop was B&Q to buy a length of timber for £3. While walking through town, I donated £1 to the Poppy Appeal. I did some grocery shopping, which included shower gel, toothpaste and a vegetable box (£6.25.)

I know that my current situation is only temporary, but I have learnt how to live frugally, yet happily within my means. When I get the state pension at the age of 66, it will raise my income to £20,000 per annum at current values.

Total: £10.25 Total expenditure for the week: £60.61

As told to Ella Nunn. Email money@ telegraph.co.uk if you would like to take part in How I Spend It. All our writers are genuine but anonymous