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The World's Thriftiest Woman

The World's Thriftiest Woman

Tags: Cost of Living
Last updated by Someone on

British pensioner Ilona Richards has been dubbed the world’s thriftiest woman.

She skimps and saves on every aspect of her life – living off an equivalent of $5,000 per year and a maximum $2 budget for every meal.

Ilona’s blog is well worth a read. Titled “Life After Money“, Ilone describes how she quit working in her mid-fifties. Her theory was simple – “if I didn’t spend any money, then I wouldn’t have to earn it,” Richards said.

Her tips for saving money extend to every corner of life. Ilona suggests inspecting your clothes before washing them… do they smell, have you spilt anything on them? (That would be a resounding yes to everything I wear in the Australian summer heat.)

Ilona suggests a replacement for tea and coffee, hot water with a dash of fruit juice and if you ever visit Ilona, you’ll need to bring your own tea bags.

Ilona only has one light on at a time at home, dilutes just about everything and shops around 8pm when food starts to get marked down.

I’d love your thoughts on Ilona’s life… while I think it’s great in theory, I doubt I would have the discipline. See Ilona's blog here

 

Originally posted on .

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Maria
Maria from QLD commented:

$2 budget for every meal. Find that very hard to believe. I couldn't do it. 

margaret
margaret from NSW replied to Maria:

Actually if one distributes the $6 across three meals an Australian has no difficulty eating much better than that British lady, for that daily total. I do it about 5 days a week and include the 4-5 food groups each day. HOWEVER I have a couple of more expensive meals on two days, usually on weekends after all I do have a life, and the idea is to be able to enjoy it on a small budget, not to become to a slave to a magnificent obsession of a budget. 

Laurel
Laurel from QLD commented:

So where does she get her income from if she hasn't worked for years 

Someone
Someone from NSW commented:

Does she have family....kids...grandkids....have family dinners ..socialise.... 

Jessie
Jessie from NSW commented:

Good on her but as for me, I don't think I can as I doubt that I have that much Discipline! Lol!! 

Bev
Bev from NSW commented:

Just taking too far life is short and to be enjoyed and using common sense with diet and spending. Old saying you can't take it with you:) 

Philip
Philip from NSW commented:

Don't show this article to the Australian Government, otherwise we'll all have to live on $5000 PA in our old age. And with out ageing population, Centrelink could do a reverse Robin Hood. Taking from the poor and. . 

margaret
margaret from NSW commented:

I do not think I could go as far as water with a dash of fruit juice as a substitute for tea and coffee, However constantly purchasing good quality markdown food and specials and having the ability to make something out of most foods certainly allows a large variety of meals that are economical. One does not become bored with low cost meals when you have a large selection to chose from. As a single person I find a freezer invaluable for storing those specials and home made soups stews casseroles and curries, made 6-10 serves at a time, as well as reconstituted beans chick peas which are much more economical and can be used in the quantity you actually require, rather than the amount in a tin. Specialty breads and rolls are affordable when on special and homemade rolls cost about 12 cents each. No need to really go without, just thinking ahead and being a little energetic really helps. Finding something you can do to earn a little also helps. Far better to earn $3, then wandering around bored, purchasing a consolation $4 coffee here, a chocolate there, a magazine so one can read about the exciting (and often imaginary) life of film stars and a tub of ice cream to go with it . After all if one can not afford many of the good things in life a few little treats (about $45 plus) each fortnight should really ensure that you rarely can. Not that life should be devoid of treats, just allow one or two affordable ones each week. If you are active and feel in control of your life you are less likely to indulge in 'consolation spending' as you require far less consoling. 

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