I'M NOT ASHAMED TO BE FRUGAL

Monica Cafferky, 55, reveals how keeping a close eye on her cash set her up for life

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Every morning, I have a ritual - and it's not slathering on expensive face cream! I check my current account. After breakfast, I open my banking app and scrutinise income and outgoings for that week, then month, and adjust my budget accordingly. As we all know, the unexpected can happen. Recently, the living-room TV stopped working so I had to spend £149 on a new set, split with my partner John, 64. As usual, I shopped around for a good deal and while I wouldn't call myself tight, I'm definitely frugal. I've always had this approach to spending, thanks to my parents. At six, my accountant father opened my first building society account and deposited £50 to kick-start my savings. It was 1976 and my dad's generous gift was a great foundation. Every Saturday, accompanied by one of my parents, I deposited my £3 pocket money and loved watching the total grow. I didn’t have plans for my cash but, occasionally, I bought Smurfs and books.