Let’s be honest—frugal living isn’t just about saving money. For me, it became something bigger . Something deeper . Years ago, I worked at Tesco and saw something that’s stayed with me ever since: piles of perfectly good food thrown away . Not because it was spoiled, but because of "what ifs"—what if someone got sick, what if the date label caused issues. That’s when it hit me. We waste so much. And not just food— furniture, electronics, clothes, everything. Back then, we didn’t throw things away lightly. I grew up in the '80s and '90s, when frugality wasn’t a trend—it was normal . TVs cost £500 or more, and computers? £2,000+. If it broke, you didn’t bin it. You fixed it. You saved up. You upgraded. You made things last. And when the TV broke? You didn’t scroll Amazon for a new one—you called the TV repairman. Now? We live in a throwaway society , where mattresses are dumped on the street, clothes are worn once for Instagram, and most computers can’t even b...

Yesterday, I found myself in a conversation in an online group about ADHD and autism — a space that I usually turn to for support, learning, and connection. But this time, something felt off. There were several posts generalising people with ADHD, suggesting that most prisoners have ADHD and that “people like us” can’t change. Some even went as far as to say that those with ADHD are destined for crime or failure. I couldn’t stay quiet. 🧍 I Spoke Up – And Got Shot Down I shared a bit of my own truth. That I wasn’t a perfect kid. That yes, I made some bad choices growing up — but I learned, changed, and grew. That’s what people do when they’re supported and when they get the chance. But instead of thoughtful replies, I was attacked. Called contradictory. Accused of excusing crime. The irony? I was trying to show that people with ADHD can grow and take responsibility — and that it’s wrong to define someone solely by their past. 📢 ADHD Is Not a Life Sentence ADHD doesn’t mak...

After creating his first VIEW , Kai was buzzing with confidence. He said, “It’s like building a custom window into the data.” Exactly right. And that window is just the beginning — now, we’re ready to give him **buttons** to push. Enter: stored procedures . What’s a Stored Procedure? I explained it like this: “Imagine writing a script that does something useful — and then saving it with a name. Anytime you want to run it, you just call the name.” Kai’s eyes lit up. “So… like a shortcut?” Yep. And shortcuts matter when you’re dealing with real-world tasks, like enrolling students or checking attendance. CREATE PROCEDURE EnrollStudent @StudentID INT, @CourseName NVARCHAR(100) AS BEGIN INSERT INTO Enrollments (StudentID, CourseName, EnrollmentDate) VALUES (@StudentID, @CourseName, GETDATE()); END We ran it like this: EXEC EnrollStudent @StudentID = 3, @CourseName = 'Math Fundamentals'; Kai smiled: “So I just tell it what I want, and it figures out the rest?” That’s the magi...

One of the most common misunderstandings I come across is when people assume that conditions like ADHD, autism, and dyslexia are mental health problems. They’re not. These are neurodevelopmental conditions , and the difference between that and a mental health condition is incredibly important to understand. 🧠 Neurodevelopmental ≠ Mental Health Let’s get one thing clear: ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) Autism (including what was once called Asperger’s) Dyslexia These are neurological, lifelong conditions that affect how the brain is wired — how someone processes information, learns, communicates, moves, and experiences the world. They are present from birth or develop early in life. In contrast, mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, PTSD, or bipolar disorder are typically related to mood, emotion regulation, trauma, or chemical imbalances. These can come and go, and often need very different forms of support. 🌍 So Why Does the Conf...

Life moves fast, and so do teenagers. As Kai (17) and Ted (16) grow older, I’ve become more and more aware of how important it is to teach them about money — not just how to spend it, but how to manage, save, and eventually invest it too. I’ll be honest: I wasn’t great with money when I was younger. I grew up on a council estate, and while I didn’t have a bad life — in fact, I know others had it much tougher — I wasn’t really taught about saving or long-term thinking. I started working permanently at 15, and because I didn’t have much as a kid, I spent nearly everything I earned. I lived paycheck to paycheck, and saving was something I thought I could never afford to do. Fast forward to today — life looks different. I live much more frugally, but not joylessly. I still go out and enjoy myself, but I do it within my means. And now, I want better for my boys. I want them to have options, peace of mind, and financial confidence that I didn’t have when I was their age. Step One: Ba...

As Kai’s confidence grew, it was time to introduce one of the most important concepts in professional database work: transactions . Up to this point, we’d explored how to change data, but not necessarily how to protect ourselves from mistakes — and trust me, every developer makes mistakes! 😅 We started by imagining the database like a bank . When you transfer money, it doesn’t just disappear from one account and magically appear in another — the system needs to make sure both actions happen together, or not at all. That’s where transactions come in. They act like a safety net, saying: “Only make these changes permanent if everything works correctly.” BEGIN TRANSACTION; -- Remove old course DELETE FROM Enrollments WHERE StudentID = 1 AND CourseName = 'History'; -- Add new course INSERT INTO Enrollments (StudentID, CourseName, EnrollmentDate) VALUES (1, 'Computer Science', GETDATE()); COMMIT TRANSACTION; Kai was fascinated. “So it’s like doing a swap, bu...

Life, for our family, has always been a beautiful, colourful "mish-mash." From the bustling streets of Hong Kong and the serene beauty of Japan, to the vibrant energy of Singapore, and now back to the familiar comfort of the UK, we've collected stories, experiences, and a unique perspective on the world. And through it all, one constant joy has been watching my incredible son, Kai, grow. Kai is autistic, and I navigate the world with my own mix of dyslexia and ADHD. This means our learning journey, and indeed, our whole lives, are often a little different – sometimes challenging, but always full of unexpected triumphs. We find our own ways to connect, to learn, and to thrive. One of my biggest missions as a parent is to give Kai the best possible start in life, especially as he gets older and faces the challenge of finding his place in the working world. It's no secret that many talented neurodivergent individuals struggle to secure employment, often through no fa...

Looking for fun and practical ways to save money without feeling deprived? Whether you’re saving for a rainy day, paying off debt, or simply trying to spend less, money-saving challenges can make the process motivating and even enjoyable. Here are 20 money-saving challenges that can help you build better habits, stay on track, and reach your financial goals—one pound at a time! 🧼 1. No-Spend Week Challenge yourself to avoid all non-essential spending for a full 7 days. That means no takeaways, no impulse buys, and no “just browsing” shops. Tip: Plan meals and entertainment ahead to avoid temptation. 💷 2. The £5 Note Challenge Every time you receive a £5 note, set it aside in an envelope or jar. It adds up fast—and it’s completely painless! 🪙 3. Spare Change Jar Pop your coins into a jar at the end of each day. After a month, count it up and either save it or use it toward a bill or treat. 💳 4. Cash-Only Week Use only cash for all your purchases for one week. No ...

If you're passionate about frugal living, you probably already know the satisfaction of getting more out of less. But if you're not using OLIO yet, you're missing out on one of the simplest and most powerful tools for saving money and helping the planet. 📲 What is OLIO? OLIO is a free app where people give away food and household items they no longer need. That’s right— free food, free items, zero cost . Local individuals, shops, and even supermarkets list what they have, and you simply arrange to pick it up. Download it here: 📱 OLIO for iOS (App Store) 🤖 OLIO for Android (Google Play) 💸 1. It’s Great for Your Wallet Frugal living is all about reducing unnecessary spending. With OLIO, you can: 🥕 Collect fresh fruit, vegetables, bread, and more 🥫 Find cupboard items like rice, pasta, or tinned goods 🧼 Discover non-food items like toiletries, cleaning products, or books The savings add up quickly—and it’s totally free. 🤝 2. You’re H...

  Burnout hits different when you're living with ADHD or other neurodiverse conditions—and even more so when you're also a parent. You’re not just running on low fuel. You’re running the whole show, trying to keep everyone else going while your own engine is sputtering. And sometimes, like today, I feel that burnout right down to my bones. When Burnout Isn’t Just a Bad Day This isn’t just “one bad day” kind of tired. I’ve been neck-deep in SOC controls, audits, and big corporate clients like PwC. That’s not a single to-do list; it’s a whole month of intense concentration, which isn’t exactly easy for someone with ADHD. Funny thing is—I’m actually quite good at it. I don’t always understand why. Maybe it’s not about focus. Maybe it’s because I’m a people person. My ADHD has given me a certain edge—a kind of energy and fearlessness. I’m not shy, and that confidence helps me build strong relationships with clients and colleagues. In jobs like security and database admin, th...

  “How are you still going?” I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve asked myself that question. Living with ADHD and dyslexia while raising two kids—one with autism—is not what you'd call a walk in the park. But here I am: 19 years married (as of June 15th!), with two incredible sons, a career in IT, and a head full of stories I’m finally ready to share. It hasn’t always been easy. In fact, it’s rarely been easy. Growing up, I was labelled everything from stupid to lazy . I couldn’t sit still. I couldn’t concentrate. I struggled with reading and writing. School made me feel like a failure before I ever had a chance to succeed. I wasn’t allowed to take my GCSEs—too “disruptive,” they said. So, I played the class clown. If I couldn’t be smart, maybe I could at least be funny. But deep down, I wasn’t laughing. Turning Point: It wasn’t until I got into the working world that something clicked. I discovered IT, and for the first time, I felt capable— needed . I had a purpose. ...

  Buy Nothing New: A 7-Day (or 30-Day) No Spend Challenge That Changed How I Think About Money Frugal living isn’t just about pinching pennies — it’s also about intentional living . That’s why I recently took on a Buy Nothing New challenge , and it opened my eyes in ways I didn’t expect. Whether you do it for a week or a whole month , the idea is simple: 💡 Don’t spend money on anything that isn’t essential. 🧾 What Counts as “Essential”? Let’s be honest — what feels essential and what is essential can be two different things. For this challenge, I set the following rules for myself: ✅ Allowed : Bills, rent/mortgage Essential groceries (milk, fruit, basics) Travel for work or school Medical needs ❌ Not allowed : Takeaways Clothes Impulse Amazon buys Snacks and treats “just because” Random charity shop ‘bargains’ I didn’t plan for (guilty!) 🔄 What I Did Instead This challenge made me more creative. Instead of buying things, I: 🍲 Meal prepped usi...

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  Parenting with ADHD – Chaos, Love, and Learning on the Job Parenting is hard for anyone. But parenting with ADHD is like trying to juggle while riding a unicycle… blindfolded… on a tightrope… with a toddler hanging off your back. Some days, I’m amazing. I get up early, pack school bags, make breakfast, help Kai through his routines, make Ted laugh, and even clean up. Other days? I forget PE kits, burn toast, lose my keys, and get overwhelmed. I spiral into self-doubt and guilt. But what I’ve learned is that it’s not about being perfect. It’s about showing up. ADHD makes routines hard. But kids need routines. So I’ve had to build scaffolding around myself: I set alarms for everything. I use coloured folders and visual charts. I write things down (because if I don’t, I’ll forget). I use apps like Google Keep and family calendars. I’ve had meltdowns in front of my kids. That’s the truth. But I’ve also apologised and explained. I tell them: “Dad’s brain works a bit different. Someti...

  ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by symptoms such as inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. These traits can manifest in various ways, including difficulty focusing on tasks, forgetfulness, emotional dysregulation, and challenges with time management. When you're a parent with ADHD, these symptoms don't disappear—they intertwine with the responsibilities of raising a child, often amplifying the everyday stresses of parenthood. For instance, you might find yourself forgetting important appointments, struggling to maintain consistent routines, or reacting impulsively during stressful situations. These challenges can lead to feelings of guilt, frustration, and inadequacy. However, it's essential to recognize that ADHD also brings strengths—creativity, spontaneity, and a unique perspective—that can enrich your parenting experience. Strategies for Parenting with ADHD 1. Embrace Structure and Routine Establishing consistent routines can provide...

People fear labels. I get it. They think a diagnosis means you’re broken. But it doesn’t. Getting diagnosed can be the start of healing. Of understanding. Of building the right support. Of saying: “This is who I am. Now how do I live my best life with it?” A diagnosis can help you: Access support at school or work Understand your own needs Reduce shame and guilt Build a community of others like you Adapt your environment For Kai, it was the difference between isolation and understanding. Once we knew it was autism, we could stop blaming him and start helping him. For me, ADHD explained why I always felt like I was running in circles. Why I struggled to do things others found easy. It gave me peace. Diagnosis isn’t an excuse. It’s a roadmap.

Kai once had a meltdown over the wrong kind of spoon. That’s not being dramatic. That’s autism. The world has rules, and if one of them breaks (like chocolate sauce on ice cream), his brain can’t handle it. Meltdowns aren’t tantrums. They’re explosions. Everything builds up until the emotions have to come out, often in screaming, hitting, or shutting down. As a dad with ADHD, I’ve had emotional meltdowns too. I snap. I cry. I spiral. My wife has dealt with this more than she should have had to. I’m loving and loyal, but my emotions overwhelm me sometimes. It took years of understanding and tools like: The Pomodoro technique (25-minute focus blocks) Coloured overlays to read more clearly Reminders, lists, and alarms Therapy and medication support These things don’t fix you. They help you live better . Ted, our younger son, is the rock in all this. He’s had to grow up faster in some ways, understanding why Kai is different, why I forget things, why Mum gets tired. He’s funny, patient, ...

 So, what is autism? What is ADHD? Dyslexia? Dyspraxia? Dyscalculia? They're often lumped together, but they're very different. Understanding them helps people like me and my son live fuller lives. Autism is a neurological condition that affects how people perceive the world, communicate, and interact with others. For Kai, it means he can get overwhelmed easily, has strong routines, and focuses intensely on what he loves (like trains or computers). It also means he struggles in loud places, with changes in routine, or social interactions. But it also means he's caring, clever, funny, and wonderfully unique. He once had a full meltdown because someone put chocolate sauce on his ice cream (he hates that). He ripped his shirt off and banged his head. That’s the hard side. But the funny side is that he did it with a logic that made sense to him . ADHD , which I live with daily, isn’t just being hyper or fidgety. It's a whirlwind. It’s losing your keys five times a day. It’...

  Growing Up Misunderstood – ADHD, Dyslexia, and the Labels That Didn’t Break Me I was diagnosed at 15 with ADHD, dyslexia, dyscalculia, and dyspraxia. Back then, these were just scary words that sounded like life sentences. What they really meant, though, was that I experienced the world differently. Words danced on the page, numbers felt like enemies, and my body didn’t always do what I wanted. Teachers called me "stupid" and "lazy," and growing up on a council estate didn’t exactly come with extra chances. I got into trouble, did a lot of silly things, and for a long time, I believed the labels. But those labels didn’t break me. Despite being told I wouldn't amount to much, I found something I was good at: IT. It made sense to me in a way school never did. Getting my first real job at BookData, and then Taxsoft (now part of Sage), changed everything. I had routine, purpose, and recognition. From there, I got into SOAS, University of London – one of the top un...

Want to take control of your finances and live more frugally? I've created a simple, easy-to-use monthly budget spreadsheet — perfect for UK households. Track your income, bills, spending, savings, and more in one place. 📊 What’s Included: Income and bills tracker Subscriptions and everyday expenses Savings and debts planner Savings goals section — plan and visualise your future funds £1 to £365 Savings Challenge — stay motivated as you save! 💡 What is the £1 to £365 Savings Challenge? This challenge helps you gradually save £665 in a year. You simply save an amount between £1 and £365 — one of each — and tick them off as you go. You can save the biggest amounts first, smallest first, or mix it up depending on your budget that week. It’s a flexible and fun way to build savings! 📌 Sample Data & Formulas Each sheet includes sample data to show how to use it. Please delete or replace only the numbers — not the formulas. Any field with calculation...

Let’s talk money. Not the flashy kind with yachts and investment portfolios. I mean the real stuff—bills, debt, impulse buys, budgeting apps, and that sinking feeling when your card gets declined at Tesco. I grew up without much. Council estate life doesn’t come with lessons in financial planning. You learn fast—or you don’t eat. But ADHD made learning about money even harder. It’s not just about being “bad with money.” ADHD affects how we make decisions, process consequences, and handle stress. Here’s what ADHD and money looks like for me: I once gave away my phone to someone who needed it… and forgot to cancel the bill. It cost me thousands . I’ve bought gadgets on a whim, convinced they’d change my life, only for them to gather dust. I’ve missed payments, not because I didn’t have the money—but because I forgot the due date. I’ve signed up to trials and subscriptions I forgot to cancel. I’ve had months where I lived like a millionaire, followed by months where I ...