how do you cope with unexpected emergencies without an emergency fund?

whitewing

Having a list of things that need updating etc (so tyres beginning to wear to non-usable levels). Firstly, it means that you can try to plan for the expense. Secondly, it means that if a good offer comes up you can take advantage.

Also, over time, as you get more experienced, you can begin to divert funds. For example, I know certain items that I can bulk buy when deals are on at the supermarket that we won't use more of because we have more (eg fabric conditioner, dishwasher tables). The savings I can make by being canny can go towards emergencies. And of course, if it is a real financial emergency we could go without some items (like fabric conditioner and dishwasher tablets!) Or we can go for cheaper brands.

The last hint is to really look at what you're buying. Since joining MSE, we don't buy nearly as much as we used to in terms of mindless shopping, but we do buy brands we like. We would rather have fewer, better quality things.

[Deleted User]

tattycath wrote: »

It is now going rusty inside-not quite sure how that happened but we're going to replace it.

I can tell you exactly how it happened, because the one we had a work went the same way.

If you cook something that produces a lot of water vapour (eg, Supernoodles), the bottom of the microwave, especially the dish shaped depression where the turntable rotator pokes through, will be swimming in condensed water.

To prevent the paint from peeling, and the metal from rusting, you need to leave the door open, so the water evaporates, and the microwave dries out.

[Deleted User]

whitewing wrote: »

The last hint is to really look at what you're buying. Since joining MSE, we don't buy nearly as much as we used to in terms of mindless shopping, but we do buy brands we like. We would rather have fewer, better quality things.

I sort of do the reverse, but not so much in the sense of "mindless shopping".

If I have a good month (a bit of overtime, no CT or Water Rates), I'll buy a bit of extra food and other household needs, but always stuff that is cheap (BOGOF and other deals are ideal) and will keep it as stock.

I use and replace as I go along.

As a result, if I were really struggling, I could go at least a month (make that several months) without buying a single item of food or drink, meaning I could use the money I'd normally use on food etc., toward the emergency.

OK, it would be pretty dull and uninspiring, but I could survive on it.

The other advantage of keeping a decent stock is, I'm living at last month's (or even the month before's) prices. :cool:

tattycath

Bedsit_Bob wrote: »

I can tell you exactly how it happened, because the one we had a work went the same way.

If you cook something that produces a lot of water vapour (eg, Supernoodles ), the bottom of the microwave, especially the dish shaped depression where the turntable rotator pokes through, will be swimming in condensed water.

To prevent the paint from peeling, and the metal from rusting, you need to leave the door open, so the water evaporates, and the microwave dries out.

Thanks for this. Until you said that I thought it was an astringent cleaner someone used as they thought it would be good for cleaning the microwave.

whitewing

Bedsit_Bob wrote: »

If I have a good month (a bit of overtime, no CT or Water Rates), I'll buy a bit of extra food and other household needs, but always stuff that is cheap (BOGOF and other deals are ideal) and will keep.

:

We have a good stash of tinned fruit, and rice and pasta. With other food, though, we tend to find if we buy more, we eat more so it doesn't work for us to stockpile. I have a bit of an unhealthy relationship with food though so it is probably down to my own circumstances.

WantToBeSE

flamingo747 wrote: »

I'm curious to know where you find the money for unexpected events? What do you choose to go without/not pay? Who do you ask to help?

Obviously an emergency fund is the best option, but what about when you're first starting out, or have more emergency than fund?

I just had to not pay my debts for a month (or however long, it was never longer then this).
I had no other option as i couldn't borrow from family or friends.

Now i am debt free, the first thing i did was start saving up.

[Deleted User]

whitewing wrote: »

We have a good stash of tinned fruit, and rice and pasta.

I buy tinned stuff (soup, beans, spaghetti, potatoes, fruit salad etc.) not by the can, but by the tray.

Asda have twice, recently, been selling 440g cans of Heinz soup, for 50p a can.

I bought four, 12 can trays.

I also keep an eye open for special deals.

For instance, they were selling sachets of Pasta and Sauce for 50p a go, so I bought £20 worth.

They had sachets of own brand, 5 minute simmer soup, at 4 for £1, so I bought £10 worth.

These last two purchases alone could, if absolutely necessary, keep me going for at least a month, for just £30.

My cupboards are crammed with stock I have bought, while on special offer.

debtdawg

flamingo747 wrote: »

Unfortunately it was two tyres, one bald, the other with canvas visible! No fix at home

We found asda tyres the cheapest place to get ours sorted out when they needed doing, they book you into a local garage and you just turn up and get them sorted. They were about £70 a tyre cheaper than what kwikfit and another chain quoted us.

flamingo747

We're fairly rural so not covered by most companies like that unfortunately but will look, ta

There are some great ideas here, thank you

[Deleted User]

Ask about Evergreen tyres.

They're cheap but long lasting, with road holding to match some of the better known/expensive brands.

I've been using them for years, and am well impressed.