Finally Debt Free After 34 Years, But Still Need to Live Frugally

Onebrokelady

Hi Hairy,I've just had a thought,some supermarkets are taking on temporary staff while all this is going on,would that be something you would consider doing until things get back to normal

[Deleted User]

Snap, Onebrokelady!  I was going to mention that idea too.  I know it isn't ideal, HHOD, but it's better than no money coming in.  I think all the supermarkets are recruiting lots of staff, mainly shelf-stackers (which I assume might be late evening/early mornings) and delivery drivers.  You could probably combine it with the MSA job if the hours work out.  Or could DH maybe do it, or your sons?  

[Deleted User]

HairyHandofDartmoor said:

...... Yes things were finally looking up for us financially and then this happens. We've survived a lot of bad times so hopefully we can survive this too.

So sorry to hear your news and the anxiety it must be causing you.  But you will survive this just as you've survived all the other bad times..  You and DH seem a really strong team and together with your sons you'll come out the other side.  Sending hugs xxx 

[Deleted User]

Sorry, HHOD, I seem to be monopolising your diary at the moment.  I caught the end of someone on Sky News just now saying the Chancellor is making a big announcement tomorrow about releasing more money for people who didn't qualify for the other help initiatives that he announced the other day.  Fingers crossed your DH will be eligible for something xxx

Sun_Addict

Sorry to read your latest news.  The list of key workers has just been extended so you never know you might get more hours. Good idea also re temporary shop work.  What about your emergency fund, could that help to tide you over, hopefully it will only be for a few weeks, things seem to be sounding more optimistic in the news this morning.

Willowtree222

I was also thinking that you could mention to the school that you are available to help support with the children that are still in. I bet they have lost some staff as well who are self isolating and might need that extra support. x

milann

Hope today went well and the children at your school weren’t too upset about not going in and seeing their friends.

elizabethhull

Hope you're enjoying the sunshine today, it's lovely here if cold.

Looks like DGS only has a cold, despite the high temperature for 2 days. DD2 is disappointed because she hoped to get it out of the way for both of them, and they could safely visit others. Still, they did some gardening, as you don't want even a slightly unwell 5 yr old watching too much television !!!

foxgloves

It's a proper worrying time, HHoD. I'm really hoping that as key worker lists evolve & teaching staff maybe can't get into work because of self-isolating, etc, that your sterling services may be called upon. I suppose the realistic thing is to plan for the worst while kind of hoping for the best. 
Hope you are able to get out for a few nice walks. I know you enjoy your NT visits, like we do. I can't see them being an option for us though. It's good of the NT to keep their parklands open with free car parking, but with visitor centres closed so no access to the loos, this isn't a lot of good to us, as although we love picnics & are happy to take a flask of coffee, all the nearest properties are a decent drive away for us, so it's no good slurping our way through a flask of coffee with no facilities!
Our village is on the river, so I think we will maybe have to make do with very local wildlife spotting walks. We occasionally see a kingfisher if we're lucky. 
Stay safe.......terrible levels of engagement with social distancing in the supermarket this morning, but I've already moaned about that in my own diary, so won't go on about it again.
F x

Seasidegal58

Hi there - echoing the others in hoping you get some hours. 

Re the family mucking in, please don't take this the wrong way but I think I remember you posting a while ago that DS1 (I think) had quite a few thousand in the bank through his online business. Would he not be able to chip in to the household fund a bit whilst there is so much uncertainty over your own and dH's earnings?