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

Parkyp

Having your EF/savings has been a godsend for you. I’m still buying premium bonds each month since I read about them in your diary. 

Hope you stay well and no one else in your family catches the virus. 

jwil

Sorry to hear you've tested positive, hope everyone else stays clear.  I read that good ventilation will decrease the likelihood of transmission by 70% so air the rooms regularly if you can.

foxgloves

Yes, my sister was able to start working again when her PCR test was negative, @HairyHandofDartmoor, & she says that the same thing has also happened to a couple of her friends.
F x

Sun_Addict

Thank goodness you had the SEF and PBs. This is definitely a step forward for you, no debt and the new job, all heading in the right direction. 

doingitanyway

Sorry to hear you tested positive. I hope you don't feel too poorly. The new job is an exciting start to the new year.

Cherryfudge

sashybo said:

Oh snap Hairy - my lateral flow was positive this morning. 😩

Hope you’re feeling ok, I’m really achey like I have the flu which isn’t pleasant.

Oh no! I hope that's as bad as it gets and you soon feel better. Look after yourself.

Fidelia

Just caught up with things, Hairy.  So sorry to hear you are unable to work because of Covid but it sounds as if your symptoms are very slight or maybe you aren't experiencing any which is a blessing.  Sending all positive vibes for a swift return to work and all your family avoiding catching it.  Did they all do a LFT when you did yours?  I ask this because maybe one of them brought the virus home rather than you if they are out and about a bit more these days.

It's a real shame about your PB and EF situation as we all shared your joy at being able to build these up when you were working in your previous job.  I'm sure you'll top them up again as soon as you can, your determination is always an inspiration to such as myself xxx

When you mentioned about the possible money situation as a result of your new job I got to wondering whether you've taken account of the travel costs.  You say your DH is going to run you to and from work but that, presumably, means he'll be returning home after dropping you off and then going later to fetch you.  That's 4 journeys a day which, I think you said were 20 minutes long each.  That's quite a lot of petrol/diesel which you need to factor in but I expect you've already thought of that.  Is there no other way of your getting to work that might be more cost effective for you and time-saving for DH who'll 'lose' 1 hour 20 minutes out of each  working day? 

A previous poster mentioned ventilation but I know that shouldn't be a problem for you as your family are happy with cooler conditions and having windows open maybe doesn't bother you as much as it would some people.  If you're isolating in your bedroom because you don't want DH in particular to catch it may I be nosey and ask where he's sleeping?

I hope DH's good recovery is continuing and that he's feeling proud and  optimistic about himself.  Sounds as if he's done very well with the weight-loss and taking exercise.  Sending my congratulations to him xx

Sending safe hugs to all the family

sashybo

Cherryfudge said:

sashybo said:

Oh snap Hairy - my lateral flow was positive this morning. 😩

Hope you’re feeling ok, I’m really achey like I have the flu which isn’t pleasant.

Oh no! I hope that's as bad as it gets and you soon feel better. Look after yourself.

Thanks Cherry, so far still just achey with a bit of a temp and the dreaded cough!

DH & DS still testing negative on the LFTs  so fingers crossed for them. DD is only 2 so don’t want to test her if I don’t need to, she’s staying at home with me anyway.

Hope you’re still feeling ok Hairy.

HairyHandofDartmoor

Parkyp said:

Having your EF/savings has been a godsend for you. I’m still buying premium bonds each month since I read about them in your diary. 

Hope you stay well and no one else in your family catches the virus. 

Thanks Parky . I want to build up our PBs again now I'm earning, they do make a nice little nest egg.

jwil said:

Sorry to hear you've tested positive, hope everyone else stays clear.  I read that good ventilation will decrease the likelihood of transmission by 70% so air the rooms regularly if you can.

Thanks Jwil . I've got the window open a crack in my bedroom so I don't spread virus to the rest of the house when I go to the bathroom.

foxgloves said:

Yes, my sister was able to start working again when her PCR test was negative, @HairyHandofDartmoor, & she says that the same thing has also happened to a couple of her friends.
F x

Thanks Foxgloves . My PCR is positive unfortunately, but that's very interesting to know.

Sun_Addict said:

Thank goodness you had the SEF and PBs. This is definitely a step forward for you, no debt and the new job, all heading in the right direction. 

Thanks SA . Yes things would have been a lot worse without the savings.

doingitanyway said:

Sorry to hear you tested positive. I hope you don't feel too poorly. The new job is an exciting start to the new year.

Thanks DIA . I feel fine at the moment luckily.

HairyHandofDartmoor

Fidelia said:

Just caught up with things, Hairy.  So sorry to hear you are unable to work because of Covid but it sounds as if your symptoms are very slight or maybe you aren't experiencing any which is a blessing.  Sending all positive vibes for a swift return to work and all your family avoiding catching it.  Did they all do a LFT when you did yours?  I ask this because maybe one of them brought the virus home rather than you if they are out and about a bit more these days.

It's a real shame about your PB and EF situation as we all shared your joy at being able to build these up when you were working in your previous job.  I'm sure you'll top them up again as soon as you can, your determination is always an inspiration to such as myself xxx

When you mentioned about the possible money situation as a result of your new job I got to wondering whether you've taken account of the travel costs.  You say your DH is going to run you to and from work but that, presumably, means he'll be returning home after dropping you off and then going later to fetch you.  That's 4 journeys a day which, I think you said were 20 minutes long each.  That's quite a lot of petrol/diesel which you need to factor in but I expect you've already thought of that.  Is there no other way of your getting to work that might be more cost effective for you and time-saving for DH who'll 'lose' 1 hour 20 minutes out of each  working day? 

A previous poster mentioned ventilation but I know that shouldn't be a problem for you as your family are happy with cooler conditions and having windows open maybe doesn't bother you as much as it would some people.  If you're isolating in your bedroom because you don't want DH in particular to catch it may I be nosey and ask where he's sleeping?

I hope DH's good recovery is continuing and that he's feeling proud and  optimistic about himself.  Sounds as if he's done very well with the weight-loss and taking exercise.  Sending my congratulations to him xx

Sending safe hugs to all the family

Thanks Fidelia 😊. It's that true that saving money in good times definitely pays off when a dip occurs.

My only other way of getting to work would be two buses which would be expensive and take me an hour to get to work. We realise the petrol cost is a factor but the bus fares would cost more, I would be more exposed to Covid on the bus, plus DH and I get to spend time together while travelling . 

I'm self isolating in our bedroom with the window open and DH is sleeping on the sofa bed in the living room. Meals and drinks are being left outside my door (excellent room service). We have to share a bathroom as we only have one, but I'm wiping down everything I touch and wearing a medical mask when I go there. So I think all precautions are being taken since I tested positive. Of course he may have caught it before I tested postive but I do hope not. 

Yes DH and all the DSs did a LFT on the day I tested postive and were all negative. They don't go anywhere but the supermarket as they all work from home, so I'm the infection risk unfortunately.

Thank you for your good wishes  😊.