Adventure wanted, but first we must rid ourselves of debt

AdventureWanted

Hi,

Hope everyone is keeping healthy and safe. It still seems so surreal the way this year has turned out. I am trying hard to stay positive and not worry too much, but it's hard not to worry about when this will all be over and what state the economy will be in by then. The industry DH works in has been hit pretty hard, so it's all such an unknown. I really am a bit of a control freak, so not knowing how long this will be for or even if things will go back financially to how they were last year is really hard. I've had to delete Facebook from my phone and restrict checking the news as it was having a big impact on me.

I'm currently doing one of the only things I can and trying to keep a tight control on the budget. I've reduced our grocery budget, which in hindsight is most probably a stupid thing to do when we are all at home all the time.  I'm hopeful that this period of financial uncertainty will make be better at budgeting.  I keep contemplating re-reading the barefoot investor book or reading another finance type book, but in a way it all seems a bit pointless, as we are not in control of so much at the moment.

Health wise we are all doing ok, which I am forever grateful for. I'm having some pregnancy related pains in my pelvis, but at the moment these don't seem to be as bad if I make sure I have a walk on the treadmill, so I'm trying to walk 2 miles on the treadmill 3-4 times a week. I must admit I always feel so much better once I've had my walk. Also I really enjoy watching Netflix on my phone with headphones on whilst doing it - it seems like a real luxury! I'm currently watching series one of Glee, which I've never seen before. I've found I cannot listen to music any more when I walk, as the desire to run is too strong and I am definitely unable to do that at the moment!

jwil

Glad you are all ok.  I think as you are all at home, it's a good time to revisit your grocery budget and you can see what the minimum you need to live on is. Do allow some treats through if there is the space to do so.

Look after yourself, I can't remember when you are due?

AdventureWanted

jwil said:

Glad you are all ok.  I think as you are all at home, it's a good time to revisit your grocery budget and you can see what the minimum you need to live on is. Do allow some treats through if there is the space to do so.

Look after yourself, I can't remember when you are due?

I'm due in late July. 

So I've just booked my midwife appointment at the end of the month which is taking place at a local hospital. Must admit I'm really anxious about it! It'll be the first time I've left the house in about a month, then the following day DC3 has her immunisations at the local doctors. I'm sure that they will have systems in place for social distancing and keeping it clean, but still feels so risky.  Does anyone else have real anxiety about going out during the pandemic?

abba1772

I only go out to the shop once a week now and that's when I drop my DD off at her work so I get what I need and use her discount of course but most people in the shop seem to adhere to the guidelines and if not the staff are quick to remind them xx

jwil

I get anxious about going out.  The doctors and hospital will be meticulous about cleanliness and looking after you.  The vast majority of people are very good about staying away from each other.  

AdventureWanted

Thanks Abba & Jwil. I'm sure it will be ok and everyone will be keeping their distance. Hopefully I can forget about it until the day I go!

Had a good couple of days. Have been on the treadmill the last few days for a walk, which has eased my leg pain at night. We've also been out in the garden lots. We planted some vegetable and flower seeds a couple of weeks ago and they are doing really well so far. Got some more seeds to plant this afternoon. Hoping this may be the year that we actually look after them enough to get some produce!

DH has been doing lots of diy, which has been brilliant. Lots of things we've had on a 'need to do' list for the last year have actually been completed and the house is starting to look loads better. Just need to do a bit more sorting/decluttering and then it'll look great.  

Have managed to get a tesco delivery slot for the last couple of weeks, which along with the increase in the number of milks you can buy at one time has reduced my stress levels no end. It really is crazy the things you can get stressed about. Never thought only being able to get 3 milks a week would cause so much stress for me 😂! 

Had a look through my budget again last night and although I'm still not 100% sure what money we have coming in for May yet, I'm hopeful that it won't be quite as dire as I first thought.  If needed we can apply for the mortgage payment holiday, but I'm hoping we can get by without doing so. 

Hope everyone is coping well and staying healthy. 

jwil

I just mentioned on my diary that we spent half the day yesterday in A&E and I was really impressed as to how they were handling everything.  Hopefully it will be the same for you.

Milk has been the big panic for me as well - everything else I think we would manage fine without, but milk is all the kids drink!

AdventureWanted

jwil said:

I just mentioned on my diary that we spent half the day yesterday in A&E and I was really impressed as to how they were handling everything.  Hopefully it will be the same for you.

Milk has been the big panic for me as well - everything else I think we would manage fine without, but milk is all the kids drink!

Thanks Jwil. I'm really pleased that you had a good experience with the hospital and that they'd taken lots of precautions. It definitely puts my mind at rest. 

So today I've managed to get 3 loads of washing washed and dried! I don't seem to have achieved that much else, but I'm pleased the washing pile has reduced significantly - dare i say the bottom of the basket is almost in sight (until tomorrow!). It's strange how we have the whole day ahead of us to complete things and yet I always seem to run out of time! Think I'll struggle to get back in to the routine of being busy and having to get places on time when this is eventually over! I am actually really enjoying the slower pace. It has been nice to not have to ferry the kids to and from groups and rush to get places on time. 

I had my national trust membership renewal paperwork through today. I am really unsure whether to go ahead and auto renew or cancel and rejoin when we are eventually allowed out! It's a tough decision. Financially it'd be better for me to keep the money, especially as in all reality we won't be visiting a national trust site until at least after the baby is born in July, but I know that the charities are all struggling and I do feel bad. Also I love the national trust sites and would hate for them to shut if they couldn't afford to keep open. I have the money saved ready to pay, but don't know what to do! So my question is, what would you do?

abba1772

Love it when you get to a bottom of a washing basket, I can see two bottoms of the basket this morning happy days

As for the National Trust I would hold onto the money then renew it in July as the parks are closed just now.  Like you said the money would come in handy just now so you need to put your household first.  Just think once baby is here hopefully you'll be enjoying lovely walks whilst pushing your pram xx

jwil

I agree with Abba, unless they are offering any incentive to renew now I'd hold out.