“Debt is normal. Be weird.”

savingholmes

Hi - have you looked at the nationwide flexplus account - as they offer breakdown cover but also gadget and holiday cover etc. Worth a look - if you know someone with an account - I think they offer a referral bonus. I have just opened that account for the insurance...

browneyed_girl

So it’s official.  The world has gone mad.  I’m not saying that it’s not for a good reason, but the response has been less than desirable.  Anyway, a very unsettling time for many.  I’m still trying to get my head round all the changes at work (I’m a healthcare professional in the NHS) and now with school closures I’m likely to feel just a tad stressed in the coming weeks!  As DH isn’t working, apparently the kids should remain off school even though I’m a key worker.  I understand their view, but I feel very sorry for DH who potentially has 12+ weeks of managing four children without respite, as even their football and dance lessons have been suspended.  As I am going to be working longer hours and extra shifts, I am not sure how much help I’m going to be during the times I am at home, but we’re trying to prepare for worst case scenario.  DH is already putting together his own daily schedule for the kids to keep DD1 and DD2 in the school mindset.  He’s also planning to give them music lessons from home and has organised tennis sessions with family members that fortunately happen to be tennis coaches - he’s taking his new teacher role very seriously!!

As for money, things have gone ever so slightly sideways.  Our grocery budget has exploded - not because we’re stockpiling, but because everybody else is and the items left in shops are all expensive branded items that we would never usually buy.  As an example, DH finally managed to pick up pasta yesterday, but had to buy a brand that cost £1.29 for 500g - we would normally spend 30p!  I’m sure everyone is finding themselves in a similar position and I really worry about those living in poverty and those people that are just about managing on a tight budget - extra expenses like this can have devastating consequences. 

Life does seem very uncertain and scary at the moment but we will get through it as we have everything else.  The NHS is working hard to keep us healthy, but we need to support them by looking after each other as well.  At least if I have to self-isolate I still have this forum as a way of maintaining my sanity!

beanielou

You are doing a fantastic job 😃

Baileys_Babe

@browneyed_girl thanks for the update. Your DH has really stepped up to the plate in arranging lessons and structure for the children.

As for your self, thank you for being part of the team looking after the nation, you are a hero. Please do all you can to keep you and yours safe.

XSpender

Thank you for your contribution to keeping us healthy and to your DH for doing his bit at home x 

savingholmes

Thanks for all you do. We are going to need people like you more than ever. Hope you and yours stay safe and well. I hope you also find time to have fun. A friend of ours used to make silly movies with the kids where they dressed up and acted out different parts - would something like that be an option?