Loosing a wage...

Tink_04

Ok so it’s happening, after Xmas I won’t have my wage. We will manage as will still have DH wage but mostly looking for OS advice from those who have been here before. I’m not planning on getting another job yet and want to live as fugal as possible. Any advice welcome!

Thanks

Tink

pollyanna_26

Hi Tink. I'm sorry to read this but for the sake of your health it'sprobably the wisest move. You've come to the best place for advice.


I'm off to bed shortly but will subscribe. I did start a second version of the Poor Health thread but life got in the way. Hoping to get back to it over the weekend . As well as posting here you are always welcome to pop over.


Look after yourself.
Love polly x

t14cy_t

tink, every time I got past any supermarket I check if there are any free offers or good money off deals. I use topcashback, quidco, shopmium and checkoutsmart. im not too great with technology but can do these without a hitch. this week ive had 6 packets of choccie biscuits, 3 bags of roast spuds, 3 greek yogurts, 3 bottles of lager...all free!! going past a waitrose today on way to see grandkids so will stop off to collect 9 cheesecakes at half price!!

timehastoldme

I lost my full time wage four years ago, worked very part time for two years (0.3) and now am self employed as a tutor. Have limited myself to 10 students. My husband also works part time (0.6)

We grow a lot on our allotment, I can't remember the last time I had to buy veg that wasn't onions or garlic (and that should be remedied next year). I'm a bulk buyer in general as well, when I know store items are on offer I buy loads and put them away, this means I have to go to the supermarket a lot less, and therefore spend a lot less. We buy long life milk for the same reason. If I'm baking, I quadruple everything so there's some for the freezer, my husband loves cakes and he prefers home made anyway. This saves on treats out, because a cup of tea and a slice of mincemeat cake is way nicer at home.

We quit cooking meat at home, and that has saved loads of money. I also mostly operate out of one room when I'm here, so only heat that room and keep the lights off everywhere else, but that one room is so cosy. LED fairy lights, lovely lamps and the log burner make it a nice place to be, and the students like it.

I buy good quality, because it lasts longer, but second hand wherever possible. Clothes, furniture etc..

Also, get your tax allowance transferred to your OH for the next tax year, that will boost your household take home.

At Christmas we buy family gifts rather than individual ones, we have so many nieces and nephews. It's often an unusual board game and hot chocolate and snacks. Any friends I gift to usually get hand made stuff, we don't buy presents for each other, for my birthday we went second hand book shopping and husband cooked my favourite risotto.

We have a ridiculously happy life on very little money, good luck.

boultdj

Is there any thing your running short of that you can get now and will last a long time stored? I'm thinking toothpaste, washing up liquid ect.
And sorry to hear about your job loss.

Tink_04

Thanks for the replies. I was a bit rushed yesterday but it’s not a forced decision. I have been putting an EF away for us but it’s not huge and I’m working till the end of the year to get as many pay days as I can. It’s more the day to day living expenses and working my budget better.

I’ve put away £150 so far for school uniforms next year, should have £250 by the time I finish work.

The EF is £1200 but will be £1800 - £2000 by the time I finish work. I just need to re adjust to a smaller monthly budget for spending.

Xmas is paid for as we save monthly for it but want to make it as frugal as possible so we don’t spend all the savings we have for it and that can go towards birthdays next year.

I’m just at times blow the budget and we get take out or ‘treat’ ourselves so I know it’s going to be hard.

Thanks for the advice so far everyone!

Tink

D&DD

Tink I found when I had to suddenly stop working the food shop worked out cheaper as I was able to bake and cook things I never had time for.I also increased the stuff I grew in the garden which helps.
I would suggest trying if possible to get ahead with your fuel bills. I also tried to get in front by a month with my rent.
These are our largest bills so gives the most leeway if we are skint!
It's very daunting when you've always worked and does take some getting used to mentally being at home too.

buildersdaughter

Sorry to hear this. In addition to good ideas above, have a good look around- especially libraries & local council offices + newsletters. There are often free or cheap events & things to do. Also look at volunteering: if you want to return to work it helps - but also some volunteering opportunities bring benefits- free membership of NT, entry to country parks, free concerts or shows at local theatres etc.

grunnie

I survived for many years on one wage due to my poor health. Last week we had a free community lunch. It also had lots of tests like guess the own brand biscuits crisps chocs etc. Not just for needy families as the local doctor turned up with her children.
I found if I shopped every 7 days I shopped every 8 days. When I was really skint I only shopped for food and no extras except washing up liquid. The
I also have a huge garden and grew all fruit and veg. From potatoes garlic kale apples sweetcorn. You name it i have grown it over the years.

Siebrie

My advice is not so much money-related: get outside as much as you can, even just a walk around the block is fine. It will lift your spirits and give you energy, and appreciation of your home, give time to think through problems (and menu plans....), and is cheap movement. This will lead to spending less money

Tink_04

Thank you for the replies everyone - I'm writing out a budget and meal plan for next month. Lots of nice walks are on the agenda as we have a dog who loves to come along and lots of lovely places to explore in our area.

I know we will manage but i just struggle with the mentality of it sometimes.. going to just keep plodding away as normal and see how we go.

Tink