Giving every £ a job

Franalamadingdong

We're flexible with best before dates too. I have old dried yeast that still works a treat. 
Glad you've had nice times out and been flexible with saving, but still enjoying yourself.

Blackcats

I will work through my past their sell by date cake mixes.  I must have been planning a bake-off year in 2018/19 judging by the collection of mixes I bought.  

I cancelled my BT Sports today - no sport to watch for the foreseeable future - money saved each month.  I know that I wouldn't have bothered before - I'd have thought its only £12 a month and not even worried.  

I've just lit my "happy birthday" tinned candle from last year.  It was half used and hidden at the back of the cupboard.  Best use it up before my birthday comes around again next month 😄

Franalamadingdong

Ooh good move cancelling the sports channels! 

Blackcats

Shopped from a list in Bo*ts today for a few bits and bobs and filled up car with petrol so some spends today.  I'm going to look in my food cupboard tomorrow to see what needs using up apart from the cake mixes.  

Blackcats

More evidence of changing habits for me today.  My Dys*n hasn't been working properly for a while but instead of rushing out to make an emergency vacuum purchase regardless of cost - in fact fuelled by promises of improved performance, longer battery life, numerous attachments - I bought a new battery which seems to have solved the problem.  

I've listened to snippets of the news today and feel sad for all the people who are being laid off work or face losing their jobs as the lockdown takes effect.  My local Independent coffee shop was already experiencing less customers today even before the announcement to avoid restaurants etc.  For some people the coffee shop is their only source of company.  We also live about 30 miles from a major airport and 200 staff on temporary contracts there were laid off today.  I know it's a generalisation but these employees are unlikely to have much of a cushion of savings and it must be very scary indeed as the airport is unlikely to be hiring again for a long time.  

I realise how fortunate I am to be in a job that is relatively secure and for now I'll get paid each month.  It makes me more determined to save hard and increase my financial security. 

I suppose the recommendation to stay away from restaurants etc will mean that my overspending on eating out will be curbed.  

foxgloves

Blackcats - I've been thinking much the same. Although the top 5% of earners seem to do very well, the UK is a low wage economy for very many people. I never used to save because I frittered all my surplus (& more) but many people, even though working, don't earn sufficient to build up an emergency fund for unforeseen happenings such as this. There will be small businesses which can't ride this out because they're already competing with the big online behomoths. The USP of such businesses is often the local personal service & friendliness of one-to-one. This is lost if people can't visit in person & is likely to drive more sales online. I'm going to support small local businesses for as long as they can stay open. I do hope this stepping up of measures begins to slow the virus spread. And anyone not yet taking the need for hygiene procedures seriously should start engaging with them forthwith.
F x

savingholmes

It's scary times isn't it. Just have to be glad we are already on a money diet and hopefully in much better financial shape than if this crisis had hit a year ago. I think if people do some sort of takeout service they may survive - but sitting in not so much. I feel sorry for all the people who never learned to cook or those who rely on restaurants / pubs for food for other reasons..

Blackcats

Hi Foxgloves and Holmes.  These are unprecedented times and I fear that many people will struggle financially.  We know from these boards how hard people are trying to pay back debt and save money but any disruption to jobs and earnings will impact on the best plans.  I've done some stocking up of the cupboards so spent some money but not frivolous expenditure.  

I experienced the NHS at its best today with an elderly relative.  Thorough checks and tests, safe environment and kindness too.  Relative is ok and I am reassured.  We are very fortunate to have the NHS despite its blips it is absolutely brilliant in an emergency.  

Franalamadingdong

I'm glad your relative is ok Blackcats. I'm the same, relatively secure job, small cushion, partner is coming over on Friday and he and my parents will help with my son. But it's overwhelming to think of other people's situations.

Blackcats

Glad you've got your childcare sorted.  Your job is important so it's good that you can continue to provide help and support to families when they need it most.
i will be working from home for the foreseeable future.  I'm used to it but usually I have a couple of days out at meetings so 5 days a week is a little different for me.  I had a nice long walk after work to mark the end of the working day.  

I feel comfortable that I've got a good range of food and provisions in stock.  I have spent more than usual on food shopping but definitely won't be overspending on eating out for a few months.  I'm keeping the car topped up with petrol.