MSE Forum poll: Do you keep an emergency fund?

ET22

Not before I couldnt work anymore. My income is from ESA and daily rate PIP 76 pounds which was due to run out June 2027. Ive been really worried about not "passing" another assessment due early 2027 because if the PIP was removed I wouldn't be able to pay my mortgage, the arrears on the mortgage, my service charges and another debt of 3500. I would have to sell my home. Luckily I had a letter saying PIP had been extended until 2029 which I hope will give me the realistic timeframe of my health improving. Currently, there is no way I could go back to work

So as difficult as it is to save it from my income, the thought of losing my home has made me cut back even more on food shopping and every utility bills. I hardly buy anything now which is not a necessity, even from a charity shop. The reality of losing my home has made me realise that buying even the smallest thing, isnt worth it when the big picture could end in disaster for me. I have to NEED it and dont go looking for anything until I do.

The only activities I go on is walks, community centre activities and I'm hoping to go out on local coach trip which will cost 10 pounds run by a community service. I also use the library.

For me personally, I didn't really "get" that handing a bank card over for something that is not needed, is just for the thrill of handing my bank card over. I do buy xmas presents from Vinted for my grandchildren throughout the year which are usually less than half of the cost and are like brand new.

Im hoping to have a 1300 pounds by xmas. And I will continue to add to it until I get to 5000