I think I shall be seeing quite a lot of my own four walls these next few weeks. The advance of this virus seems inexorable. I've made the decision that as no-one relies on me for anything (I'm retired and I have no family responsibilities) and I'm in a high risk group (older with underlying health issues) I'm going to reduce my face to face social contact in favour of letters, e mails and the phone. I'm not isolating, just reducing my risk.
So what will the effects be on my finances?
Most items in the budget will be unaffected but there will be gains and losses. I've bought quite a bit of fish as I know from experience that if I'm off colour only fish will be even remotely inviting. But on the other hand I shall spend some of my time doing some batch cooking so long term I'll save on groceries.
I won't be going out so much so my budget for eating out or having coffee with friends will be underspent. My mileage should go down so I'll save on petrol. The heating costs may rise as I will be at home more. I may buy some craft materials on line so I can get Christmas and birthday cards and presents made.
I'm on various pensions so my basic income won't be affected but my ability to earn extra will be severely curtailed.
I wonder what other costs will be affected that I haven't even thought about? Any ideas?
I wonder what other costs will be affected that I haven't even thought about? Any ideas?
We are visiting family this weekend, but once we are back home on Monday, we too will make no plans to go out, only going for important stuff, we should be OK for a few weeks. All we can do is wait and see.
ReplyDeleteNot really going out and about much. I will be heading up to see Kris for a couple of days on Monday and then it will be back home for the rest of the week and most of the next. I am limiting my social contacts, and shopping at a time when the stores are pretty much empty (however with everyone panic buying now that could be a problem).
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
We went to New Orleans for Beans spring break and I was out of my comfort zone for sure as there were lots of crowds. I don’t like that at any time. But, now that I am home, not much is going to be different from normal — we are homebodies — the only place I go is the grocery store and to pick up prescriptions and church. I didn’t go to church this morning, I did a quick grocery shop and it will probably be quite normal around her since we never go anywhere. It would be nice if the gloomy weather would go away.
ReplyDeleteI'm in the same boat as you. I have some basic pension money but rely on working part-time to supplement things (and cover some debt that I'm trying to get rid of as quickly as possible). My office shut on Tuesday morning (I work in my church office) and we don't expect to reopen until April 13th. Our senior minister thinks we can reopen after March 30th as the provincial emergency order ends then (but most of us are quite sure it will be extended until April 13th at the earliest). My church alone would have 300 to 400 people for Easter service and there is no way that will be allowed.
ReplyDeleteThe city is virtually shut down now and we have been told to practise "Social Distancing" so the only reason to go out is for grocery shopping or a trip to the drugstore or for a medical appointment. We can get out for walks but only with people we live with - otherwise we are to stay six feet away from anyone else. As many as possible are working from home, all bars & restaurants are closed except for take-out or delivery, no venues of any kind open, schools closed for at least another two weeks after this one, shops either closed or on limited hours so there really isn't anywhere to spend money unless you are grocery shopping so that will save money. There won't be any vacations this year and I'll be thinking twice about clothes shopping, so again, no money spent. It will be very tough on small businesses and those on low incomes - although the Federal Govt. has come out with funding already that will see people through the next 4 months, plus all kinds of tax breaks for businesses and the 6 Big Banks are willing to defer mortgage payments for six months and are looking at forgiving late payments etc. for a time and a lot of other businesses are skipping late payments and/or offering extras so have to say that everyone is stepping up. We are living in interesting times that's for sure - take care of yourself.
That sounds very much like here. I'm in a "vulnerable" group as I have hypertension and we have been asked to stay home for twelve weeks. I'm hoping that that the reduction of needs (petrol, socialising) will go some way to meeting the drop in income.
DeleteOur government has made a similar financial response to the crisis. It is impossible to imagine what the position will be three, six or nine months on and to look ahead a year seems unimaginable.
We begin full lockdown here in New Zealand at midday Wednesday in an effort to stop community transmission of this dratted virus. We are stocked with sufficient food for a time, and stash for our hobbies. I went to the library before it shut and now will have to borrow on line. I have to pick up my new car tomorrow so it will sit in the garage for a while as we aren't supposed to gad about. Still I am grateful for what I have and for all those who keep in contact through blogs, phones, txts etc. Church By Internet is taking some getting used to:-)
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