Embracing the Unexpected: A Family's Journey Through Uncertainty

Have you ever encountered a situation so chaotic that it redefines what “emergency” means? Well, we’re right in the thick of it! Today, I want to share how Jonny and I are navigating this whirlwind, with hopes that our experience can provide you with some valuable insights as you chart your own course. Here’s what’s happening: my home has transformed into a perfectly organized space, laundry that had been piling up is finally getting done, and I’m being pampered with home-cooked meals — a delightful twist, sparked by Jonny’s unexpected downtime as a graphic designer. While he typically juggles a steady stream of clients, the phone has mysteriously gone silent, sending ripples through our lives. But let’s find the silver lining, shall we? After all, who doesn’t appreciate a freshly prepared dinner?

In stark contrast, my work has taken off! On Monday, I jumped into a full-time role to fill in for my colleague who has temporarily flown off to enjoy the sun in Australia. Just as she left, though, the self-isolation guidelines were announced, making her return a complex puzzle. So here I am, knee-deep in work for the foreseeable future, covering her while we keep our fingers crossed for her safe return. Thankfully, my employer laid a strong foundation for situations like this; we are trained to step into each other's roles when needed. Yet one must acknowledge the looming uncertainty — if health-related restrictions escalate, it could impact my own job as well.

The Common Struggle: Finding Stability Amidst Chaos

Our situation is hardly unique. I’ve heard countless stories of individuals whose steady jobs vanished overnight, a reality echoed by Air New Zealand and countless tourism companies grappling with the fallout. Yet in the midst of this turmoil, I seem to thrive in crisis mode! So today, I’d like to offer some strategies for anyone facing sudden income disruptions; it’s crucial to act quickly to avoid spiraling into financial despair.

We sensed the potential for turbulence early on and summoned a family meeting to assess our finances in March. Armed with our trusty budgeting app, we took stock of our financial landscape, confirming how much we realistically needed to sustain our lives in the upcoming months. A glance at the income and expenses from January reassured us that organization was our ally. Fast forward to March 21, and we initiated a drastic reimagining of our expenditures. We agreed to eliminate all non-essential expenses to preserve our resources. No more spontaneous trips to Queenstown, I’ve even called off my annual dental check-up, and dining out is off the table! The goal? To see a pinwheel of red, yellow, and as much green as possible on my budgeting app!

Take Control: A Strategic Financial Blueprint

So, where does that leave us? While we aren’t feeling the financial strain just yet, it’s vital to gauge our situation accurately to navigate the months ahead without added stress. I urge you to sit down with your bank statements and note your recurring expenses, curating a rough budget of what’s incoming and outgoing. Even if you’re in a stable position now, the tide is shifting, and if things slow down in New Zealand as we combat COVID-19, many will witness a drop in income. So start prepping today!

For those used to a comfortable lifestyle without worrying about budgets, now might be your wake-up call. Uncertainty lurks around the corner, and being attentive now could save you significant trouble down the road. Whether you employ paid budgeting software or opt for a basic pen-and-paper approach, clarity is key. Once you have a clear picture, evaluate each expense critically — is it essential? If your income dwindles, take immediate action to eliminate unnecessary spending and rank your bills in order of importance — focus on rent, power, and food first and foremost. If struggles arise, communicate openly with suppliers, and don’t hesitate to explore government support options.

Finding Peace of Mind Through Preparation

Thanks to years of careful budgeting, a quick discussion with Jonny about our finances filled me with a sense of calm and reinforced our collaborative efforts as a family. This situation inevitably transported me back to past challenges, especially the Christchurch earthquakes — a time when I assured Jonny we had built enough financial security to weather the storm. Right now, I’m grateful to have an emergency fund of $16,000, capable of supporting us for up to six months if needed. My goal, however, is to avoid tapping into it!

Some might question my reluctance to take on debt, but that’s the risk I seek to sidestep. Every situation comes with an opportunity, especially during turbulent times. I've heard of individuals courageously navigating their paths, like one reader who embraced the uncertainty of his job by opting for voluntary redundancy, effectively launching himself into an early retirement. It’s a beautiful reminder that adversity can sometimes pave the way for opportunity.

Unity in Times of Distress

In the spirit of community, I’ve heard countless stories of kindness and support that are illuminating during these challenging times. Our daughter, for instance, created her "box office" as she prepares for the possibility of studying from home, and we’re all committed to reducing food waste by finishing meals. If schooling from home comes to fruition, it promises to be a fun family adventure rather than a burden.

If you’re uncertain about your job security, don’t bury your head in the sand. Instead, face it and take proactive steps today. Meanwhile, if you’re in a stable position, scan your surroundings for those who could use a helping hand. Together, we can foster a spirit of compassion in our community.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone working diligently to fight COVID-19, especially our leaders who provide guidance during unsettling times. I remain optimistic amidst the storm; I focus on the next few weeks, months, and years, knowing that patience will yield brighter days ahead. So let's keep our spirits high, be kind to others, help ourselves and reach out to those in need. While hugs might be out of the question for now (such a shame for a hugger like me), washing our hands is crucial! Stay safe and happy saving!