What small things make a big difference when life changes? Tell Money Advice Service for a chance to win a £300 Love2Shop voucher NOW CLOSED

[AngelieMumsnet]

Money Advice Service would like to find out what small things make a big difference to Mumsnetters when they go through big changes in life.

Money Advice Service Say "Life is full of unexpected changes, but sometimes we're not prepared for how they might impact our money. More than one in six working families would receive little or no help from the state and see their income drop by a third, if the main earner became unable to work."
"Here at Money Advice Service, we help people manage their money by providing free and impartial advice. We're really interested to know what Mumsnetters find helpful when going through changes in their lives."

So, what have you found helpful when going through significant changes in your life? Maybe you've found having savings particularly helpful when going through career changes? Or perhaps you find it reassuring to know that you have protection insurance? Maybe it's as simple as knowing you have someone in your life who can support you if you're going through a difficult time?

Whatever small things that make a difference to you when life changes, Money Advice Service would love to hear about it.

For more information on securing your financial future, check out this Money Advice Service guide.

Everyone who adds a comment will be entered in to a prize draw where one Mumsnetter will win a £300 Love2Shop voucher*.

Thanks,
MNHQ

*Provided by MNHQ

[MustBeThursday]

Having an income/outgoings spreadsheet and reviewing it regularly!

Having savings to tide us over in the gap between my Mat Leave starting and DH's job starting, and to cover fees/one offs associated with moving. DH's income fluctuates so having money put away to cover any discrepancy in income/outgoings is also important.

Knowing we are both paying into occupational pensions, and the associated life cover. Also, we have recently taken out an income protection policy for DH, as he main earner.

We both have credit cards "for emergencies". But I also know that if we needed it, my parents would do what they could to help.

[MissChrisOfficial]

We are lucky enough to have savings when times are really tough! Although we try not to touch them - We have a Pot full of lose change and coins and if we need some shopping we try to use the lose change first. I also use coupons for shopping to save money and stock pile when an item is on offer. I also find a good friend helps in a time of need, it makes things better having someone to talk too.

Meal plans and a budget goes along way I think the key for me is to be organised!! and live within our means.

[helcrai]

We had a scary period when hubbie lost his job. My parents were great and helped us out buying the kids' school shoes and uniform. Was so glad that I'd always listened to my dad about "putting money away for a rainy day" as we had to live off our savings while he looked for another job. We could never have survived off benefits alone.

[worriedmum46]

Ive always been a saver. My hubby is a spender. When I had Cancer I was off work for three years with various surgeries and chemo. I was glad to have had savings. Unfortunately I had cancelled a long term disability policy I had with the bank as a financial review found I also had it with work. Having got ill it transpired the works policy paid out at the company discretion - they chose not to pay me :(
Having three young children and no money was blooming tough. I'm very careful to read the small print on any new policy I take out/opt into.

[kpdchudleigh]

I've been through tough times and have no family to rely on so it can be scary sometimes managing the bills and terrifying when the unexpected happens. When our cat became unwell my best friend didn't hesitate to step forward financially and I rest easier knowing she's always there for me in every sense of the word.

[PhilTB54]

Keep a float of cash no matter what treats you want. "Don't spend yourself into debt " was my mothers advice.

[melmoo]

We're basically unprepared for a fibancial setback. We have a little savigs but they wouln't last long.
Fortunatley both the DH and I love the great outdoors (running, cycling etc) and that's free so we'd draw comfort and fun from that. (though it may make us want to eat more)

[janemphoto]

It's a great feeling when you have some savings that if anything bad happens you've got some security

[Dessallara]

Always trying to save some money and have some for a rainy day :)

[chr1ssy0908]

I've learnt the hard way that you have to appreciate being honest open and discuss things! It seems simple yet when it comes to it a lot of us still dont.....

:(

[baconbap]

support from family

[ser01]

we have had many ups and downs, but im lucky to have children who from a very young age have been really mature, understanding and helpful, as a family my kids and I have been through juat about everything from courtcases resulting in jail (not me or my side of the family) divorce a real lack of money so sometimes they missed out on school trips and many other downs but loads of great things like brill school results, fantastic time together, meeting my new husband and many more, they have helped me so much in lots of ways, even though my kids are just kids they have kept me sane, hugged me when they thought I needed they and even when i didnt, i think im really lucky and count my blessings daily.

[Compermo]

We're Ok now, but have never been so short of money as when the children were born. Before then we didn't use my wages for our housekeeping or daily living, only as savings for larger things for the house, so expected to live OK on just husband's wage when I finished work. I wish someone had told me that a baby comes with its own considerable and expensive needs, and we should put aside extra money to cover them. We had a little in the bank, but knew there was never any hope of replacing it for the foreseeable future, so that had to be for emergencies only. Friends were very good, handing down outgrown baby's/children's clothes. You do learn to live very cheaply eventually, but the initial shock was something we could have done without at that time.

[princesssmitheee]

keep savings always. never know when you need extra for emergency

[robyn297]

We try to have a little nest egg to get us through unpredicted expenses. We also are keen Ebayers and enjoy making a few quid from items we no longer need.

[cluckyhen]

We really struggled when I couldn't work due to a bad accident and found ourselves in a right pickle. We found that by using a meal planner, setting a budget on everything and having spending money meant that we got ourselves back where we should be - and we still stick to it now

[jamielmdjs]

The security of savings makes a big difference. I keep my current account pretty empty (good tactic because it makes you work to build it up again - only to move money out again and the cycle starts over). Maximises what is tucked away to be used but only when life dictates it.

[aussiegeckogirl]

savings and equity on the house would help us but we also pay monthly insurance to cover my husband if he was unable to work as he is self employed

[WellWhoKnew]

Mumsnet.

[IRIELADY]

Learning how to say no when people you love request help yet you need the help more than they do!

[GeorgeW78]

Having 3 months worth of salary in an easy access savings account makes us feel better. I'd like it to be more but it's a small cushion.

[balloon66]

Being honest with the kids about having to be more careful with money- there is no point in trying to be anything you cant afford to- it just leads to debt

[whitbyranger]

Having a loving and supportive family is the best help you can have when parents, will ,in turn, be there for them when parents have problems.

[VickyRsuperstar]

I found that when our family went through a major trauma in 2010, we were totally and utterly on our own as we had no family or friends near by. I really, really struggled and it was a very dark time for me that pushed me almost to breaking point. I just held everything together for the sake of the children. However I have the support of a very good online friend who "chatted" to me daily and she helped get me through a very bad period of my life when I felt totally on my own. I have to say it was my online friend who was there for me who made a very big difference as I knew there was someone I could talk to about everything and get some ideas from and I also found that having a faith helped me get through too. I've had my parents say that "online friends aren't real friends", but for me this really wasn't the case and I have a lot to thank my friend for.

[tishist]

we live within our means, so luxuries are appreciated when we do splash out