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MNHQ

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

273 replies

AngelieMumsnet · 11/09/2015 13:42

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

OP posts:
flozza42 · 16/09/2015 07:56

We are fortunate enough to have my in laws help if we are ever in a situation where we need their help. It's not often we do ask but it's great knowing that they would and could help if we needed it

jt75 · 16/09/2015 08:21

I take a flask of coffee and sandwich when I go out for the day. Helps me to save money.

LuckyBluie · 16/09/2015 08:26

Savings, savings, savings!

i am so strict about always having a good amount 'just in case'. Smile

castleton · 16/09/2015 08:28

The advice Save in the Good Times and the Bad Times will not be as bad

finleypop · 16/09/2015 08:33

Having a small nest egg. We do not have money to spare, but we make sure we put away a little each month, maybe £10 or £20. It just means that if something breaks down, we have the money available to replace it

janeyf1 · 16/09/2015 08:46

I can only relax if I have savings behind me. I appreciate my mum's advice to always be sensible with money and budget. I hope my DC will continue in the same way

Roraima · 16/09/2015 08:46

Just to have someone to talk to in confidence suffices...

Wilhelmenawonka · 16/09/2015 08:53

Savings helped a lot a few years ago when we were in trouble.
Now I'm a single mum and my parents bought me a months worth of groceries yesterday and are going to help with the gas bill this winter!
We could survive without that help but it means that I can do a few fun things with the girls like days out which makes life that little more pleasant. I'm very grateful

timeforabrewnow · 16/09/2015 09:00

We have our own home with a mortgage, but I have taken out life insurance, so that if one of us dies, the mortgage will be paid off. Unlikely one hopes, but reassuring to have some back up. Our parents have all died and can't help us now!

Clairescottshug · 16/09/2015 09:03

Family and friends are imperative, always there when you need them and vica versa

southernsun · 16/09/2015 09:08

I am always reassured by the fact I know my parents are their for help and support if we hit any problems. It is something which I want our DC to have when they grow up as I think its important to know that no matter what someone is their to help.

Ganne1 · 16/09/2015 09:09

Whether the changes are good or bad (usually the latter), a nice (cheap) meal with one's partner always helps.

phillie1 · 16/09/2015 09:09

Having family members who would also help out without questioning

lizd31 · 16/09/2015 09:13

I had to retire at 44 due to ill health & disability. I would never have been able to keep my house if I hadn't taken out critical illness insurance & had a good pension so it's essential to have these, especially if you have a family.

createbeauty · 16/09/2015 09:21

I moved here from the USA about 8 years ago and had to pay out a lot of money for visas and eventually had to pay £1000 just to apply for citizenship. On top of all that, my husband and I had to start from scratch as I couldn't bring anything with me other than two suitcases of my clothing. I worried a lot and things often went wrong. I've learned that worrying is a waste of time because things will go wrong and wasting time worrying about WHAT will go wrong can't change anything. Just know that life gets in the way when you make plans and to be flexible with whatever life throws at you.

sweetsomethings · 16/09/2015 09:43

i always follow the rule of having 6 months wages in the bank incase we lose our jobs.

scrumpy1 · 16/09/2015 11:07

When change and transition are all around, I think the old adage 'Today's news is tomorrow's fish and chips' becomes all important. Identify and focus on the priorites (expenses, lifestyle changes etc) whilst disregard the many trivialities the crop up in our paths

prwilson · 16/09/2015 11:08

The support of my family and particularly my parents has been a great help in times of change. Even small things like a cup of tea or a comforting word help to cheer me up.

cherylann2461 · 16/09/2015 11:17

My Dad would always try to help but I think support of friends is important too.

beckyinman · 16/09/2015 11:20

I'm really keen to instill the importance of saving in my family - I was always rubbish at it and dependent on my family, but I want to give them a feeling that saving for something you want is the norm and rewarding

happysouls · 16/09/2015 11:33

I think the things that help me with all that life throws my way are:

*having an accurate and open minded approach to my finances and not burying my head in the sand as to how bad things are.

*learning to budget carefully and being really really careful with money all the time, spending wisely, never wasting anything.

I think that sticking to that approach means that whatever happens I'm in the best position to deal with it. Other than that I have no money spare at all for any savings or backup plan and would just have to figure it out as best I can when the time comes!

AdoraBell · 16/09/2015 11:45

We don't have family who would be willing to support in any way so saving is important for us. Unfortunately costs this year have severely depleted the savings we had.

Also, having a stock of non perishable food in the cupboards.
Saving money visibly with coins in a jar as others have said.

feefeegabor · 16/09/2015 12:06

My hubby and I are self employed and struggle all the time with cashflow. We don't have much in savings - we just spend all we earn - but I am on Consumer Pulse and save the vouchers for Christmas/Birthday presents.

glennamy · 16/09/2015 12:09

We as a family always help each other out when needed financially. None of us are reckless with money so it is not abused in any way.

maryandbuzz1 · 16/09/2015 12:37

Friends who say ..Come on I'll treat you to a coffee when I have been strapped for cash. However I have always been careful with money and when I have had it I have made an effort to save even though it might only be a small amount. My mum always used to say pennies make pounds.