I’ve been reading a lot of posts and doom mongering going on and a lot of people speculating about the markets. In my marketing work lots of clients have gone on pause, but just as many are using this as an opportunity to get some much needed work done….all the bits that slip by the wayside in our busy lives.
With that in mind I thought I’d put together a quick post on 7 things us FIREs (or is that firers, maybe fireerers) could be doing stuck at home.
- Launch that dam website/project/side hustle
You’ve been thinking about it but haven’t done it yet. Me I’ve used some of this extra time to finally launch this website – which if you’re here now you’ll see is definitely a work in progress. But the extra time you have now can definitely be used for that project you’ve been meaning to get off the ground. Use this downtime and stop binge watching Love Island (just kidding please don’t watch Love Island ever).
- Declutter your house
Now is the perfect time to sort out piles of crap to send to the charity shops, to Marie Kwondo the hell out of your wardrobe, and pile up everything you want to go on Ebay or to carboot sales come the summer. Now might not be the best time to sell your stuff but go through it all – everyone is going to be home at the same times.
- Sort out all your bills
The base rate’s dropped to 0.1% mortgage rates will hopefully drop too, get your paperwork together. Spend some time on moneysavingexpert getting your bills all renegotiated – car insurance, mobile phone contracts, energy, the works. It’ll save you a fortune.
- Empty Out the Shelves
Now is a great time to eat all those random cans and packets of food that have been taking up space in your cupboards. It’ll save you having to go to the shops and save you a load of cash – yes you may end up eating a weird bean and mushy pea curry with some odd tins found down the back of the sofa, but you’ll be able to start fresh when you do have to go to the shops.
- Batch Cook
This is a great family activity and, providing you can actually buy any food in the shops (people are scarily stupid), a great way to stock up the freezer. This is a great time to prepare your breakfasts and dinners for the future and save a load of money if you get in this great habit. I’ve ordered some microwave/freezer containers to do this myself.
- Get in Shape
The weather is beautiful, the sun is shining and you won’t need that beach ready body this summer at all….yay. But getting in shape now will give you lots of energy for more FIRE projects and help keep you sane in a world gone mad. Plus you’ll live longer and get a longer retirement too.
- Take Care of your Mental Health
We are social creatures and the mental strain of lockdown is pretty tough on some people. If you don’t have the enthusiasm to do anything don’t beat yourself up about it. We’re all having bad days so take the pressure off yourself if you really don’t feel up to it. Take a break, don’t look at the stock markets, don’t watch the news – watch some Love Island…..i’m still kidding.
Stay safe and have fun everyone.