How To Survive This Pandemic Catastrophe

This Covid-19 pandemic that hits globally has made terrible disaster to all mankind. Though the government is making every effort to resolve the economic fall and disaster but surviving on this pandemic catastrophe lies in our own hands.

When the country started locking-down for Covid-19 pandemic last March 2020, the whole family was deeply terrified. The thought of getting infected with the virus and die is the worst thing to happen to us.

Pronouncement

We adhered to the mandate of the government to stay-at-home for the next 2 months. Furthermore, economic activities had stopped, we had nothing to do the whole day except all eyes were glued on TV for the news update.

Ayuda

The people cried for help that resulted from the total lockdown. Some of the government agencies launched a program to augment the lost income of the people. The employees, marginal income earners, OFWs, senior citizens and the likes were given financial assistance called Ayuda, vernacular word for help, from SSS, DSWD and POEA, among others. Some business loans were extended to employers with no interest thru the program of DTI.

Good Samaritan

In cases like this many good Samaritans are emerging anywhere, willingly extending help to those in need. Public publicity is not that they are after for, but pure heart really dominates in their whole being. The spirit of heroism still very much alive on this modern days. When there are helpless people around, good Samaritans could not dare to stand doing nothing.

Sharing gesture

During the pronouncement of lockdown, the whole construction team was assigned 145 kilometers away from the city. We were so worried that some of them did not bring identifications or important documents to show to the checkpoints for entry. Luckily, a friend from the agency had extended help to my team and it went smoothly. Just an hour before the closure of boundaries, they arrived safely. Before they went home, all salaries were paid plus, they were given rice and some goods.

House construction

After 45 days of lockdown, still there was no economic activity, all were stay-at-home. Speculations heard that soon bank runs and loitering will happen. To continuously provide the needs of our people, my husband and I decided to construct our retirement house.

Financial drain

The first year of pandemic was not of concern for us for we have enough savings. We knew we will survive for a year without income generating. But who would have thought that pandemic continues for 2 years now?

So, we grabbed one bridge project that started November 2020. However, the project did not last for a year either since our client incurred tremendous losses too due to pandemic crisis. As a result, we were not paid, and it builds up on payables also.

We incurred big amount of losses and that our savings are already used up for payment of accounts. Moreover, the 1-year brand new unit 4×4 Chevrolet Colorado Storm was taken by the bank because we could no longer pay on time. To add more, my father in-law died on December 2020.

Financial difficulties, limited movement, mentally drained (watch out my next issue on mental health concerns); it is the worst nightmare of our lives.

Being a fighter, this shall not end here, we need to do some solution. Stated below are the remedies that we have taken:

Sold properties and scraps

All debts are piling up, accounts payables are becoming due. We have one good practices at home that my husband and I shall not fight over a financial problem instead discuss and find a strategy to solve the situation. Though we were not fighting but it caused so much stress and sleepless nights. Finally, we agreed to dispose some of our properties and all the scraps from the construction projects that accumulated over the years.

It did help but not totally solved. So, we need to find another solution.

Expense reduction

Upon running through the expenses, I never realized that we are spending a lot every month.

Stated below are some of the expenses that we agreed to slow down:

No lunch-out

Almost every working day we are taking lunch at the malls or restaurants. A big chunk of amount has been trimmed down since we are working from home. Nevertheless, outside errands are done after taking meals at home.

No shopping

During the 19 months of pandemic, going out to a crowd, including shopping malls, was really feared of by my family. Although, shopping online became so much of a trend and very accessible on the phone. To shy away with the temptation of credit card rampant usage, I never subscribed a shopping apps. Hence, the habit of shopping just died down naturally.

Save on electricity

Lights that are not in use are put off. While the lights outside the house for overnight are put on only when we are off to bed already.

Only 2 air-conditioners are in use during night time. While the door and window at the office are kept open to let fresh air comes in. The aircon unit at the office is being used only during high noon and extreme heat.

Another electricity saving tip is to unplug the refrigerator after dinner or at 9pm before bed. Return to plug only in the morning before breakfast. Since there is no opening of refrigerator the whole night, no defrosting shall take place. All the food and beverage inside are still in good condition. We have this tested for years and it works.

Water consumption

We collect the rain water for use of watering the plants and washing cars. While the water from laundry is used for cleaning of comfort rooms, bathing the pets, and any other cleaning purposes. With this, we are able to save 30-32% of the monthly water bill.

Do household chores

It was hard and painful but we let go our two house helpers. Prior to this, I talked to my husband and daughter that I need them to be involved in doing the household chores.

Save on gas

To save on gas, our itineraries are joint together to ride on one car only. Unlike before he went on his own and I went on my own at separate vehicles. No daily trips anymore but a week’s tasks is scheduled into one.

I then switched to work from home, while meetings at coffee shops and restaurants are now being conducted online.

Suspension of family gatherings and parties

Though family gatherings and parties are costly but we love to bond on week-ends, this is part of our culture. When pandemic hits the country this was temporarily stopped.

Cut non-income generating activities and vices

If you have fighting cocks, it is more expensive than having a pet at home. My husband has a number of fighting cocks, now this is even more a burden since cockpit activities are being prohibited. He decided to dispose them leaving only few to hear some chickens crow in the morning.

Upcoming project

We are planning to do vegetables gardening to save as well on food consumption. I shall give you an update once it is done.

Final Thoughts

This pandemic is really tight to us, those I mentioned above are not sufficient to surpass the lost income. So, we are just taking what we need to prioritize and what to keep.

There is this willingness to detach from the acquired properties, like the 4×4 Toyota Conquest Pick-up. Should the institution takes the unit because of delinquency, then so be it. Since no collection is coming from our clients, we will not resort to borrow money to pay off an obligation. When pandemic is over, soon we can acquire those lost properties again.

The most important thing on this pandemic catastrophe, the whole family is free from the Covid-19 virus and nothing else above that. Nothing is more precious than our love ones.

I love to hear your thoughts on what are your savings measures to survive this pandemic, leaving your comment below is very much appreciated. Thank you.

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Keep safe!