Getting through more lockdowns

As many countries across Europe keep going in and out of full or partial lockdowns, it’s clear that we shouldn’t count on a definite end to this pandemic in the next few months. While biotech and pharmaceutical companies have made progress on the Covid-19 vaccine front, it’ll still be a while before they're manufactured and distributed. Therefore, we should prepare for lockdowns still to come well into the holiday season and afterward.

Plus as the weather gets cooler, many of us are probably spending our time indoors these days anyway. But at this point, you may have run out of ideas on what to do while you’re stuck at home again. So we’ve created a roundup of tasks you can take on to help get you through any other lockdown and keep you busy. Hopefully, this will help you pass the time while staying efficient at the same time.

Revisit your savings and budgeting goals

To help get you through the next few months, this might be the perfect time to rethink your financial plan. Take a look at what needs adjusting and come up with a game plan to make it happen. You’ll feel much better and more in control of your financial situation once you’ve modified where needed! Remember: it’s never too late to get back on track.

Review the services you’re paying for

While you’re at it, this might also be an excellent time to review some of your regular spending and subscriptions and find out where you could afford to cut back. If you don’t know where to start, we’ve got your back. We’ve gathered some common services you can revisit to help keep your spending in check while self-isolating.

Read up on the latest scams

Since we’re all spending so much extra time at home, this also means a lot of us are spending extra time online. Plenty of scams are making their way across the web, so it might be worth taking time to educate yourself on some of the latest coronavirus scams and types of financial fraud that have been floating around this year.

Talk money with your significant other

Speaking of money and budgets, when was the last time you talked to your partner about your joint finances? Last month? Last year? Never? Well, not a problem because we’ve got you covered with some of the best ways to approach the taboo topic. Since many of us are spending so much extra time indoors with our spouses, this might be the best opportunity to sit down and discuss your financial goals together. It’ll bring you closer as a couple, and you’ll be that much more in-sync. Take advantage!

Work from home productively

Still working remotely? There are ways to make sure you’re doing so efficiently. Here at Monese, our UK team continues to work from home. We thought it’d be helpful to ask some of our team members how they’ve adjusted to telecommuting this year, plus any tips they might have. Luckily for you, they had plenty of advice to share. And if you’re a parent working from home with your children, our team had lots of great suggestions for handling this as well!

Pick up a side gig

Speaking of working from home, we’ve made a list of jobs you can do right from the comfort of your couch. If you’re looking for time to kill on the weekends or are strapped for cash these days, consider picking up one of these gigs. From online teaching to data entry jobs, you’re sure to find something on our list that suits your skills.

Build your emergency fund

On the topic of extra funds, it’s important to continue contributing to your emergency fund when you can or when you have a surplus of income — especially during these unprecedented times. Just knowing that you have a cash cushion to fall back on will help you feel more at ease and prepared for a hazy post-pandemic future. If you don’t have an emergency savings pot, check out how to start one here.

Watch, read and listen to this

We’ve created a list of movies, documentary series, books, even podcasts that’ll teach you to better manage personal finances. So instead of binging on the next recommended mindless series on Netflix, why not learn something new and useful instead? This is sure to keep you and the whole family entertained for hours.

Travel the world...from your couch

When you do need a break from all the learning and planning, see the world from the safety of your own home. At the top of the outbreak, we put together a list of museums, zoos, botanical gardens and famous landmarks you can visit virtually.

As Covid-19 cases continue to rise across Europe, how are you preparing to get through more lockdowns? We’d love to know what your plans are this time around. Let us know on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or drop us a line at community@monese.com.