The UK is opening back up, the city is filled with suits and coffee shops have queues again. But what does this mean for our finances?
Before lockdown, commuting, and the cost that came with it, was a non-negotiable, it was one of the costs on my ‘must-spend’ list next to rent and food. But after 18 months of staying at home, my brain and my bank account has got used to travel expenses being a thing of the past.
All of that is already changing, in fact TFL have just recorded their busiest day since the start of the pandemic.
As I’ve started heading back to the real world, I've realised that the TFL notification popping up on my phone suddenly doesn’t feel as integral to my living expenses, in fact it feels more like it's coming out of my "fun" money pot. Eughhh.
Plus, on top of that, the fridge being within 5 feet of my desk at home means "meal prep" is a term that has left my vocabulary and my tupperware is gathering imaginary dust in the cupboard. Which, you guessed it, means my Pret notifications are on the rise too...
Whether you are fully remote, hybrid or expected to go back into the office - one thing is for sure. It’s time to re-evaluate our money and our financial plan as we go through our second major transition of the last 18 months.
1. Use the 50/30/20 rule
2. Plan meals in advance
3. Don't feel guilty about buying yourself a coffee