‘I found lots of ways to save after losing my job’

Jen Kaarlo, 35, from London, says, “I was organising events for a beauty company earning £29,000 a year in 2009, but

I was made redundant.

“Unemployed for five months, I had to change my lifestyle to survive. I claimed Job Seeker’s Allowance, and my then boyfriend and I were just able to cover rent, but with no savings or family or friends who could offer a hand, life had to change. I sold clothes and household items on eBay and cancelled TV and music subscriptions, using free playlists on YouTube and Soundcloud instead.

“I searched online for dishes to make on a budget. I found mushroom stroganoff was great comfort food, and there were always leftovers for the next two days. I still use lots of websites and Instagram accounts to be more frugal with food – I love @hungryromantic. I cut out meat, too, as veggie food is cheaper. Social plans took a slide, so upcycling became my hobby. I created a daily to-do list to feel like I was achieving, and to avoid scrolling through social media.

“If you’re facing redundancy, update your CV and LinkedIn profile. And even if you’re not, start an emergency fund – even £10 a month mounts up over the years. I had studied creative writing but never found work in it, but now I do two jobs: copywriting and writing memoirs for other people. I have my emergency fund – because as soon as I was able to, I put money aside each month, but I also know how to cut back when things are tight.”