Preparation for Downshifting

This is important - I know only to my cost !

As always, it's much easier to write about something after the event. I downshifted 10 years ago and it's taken me the same amount of time to start sorting out certain things.

In those 10 years I've had up's, but an awlful lot of down's. Most of them could have avoided had I sat back and thought about a few things better than I did, some mistakes have cost me dearly !

Credit Card Debt

Try your utmost to clear up any outstanding balances, or at least try to lump sum as much as you can afford. ie £160 per month direct debit pay back isn't so bad when you're earning £50,000 a year, but when you go down to £12,000 it is !

Dentistry

Sounds odd I know. But after downshifting you usually find yourself budgeting certain amounts a month.
Then you suddenly get galloping toothache and a Bill of £100 comes your way.
If you can, try to get an NHS Dentist.
I let mine go and ended up paying £800 in one hit late last year ! Plus I now have no teeth of my own to prove it.

Household Items

If you have an idea of a date you're starting off your new life on, look around and see what's getting old ie Fridge Freezers and other appliances. Buy them whilst you can afford them thus knowing you have some peace of mind for a few years.

Mobile Telephone

Pay it off and go 'Pay as you go'. You'll know exactly where you stand, find yourself cutting down the calls and won't get that nasty shock at the end of the month !

Transport

Like the appliances, make sure it's in good service condition before you start earning a lower income. If need be, change the car for a smaller model and save £££'s on Insurance, Tax and Petrol.

Let your Bank know

Although I really don't get on with my Bank, I am in part to blame. If you don't tell them your intentions, they'll still assume you're earning good money etc. It'll come as a shock to them when you're in trouble and you're less likely to find them helpful in 'business plans' etc.

Six month's before

If you're lucky enough to have this time, live those six month's on the money you're likely to be living on after downshifting.
Say you're taking home £1,500 per month and think you may only be getting £800 after downshifting, that'll mean saving £4,200 for when you start up!

A few days before

Have a Party. It's a bit like a Marriage Day when you do it. It is a completely new life and the first few days of it you'll be feeling very disorientaed. So throw caution to the wind for one night early and CELEBRATE IT !

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Clear as many Bills as you can!

Think of some of the things you may have to give up

More time for family
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