OzSTOC

General Category => Active Polls => Topic started by: ST2UP on April 30, 2020, 12:20:42 AM

Title: COVID -19 Poll.
Post by: ST2UP on April 30, 2020, 12:20:42 AM
Firstly and simply....”How are you” ??

How are you and your loved ones coping with the Beer Bacteria and all the potential effects it brings on people wellness and loved ones ?? If you care to comment, many would be interested.

After an informative gathering of essential workers both professional and volunteer at a recent incident at work the main focus of the conversation once we got past health was on to the financial costs to individuals. Some volunteers had lost jobs and doing it really tough, others were better off as they could not do anything other than attend work so were saving money.

And while Heath and Well-being is acknowledged as a far greater importance than $$ one very much has a bearing on the other, so I would welcome your story if you choose to share, or simply participate in the anonymous poll.

 :beer

**You won’t be able to see Poll results until you vote.**
Title: Re: COVID -19 Poll.
Post by: Brock on April 30, 2020, 12:38:17 AM
Hasnt really made a difference to me. I was made redundant before Xmas, so had a payout that is still lasting (fortunately my trip to Thailand for 2 months was pre-funded so didnt eat into the funds).

Perhaps an effect is that there are no jobs to try for, and as I am in the vulnerable range (over 60, and diabetic ) no-body will hire me at the moment due to perceived liability??
Title: Re: COVID -19 Poll.
Post by: Bodø on April 30, 2020, 04:08:18 AM
Financially I think I am better off.  I'm still going to work as normal but other days I am vegetating at home.  With the exception of Good Friday (505km) riding has been restricted to the daily commute (round trip 50km).  I haven't gone to any RTE's or football related lunches, drinking very little alcohol, not gone to football and this week went to a ATM for the first time in about a month.
Title: Re: COVID -19 Poll.
Post by: Shillas on April 30, 2020, 08:28:13 AM
My bank balance says I've been saving, work has continued, principally from home. The savings are not coming in transport, as I lease my car so fuel is paid for in the fortnightly deduction. I've ridden twice in the past month, so small savings there, but our weekends are at home, no entertainment or catching up with friends, so saving financially but would rather have some outside interaction.
Title: Re: COVID -19 Poll.
Post by: STroppy on April 30, 2020, 09:03:29 AM
I have been retired for 14 years, income may take a slight hit but I’m not expecting it to be too much, on the plus side, I’m not doing all those bike n 4wd trips, so saving on those associated costs.

I have already paid for Mudgee accommodation, so only travel, an easy same day ride, and excessive costs of socialising with you lot to cater for!

I would be happy to pay Full Registration Fee and not worry about refund if the Mudgee Gathering does not go ahead. I gather we would still receive the normal goodies pack anyhow if it got to that stage, but was cancelled?

Anyways, I could do with a few days R&R after doing all this work around home, so I will ride to Mudgee anyway and enjoy the company of anyone else who may choose to do the same.

Cheers everyone and take care.
Title: Re: COVID -19 Poll.
Post by: Biggles on April 30, 2020, 09:44:31 AM
Like others, lack of activities to spend money on has meant savings.  We've entertained a few couples at home (when that became legal) so the grocery bill went up a little bit.  But we didn't need to buy thousands of rolls of toilet paper, so that was a saving others didn't enjoy.  One frustration has been seeing petrol well below $1 and not being able to burn much of it.
Our daughter is hyper-cautious about everything, so there haven't been any visits from the grandies, however we were permitted to visit them- always outside on the deck and always minimum 1.5 metres apart.
I've done a lot of very involved word puzzles and Mrs Biggles has been cooking stuff to give to people as "comfort packs".  The latter has given me a few excuses to ride across the district delivering stuff, always with an excuse up the sleeve to tell Plod should I be accused of the felony of riding. 
Title: Re: COVID -19 Poll.
Post by: Mitch on April 30, 2020, 09:48:35 AM
Lost some money with super.  :eek
Saving some money on premium fuel,
first time I can remember I paid less in $ than I used in Lts. :thumbsup
Title: Re: COVID -19 Poll.
Post by: West Aussie Glen on April 30, 2020, 10:01:08 AM
I am definitely financially better off mainly because of limited travel.
Theresa has now picked up a few days relief teaching due to what is happening at schools.

Tonight I should be in Hay on the Goldwing on my way to the Loaded Dog Rally in Tarago, then the Ulysses AGM in Lismore and capped off by a gathering if Indian bikes in Silverton. . This was to be a 7,000km+ road trip over 18 days that would have seen the Goldwing left in Victor Harbor ready to include the Border Run on the home leg. Also has meant that Bodo's old rally tee shirts are still in Perth and I have had to post some ST1300 parts to SA instead of being able to deliver them.

I can't remember when I last went to a petrol station.

I have lost a little in pre booked accommodation charges but I would have spent that anyway.
Most of my airfares are being refunded just not the credit card charge.

My long term plan to convert my back yard from a sandpit to a functional out door area has progressed in leaps and bounds.
There has also been progress with several other jobs that have been on the I can always do it tomorrow list.

Theresa is missing her Friday's working (socializing) at the Save The Children Op Shop and Saturday afternoon volunteering at the Kings Park Nursery

I do feel for the many who are under financial pressure due the this virus one reason I will be out and about when restrictions are lifted.

While the government is working hard at helping those it has done some strange things.
My widowed neighbour runs a family day care centre from home. To the best of my knowledge the federal government's free day care policy has meant that her wages have halved, she didn't get paid by the government in April, mothers on maternity leave are getting free day care and parents who had subsidised day care while travelling to and at work (say taking 10 hrs (8 + 2))m are now getting free day care for the 10 hours even though they are working from home for 8. I think something was lost in the fine print.
Title: Re: COVID -19 Poll.
Post by: ruSTynutz on April 30, 2020, 10:02:18 AM
We're lucky compared to some... :thumbs
While Sue has had to shut down her Driving School business, we're coping okay as her part time job with the local shire has still continued.
That and my pension is keeping our heads above water and is managing to keep us supplied with necessities such as chocolate...  :rofl
Title: Re: COVID -19 Poll.
Post by: StinkyPete on April 30, 2020, 10:11:19 AM
We are missing seeing family and our wide circle of friends, and the occasional Zoom conference just doesn't cut it when we all need a hug.   We are saving mainly due to less travel, and have been doing more reading, gardening and tinkering in the shed, and persuing other inside hobbies.   I am desparately hanging out to go for some decent interstate rides, a fishing holiday, and to sit around a camp fire by the river.    The cynic in my says that as soon as travel bans are lifted, fuel prices will rise, but I did get a 15% refund on my car insurance premiums, offered by Youii to compensate for reduced car use.
We have sufficient toilet paper at home, and stocks on our local shelves seems to be returning.  I do see people becoming generally germaphobic, and seven days with no new cases in SA is encouraging.   We have not been able to visit relos in a nursing home, but that restriction is being eased next week, with temp checks and evidence of a 2020 flu shot being needed before a brief visit.
Overall we are doing OK.
Title: Re: COVID -19 Poll.
Post by: Williamson on April 30, 2020, 10:44:21 AM
Swings and roundabouts here .... could have ticked two boxes, I suppose we all have our own little unique outcomes and views on the current situation.

Saved money, yes.  Nil cafe and restaurant meals, only a couple of takeways (delivered), although Helen is doing her best to keep our local corrner store boutique coffee outlet floating.  Very little spent on petrol.

Lost money, yes.  Super has taken a hit - about 10% down.  Poor (?) bugger next door, a finanical background, as tight and shrewed as they come, but most of all smart.  We have Friday afternoon drinks "together" (separated by 5m, as they are on their front lawn and us, in our driveway), last Friday he mentioned that he has taken a $1M hit on his investments - if that's the order of 10% like mine, poor bugger.

And then our overseas trip was cancelled, received refund on airfares, but still waiting on around $25K from travel agent for European cruises, car hire and some accomodation.  We have been assured that we will get $$, less some fees, refunded.  I'll believe that when I see the $$ hit my bank.  If we don't receive it all, we'll make an insurance claim - but the policy was another $3K so that's $$ I'll never see again.

Helen and I were taking long service leave for our OS trip, when all this blew-up, leave was cancelled, and we now are both still working, both from home.  My last office day was 19 March, so this is my sixth week working from home.  This is a bonus for me as I was otherwise going to retire.   If I had retired, the last six weeks would have been difficult, and the next how many weeks forward, likewise.

So I have not retired, work keeps me busy (and sane), doing the same at home as if I was working, and I get paid.  So I take that as a win.

Other losses - Facetime calls to the kids and grandskids aren't the same as face to face kisses 'n' cuddles, and walks in the park, swings on the swing and slides on the slide.

But, we are safe and well, and as Chris said...
... Heath and Well-being is acknowledged as a far greater importance than $$ ...

Cheers,

Safe Home,

Stay Safe,

Michael



Title: Re: COVID -19 Poll.
Post by: Langers on April 30, 2020, 12:14:11 PM
I'm with Michael on this - swings and roundabouts. I retired on April 5 (it had been in the pipeline for a while, but my timing is impeccable, as usual) and Julie retired a week later. Super has no doubt been affected - but expected to rebound at some stage. Money has been saved as we won't be going on any big trips this year, nor do we eat out and hence we've reduced our super "pension" because we won't need the money.
I've spent some time researching for an ST1300 replacement (currently at 143,000km) and just about settled on a Yamaha MT09 GT Tracer. It's a bit under 100kg lighter than the ST and it is the weight factor I'm most interested in, oh, and it has oem cruise control. I then got Julie's permission for the upgrade. However, I thought a bit more deeply about it and decided I liked the ST1300 too much so will stick with it for now (and let's face it, trade in/resale on a bike with those Kms won't change much over the next few years).
Cheers ... Mark
Title: Re: COVID -19 Poll.
Post by: Gerard & Sandra on April 30, 2020, 12:38:12 PM
We started holidays mid March for a month and trip to Adelaide did not happen. Plenty of things to do at home and involved in house building a house for our boys.  This is my 3rd week back at work and am not complaining as we are both still getting paid.
Rgds
GB
Title: Re: COVID -19 Poll.
Post by: Gadget on April 30, 2020, 05:03:37 PM
Shonee, myself and our family are all well.

We're still seeing the Grand-daughters each Saturday. Just before this started, our daughter had enrolled to train to become a phlebotomist. As our daughter is doing on-line study for the 1st 6 weeks, we are caring for the girls at our place so she can study in peace. They are self-isolating as are we, so we feel safe.

We have saved a lot of money as we are both working from home. Me 5 days a week and Shonee 3 to 4 days per week (her office is going in to work on alternate days.

Leased car for me. so the servicing that was going to be due in early March has now been delayed to probably mid May. Tyre wear is minimal and fuel use right down.

We do feel very fortunate to both still have jobs, and really feel for those who have lost their jobs. Our Son-in-law is baker, so he is also an 'essential' worker.

Yes Super has taken a hit in value, however there is still the same number of shares, and each fortnight the fund is buying new shares at cheaper pri es, so long term, that should be in our favour.

We had already planned and booked to have the white-ant eaten timber fence replaced and the fencer turned up to do the job working on his own. Tha is when we discovered he was 76 years old  :eek. Apparentlyhis 'kids' weren't happy, but he was easily able to social distance at our place.

He built over 30 metres of 180 cm Colourbond fence up the slope beside our house, and installed 4 gates. double gates on one side of the house, a pedestrian near the driveway, and one into the park next door. He did this over several days. So even though we spent money, we had already planned to do it anyway.

Anyway, stay safe and healthy and look forward to catching up when this is all over.
Title: Re: COVID -19 Poll.
Post by: ruSTynutz on May 01, 2020, 01:14:34 PM
(https://i.ibb.co/qg5Mc8y/Great.jpg)
Title: Re: COVID -19 Poll.
Post by: Jdbiker on May 01, 2020, 06:31:52 PM
 :rofl
Title: Re: COVID -19 Poll.
Post by: Bodø on May 01, 2020, 06:39:49 PM
Let's not carried away here.  That has nothing to do with covid 19   :Stirpot
Title: Re: COVID -19 Poll.
Post by: NTRebel on May 01, 2020, 07:08:09 PM
Yes it does he's exhausted from being financially unstable and suffering a mental breakdown due to covid19. :Stirpot :Stirpot :Stirpot
Title: Re: COVID -19 Poll.
Post by: ruSTynutz on May 01, 2020, 07:31:24 PM
 :grin
Title: Re: COVID -19 Poll.
Post by: Shiney on May 02, 2020, 08:22:45 AM
I'm one of the lucky ones, my job hasn't really changed, I do the Security for a logistics company on one of their main depots and as you can imagine the trucks are still making deliveries all over Australia.

So for me financially there hasn't been much change, I'm also able to get a bit of riding in (about an hour each way to and from work :thumb) but still no riding just for fun and no visiting friends :'(

Anyway I hope everyone is okay and staying safe :hatwave

Cheers
Shiney
Title: Re: COVID -19 Poll.
Post by: Rod on May 02, 2020, 09:30:37 PM
No real change in lifestyle, more of adapting to the new ''rules'' for a while, but it did mean we cancelled our trip to England at the last minute so still have not met our newest grandchild which has ben a shame because he's now just oveer three months old.
Title: Re: COVID -19 Poll.
Post by: ppopeye on May 04, 2020, 11:15:27 PM
Chris and I were going a bit stir crazy for a few weeks but we have got used to it. I have been up and down a bit. Getting frustrated and annoyed by smaller issues than would be usual. Had a tough week following the accidents in Vic and SA involving police members. Managed to get through that by having phone chats with the right people.


Our super has taken a hit but as we are spending less as most people are, we have been able to balance it out by withdrawing a bit less for a while. Its amazing what not going to the service station and Bunnings is saving.  I expect it will pick up slowly over 12 months.


Missing family and friends but I have a list going to keep a record of people I message or phone and I try and do a couple each day. So I am catching up with a few almost lost friends. Have been trying to do jobs around home and realised that I havent been doing some of the usual things like checking the forum etc.


I agree with a lot of the comments about missing riding or travelling, camping etc. It looks like the shackles may be loosening soon. Although Vic may be the slowest to take them off.


Unfortunately if the Rally happens in March it would just happen that the annual pilgrimage to Mallacoota has been deferred to March 2020.  It was good we cancelled the Christmas/. New Year holiday last year As Chris would not have coped well with smoke from the fires down there.


Really looking forward to catching up with many OzStocers over the next few months. Stay safe everyone and keep your chin up.
Title: Re: COVID -19 Poll.
Post by: Gadget on June 05, 2020, 01:45:35 PM
Well I'm still working from home 5 days per week. My workplace is still very keen for those of us who can work from home to continue to do so.

Shonee is back at work in the small office (less than 20 staff, own office) 5 days a week.

The Super value has rebounded a bit, but not back to where it was.

I'm finally getting the new tyres on the car, and it is just overdue for a service on distance.

So I'm sitting here as I write this, having lunch at an outdoor cafe for the 1st time in over 3 months.

I had to pick up my new security ID from work last week, so I rode in on Aragog, and I was one of about 12 people in an office area built for about 300. Only 3 of us in the wrong on my floor.

Looking forward to getting back on the road, don't miss the office, and think I could be really well suited to retirement.

Looking to see if I can volunteer in hospitals looking after premi babies when I retire.

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

Title: Re: COVID -19 Poll.
Post by: ruSTynutz on June 05, 2020, 02:20:35 PM
Sue's just been informed (regarding her part time job) that she'll most likely be working from home until the end of the year... :thumbs

I think she's quite happy about that as she can sit in her dressing gown and work if she wants to...lol.
Upside of it all is we're saving a bit on petrol not having to drive to work...
Downside is, we're using the heater & kettle plus running computers & monitors a lot more which is upping the electricity bill.
Oh, and I'm not getting my "quiet time" like before...unless of course I drag out the mighty ST for a ride... :whistle

As for her Driving School...even though some instructors have started back up again, Sue is still a bit hesitant as it's impossible to social distance in a car and with her compromised immune system we are obviously a bit wary of jumping back in too soon...  Wot thuh
Title: Re: COVID -19 Poll.
Post by: Cressida on June 05, 2020, 09:45:44 PM
It hasn't affected my family as much as many due to us being on Veterans pension. However with teenage kids at home and every console, TV, stereo and computer running overtime the power increases exponentially.

As my wife would has always had enough food too cover the next Zombie apocalypse. So daily items like Milk and Bread and Gluten free food for daughter Celiac, were only reason for leaving house. Stayed away from shopping centre  as much as possible. Toilet paper was one of the main problems, so wife went and bought two industrial dispensers when shortage first started, and 4 Rolls (i mounted them in both toilets and wouldn't have anything else now, as they can be purchased in very soft 2 ply).

The biggest problem was the kids not being allowed out to see friends, yet many others were still ignoring social distancing, and going to parties etc.

I am just glad that we can start going out again, and Covid 19 is on the decrease.