Boiler Breakdown? How to take the stress away from unexpected Issues

It’s the middle of winter, the temperature outside is sub-zero, and your boiler has picked this moment to break down. It can be a frustrating and worrying position to find yourself in, especially if you aren’t in the fortunate position to have an emergency cash fund to cover the cost of a repair or, in the worst-case scenario, a whole new boiler.

Unexpected bills and household woes can leave you feeling deflated and stressed. If you’re concerned about finding yourself in this position there are ways in which you can reduce the impact these situations have on your daily life:

Save for a rainy day

It’s easier said than done, especially if you don’t have a high level of disposable income, but setting aside a small amount of money each month can really make a big difference when it comes to covering the cost of something like a broken-down boiler. It might mean cutting your daily takeout coffee back to a weekly treat or becoming a little more frugal, but it could be a real lifesaver in the long term. You never know when an unexpected payment could come your way and having a buffer will enable you to cope with the situation and move on.

It’s also worth looking into home insurance with added boiler cover. This means in the event of a breakdown you can lean on this to get the repair work carried out and claim back for the cost later. Some energy providers also offer this level of protection for an additional fee on top of your normal charge.

Borrow if necessary

In the case of a broken boiler, it’s unhealthy to attempt to live without heating and hot water. Particularly in the winter, these things are a necessity and you can become unwell if you live without them for any length of time. If you’re running low on funds, you might have to bite the bullet and reach out to your close family and friends for financial support. If you explain your situation, they should be understanding.

If this isn’t an option and you’ve exhausted all other avenues, you could consider applying for a short-term loan to see you out of this tricky spot quickly. As with all kinds of credit, it’s important that you pay a short-term loan back as soon as possible and never rely on loans to pay your normal monthly bills. Research the type of loan you would need and what such a loan will cost first, and make sure you can pay it back comfortably to prevent any further financial difficulty.

Earn extra cash

If you’re having a string of bad luck and find yourself with mounting bills and payments that you’re struggling to keep up with, then it might be worth looking into different opportunities to earn some extra money. This way you can minimise the sacrifices you’re making to your daily living expenses, and you can afford to pay out when life catches you off guard. There are tonnes of ways to make money online and some people even make a living out of re-selling on eBay these days! It doesn’t have to be long-term, but it could help you to solve any financial woes and avoid feeling too stressed.

Unwind from the stress

Stress can have a hugely negative impact on our bodies, so it’s important that you take care of yourself both during and after any stressful periods in your life. There are different ways in which you can try to manage your stress levels; meditation is a great place to start. You need to allow your mind time off and give your body a well-deserved rest. Meditation allows you to leave your stresses behind and enter a state of deep relaxation. You could also try increasing your exercise, writing a journal and reaching out to family and friends for support. Don’t be afraid to speak out and ask for help.