For most people, 2020 will be remembered for the year of COVID and the pandemic that spread quickly across all corners of the globe.
For us, 2020 will be remembered for the year that, once more, changed everything again for the Skint Dad family.
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The last months have been some of the most stressful periods of our lives (and I guess yours as well).
Not only have we had a pandemic to deal with, but, like many other companies, we also have a business which lost 70% of its revenue overnight in March of last year.
Back in February 2020, things were going really well for us. We had been debt-free for several years. We had a business going from strength to strength, a home that, although we couldn’t call our own, still felt like home.
The kids were both happy at school, and things were really starting to come together for the Skint Dad family.
Then came COVID-19
At first, we didn’t think much of COVID. The news was reporting bits and pieces, and being honest – we weren’t really taking much notice. That was until Boris Johnson put the whole country on lockdown at the end of March.
Scared. Hopeless. Anxious.
This is how I felt over the coming weeks.
I couldn’t sleep, l couldn’t turn the news off, and I couldn’t tell my daughters that things would be okay because I was unsure what the future held – I still am.
All the time this was going on, our business was dying fast. The knock-on effect of a worldwide lockdown for us meant a loss of contracts, loss of revenue, loss of everything.
I went through some dark times. I won’t lie.
For the first time in many years, I felt completely lost. And although I was there for Naomi and the kids, making sure the brave face was always on show, I had fallen apart internally.
So time went on and, although COVID was (and is) rife, my confidence that things were actually going to be okay in the end started to return. Unfortunately, our business still hadn’t.
We didn’t earn enough money to cover our rent throughout April to July, let alone adding business bills, any other household expenses or food. It was horrible. And because we are both self-employed directors, we also didn’t qualify for any proper government help.
Thankfully, we did have some savings and family members helped us out more than they will ever know. Without them, we’d be back into some serious debt, and emotionally, well, I really don’t know.
So there we were, mid-pandemic, business on the slide, and not knowing what the future held. It was at the moment where it would have been quite easy to give up – but that’s not how we roll.
How it started
In February, we’d gone to York for a few days as we were tentatively heading towards deciding to move from Tunbridge Wells in Kent, up to Yorkshire.
We love Tunbridge Wells, but it’s so god damn expensive. And although this town means so much to us, and it’s where our family live, we realised a long time ago that we weren’t going to be able to buy a house here, or have any security for us and the kids in the future.
We had to make some big decisions.
See All We Want is a Place to Call Our Own and To Move Or Not To Move? That Is The Question!
Anyway, we went to York and really liked the feel of the city. We were excited about the possibility of a fresh start, and putting down roots in a home we could call our own.
We pinpointed an area of York that was affordable for us and made plans to head back up once we knew the kind of mortgage we could afford.
Now if you look at the house prices in York, it’s still not that cheap. When it came down to it, compared to Tunbridge Wells, it is much more reasonably priced. Especially at a time where our business and circumstances felt like they were on the up.
We came back full of enthusiasm and a bit of a plan. Well, that plan went completely out the window once the business started nosediving in April.
It still didn’t deter us, though.
How 2020 continued…
Back to July. The business had started to pick up a little, but still nowhere near how it was just a few months before.
Bills were still coming in, and rent still needed to be paid — a decision had to be made.
We knew our business would recover, but it was going to take a bit of time. We work tirelessly every day and knew that as the pandemic eased, and a vaccine was found, we would bounce back.
The idea of moving to York was not something we could financially push forward with at the time. That didn’t mean we couldn’t look to relocate elsewhere though.
We just needed to find somewhere affordable enough.
I posed the question in the Skint Dad community group, and we had so much good advice (thank you all).
One of the places mentioned was Kingston-upon-Hull. Naomi and I researched and decided it was worth a closer look – especially as the house prices weren’t out of reach for us. Really reasonable actually.
So, armed with a list of things and areas to check out, we booked a super cheap Airbnb and headed up there.
Now I know you can’t judge a book by its cover, but Hull’s research had brought up a few things we needed to investigate further.
We came across articles stating that it wasn’t a very nice place to live, the crime rate was high and the place smelt like fish (?).
Well, I can tell you now, you shouldn’t believe everything you read! Really, you shouldn’t.
Hull had never been on our radar before as somewhere to live. No one had recommended the place to us, we didn’t really know anything about the city, and we had no family nearby.
That didn’t put us off though. We managed to check out plenty of areas for the days we were there, viewed loads of properties, and even managed a trip to the beach, which was a short drive away.
We had a good walk around the city centre, checked out the harbour, spoke to plenty of really friendly people, and tried our best to take in the feel of the place.
We really liked the city. We really liked the people. We knew we’d found somewhere we could settle where we could rebuild our business and build a good life for all of us.
How it’s going
So…
At the very end of last year, we probably made the biggest decision of our lives.
After years of being in debt, with credit reports that could make you cry, we got offered a mortgage and bought our first house 225 miles away in Hull.
An actual real house of our own. Not rented. Not extortionately expensive. A home that’s affordable, and where we won’t have to move again if we don’t want to. A secure home.
Compared to where we live now, we’ll be paying just over £1,000 less each month – for our actual own house!!
Just writing that sounds unreal.
We’ve got quite a few things to sort out and loose ends to tie up before moving in, but expect lots more details to come.
Whether it’s the right decision, time will only tell. I can promise you this though; I’m not going to let a pandemic get in the way of giving my family the best life possible.
For the first time in months, I’m actually excited for the future.
– Skint Dad
Just wanted to add a few special thanks – I know this isn’t the Oscars, so I’ll keep this short.
Thank you to the Skint Dad community and long time supporters. You’ve been instrumental in helping us make decisions, giving us solid and practical advice, steering us on the right path and keeping us accountable.
Online Mortgage Advisor and our broker, Jenna – we first spoke with OMA in 2018 about plans to get on the housing ladder, and they were really helpful.
We didn’t forget the conversation, so we knew that we would be back in touch when it was time to start the process. Thank you, Jenna, for the human approach. You know how much this has changed our family, so thank you again.
Finally, and most importantly to our friends and family – a million thanks for being supportive with what we’ve decided and for being a voice of reason.
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Jane says
Lovely news Ricky and Naomi
All the very best to you all
Naomi Willis says
Thanks so much, Jane
Gale says
Good luck with the move and all the very best in the future
We live across the river from hull
Have fun
Stay safe
Gale & Patrick xx
Naomi Willis says
Thank you Gale. We’ve got lots of exploring to do across the river as well :)
Claire m says
We’re across said river
Naomi Willis says
*waves* :)
Maria Kenny says
I had a lovely weekend in Hull with friends a few years ago, well done on getting your own property.
Naomi Willis says
Thanks so much, Maria. Hope you’re keeping safe
Sue says
Welcome to Hull Inwas born Isle ofnSheppey Kent and i love it here its only five hour drive down south not million miles away so you wont getnhomesick lots people settle here
Naomi Willis says
Totally agree, Sue. Having been apart for so long during lockdown, we’ve learned to keep in touch more online too, so it will be a bit similar.
Rosie says
Good luck to you all. Change is good, leads to growth. I really hope you embrace your new area and lifestyle. I’m a Londoner by birth and have lived all over Europe and England, at present in the Midlands. I wouldn’t go south of Watford again – couldn’t afford it!!
All the best xx
Naomi Willis says
Thanks so much, Rosie, very much looking forward to getting to know the new area and exploring Yorkshire
Denise Lee says
Good luck in your new home. Perfect time of year to move if you’re still into growing vegetables.
Naomi Willis says
Thanks, Denise. We’ve got a small patch we can grow something in the new place, which is great for the kids too
David says
I must have missed the article first time round….
Well done to you for making a brave decision to move so far away from what you knew and loved….
May you enjoy a long and very happy time in your new home.
Naomi Willis says
Appreciate that, David. It certainly wasn’t an easy decision, but really think it will be the right one
Billie says
This is amazing news. I have been following you guys for years and I am so happy for you I really am. Just to let you know you guys guys have helped me and my family more than you will ever know and I truly thank you for that, but the main reason I just had to comment is the fact that I live and am from Hull and it is an amazing little city with lots of lovely free days out not too far away. You will love it here
Ricky Willis says
Hi Billie, we’ve certainly seen a lot of change over the years and it’s helped us grow stronger as a family. I’m humbled that we’ve been able to help your family. I have to say that the whole SD community has helped us keep on track and stay focussed, so thank you too. I cannot wait to start exploring and finding new family favourite days out.
John Ryan says
“You never know what people are going through” my mother always says this! It’s true. The last year was so difficult! We are on the way out of COVID thank God!
Congratulations on your new home. I only found your blog recently – a great read. Hello from Ireland. Take care.
John
Ricky Willis says
I totally agree with your mother!
Glad you’ve been enjoying the site, Jonh. Best wishes to you
Marjorie says
Fantastic news for you all. I love York. My boyfriend was born in Hull but moved away a long time ago but he was always a proud Yorkshire Man ☺️. Congratulations and good luck for the future
Ricky Willis says
Thanks, Marjorie :)
Lisa says
Good on you! You can’t keep a good family down.
Lisa – Melbourne
Ricky Willis says
Very kind to say, Lisa, thank you
Donna says
Welcome to Yorkshire … it’s one of the best counties in the country and has everything you could wish for – gorgeous beaches, fabulous hiking hills, beautiful scenery, wonderful people and amazing food. Whether you are in the north, south, east or west part of the county, you will find something unique to each one. Enjoy exploring … when you are allowed …and you will never be bored, or amazed by the diversity of the landscape, or its people!
Ricky Willis says
Hi Donna, thanks for the welcome. We spend a LOT of time trying to find the absolute best place for our family to settle and I have to agree that we’ve found a total gem! We can’t wait to get exploring
Dean says
How fantastic for you all – best of luck moving things up. But you’ll love Hull! Congratulations all around :)
Ricky Willis says
Thanks so much, Dean! :)
Kathy says
Good luck! Love reading your updates. Sure you will all be happy ‘up North’
Ricky Willis says
Thanks, Kathy. I’m sure we will be. Can’t wait to start exploring – when we’re allowed to :)
Barbara says
It’s always wonderful to hear about other people’s success,almost as wonderful as moving forward oneself.I am so cheered by your news and your willingness to take a step outside of your comfort zone.Congratulations!
Ricky Willis says
Hi Barbara, thank you so much for your kind comments. I think stepping outside your comfort zone is something the only way to move forward in life.
Gillian says
Congratulations to you both. Tho 2020 was the year of the pandemic. It was also a year of re evaluation. In many ways. Such an excellent opportunity has arisen in such a time of misery. Just goes to show that some of our best decisions are made in our not so good circumstances. Congratulations again
Ricky Willis says
Thanks, Gillian. I totally agree with you. We seem to push through stronger as a family when times are tougher. Although, more than happy for the easy time to return again
Susan Johnson says
Hi Ricky and Naomi
Your sites on Facebook have been a blessing to me for many years now, I wish you all the best for the new exciting place.
I wonder if you could help me out by explaining why your business lost so much revenue as I thought you were on line. I know a few other site have complained the same but it doesn’t seem to make sense to me as everyone put everything on line, so why the lost revenues.
Same with newspapers and journalism, I can see they lost the sales but surely the on line ads would make up for that, anyway, I’d just like to know, if you’d rather not say, that’s fine.
Best wishes for a successful venture in 2021.
Ricky Willis says
Hi Susan, I’m so glad you’ve found the communities helpful.
We’re more than happy to explain things. For us, we earn a portion of our income from display adverts that are shown when people visit the site. When everything first happened, people weren’t really interested in saving money (they just wanted news) so visitors to our site dropped dramatically. For the adverts you see on our site, we get paid X-amount per 1,000 visitors. This X-amount dropped as well. Marketing budgets of the advertising companies were cut or they just cancelled their adverts. There was no point in them advertising cinema trips, meals out, holidays etc if no one could do any of that stuff. This has an impact on all online advertising.
Where adverts aren’t sold, instead of letting the spaces disappear, we’ve donated them to public service messaging. You may see adverts about washing your hands and COVID awareness, Black lives matter, kindness, suicide prevention, Alzheimer’s Awareness, promotion of STEM for girls, and some more.
We also make money through sponsorships and affiliates. Contracts we had with companies were put on hold, and new sponsorships froze up as, again, companies weren’t looking to advertise in the uncertainty. In terms of affiliates, some companies stopped their programmes as they had too many customers going to them directly, and couldn’t keep up with demand. They didn’t want websites referring more customers to them.
Add all that together and it’s a real hit to revenue.
As we’re all getting more used to lockdown living, things feel like they are starting to return to some kind of normal, although there is still some way to go. There are definitely brighter days ahead.
Mary Reed says
All the best Ricky and Naomi and family! It’s a really exciting time for you all – new beginnings, and I’m sure that all will be well. My late husband came from Bridlington, just down the road, and we always found Yorkshire people so very friendly. Look forward to hearing more! Thank you for everything, God bless. Stay safe, love Mary
Naomi Willis says
Thanks for your lovely words, Mary. Bridlington is definitely on our list of places to go
Roger Kretzschmar says
Hi, great news that your money is now buying your own place. We did the same 14 years ago leaving London for Thanet, supposedly the poorest area of Kent. Today we are mortgage and debt free after so many years and will have something to leave our children and live 10 mins from the beach.
Did your daughters find it hard to leave their friends etc?
As a truck driver I find Hull the easiest city to get in and out of. No real traffic.
You’re going to find lots of great days out , suupose you’ve been to The Deep already?
Any chance of some more details on your new house, price , size ?
Diane Baker says
I missed the first part of this story but wish you all the best in your move, exciting times for you ahead in making your new place your own x
Jacqui says
hope you will be very happy in Hull. My son went to university there for three years and also met his wife there. he loved the city and was really happy there. Whenever we went to visit we loved it and have ended up moving just over the water from there into Grimsby. If you are looking for a church, he went to Hull vineyard who were amazing in their help and support.
Dan @ The Financial Wilderness says
Wow – what a year you’ve had. Well done for just getting through such a tough situation, and I’m glad you’ve found somewhere you’re so happy with!
Naomi Willis says
Thanks Dan :) feeling very happy and settled now
Richard Newlove says
Just seen news of your move to Hull on Look North – congratulations and welcome to ‘Ull!
Naomi Willis says
Hi Richard, thanks for the warm welcome.
Dave says
Welcome to Hull! I’m another southerner who has made (East) Hull home and live it here. Feel free to get in touch using my email if you need anything.
Naomi Willis says
Thanks, Dave :)
Patricia Campbell says
So pleased for you. Good luck
Naomi Willis says
Thanks, Patricia :)