It’s not fun to be broke. Hell, no one wants the feeling of being broke. No one relishes in the fact that they don’t have money. No one wants to admit they can’t afford to go clubbing every Friday night, go shop for designer clothes at the 30th Mall or grab some bite at the fancy organic restaurant that opened last week. It’s sad, but it’s the truth. Not everyone has a six-figure paycheck or something like that.
These people are regular people. They are the hard-workers in the office who don’t get as much as they’d hope to have. They might have manicured lawns, by they don’t have anything on their savings account. These people are the kind of people who need to save up to celebrate the holidays.
If you are one of those people, there’s no shame in admitting it. Most of the population belong to this economic bracket. In reality, they fake it. They fake it until they make it. You can do the same too, and this is how to do it.
1. Don’t quit your job
If you don’t have a backup plan, you shouldn’t pass a resignation letter. You shouldn’t leave your job when you don’t have a fallback. It’s risky. There isn’t any assurance you’ll get a source of income as soon as you leave your company.
2. Become productive
Don’t spend your time on trivial things. Spend it on things that help you grow as a person and thrive as a professional. Take online classes. Most of them are free and readily available. Learn a new skill. You can find a lot of tutorials and instructions on the Internet. Find something to do that helps you earn money.
3. Don’t be a time waster
Don’t ever waste someone’s time. Time is a valuable resource. It’s also something no one can ever take back. If you’re running late, give them a call or leave a message. If there’s a conflict of interest, you should inform them ahead of time.
4. Be honest about your finances
It pays to be truthful to yourself and those around you. Don’t keep secrets to your partner. Don’t cover up your spending habits or mistakes. Most couples end up in divorce because they choose to keep things to themselves. Open up about the thing you do to build trust.
5. Save up for rainy days
You never know when you’ll run into emergencies. Eventually, someone gets sick. Other times, it’s your home that needs repairs. You should always be prepared for the things that might come your way.
6. Don’t waste water and electricity
If you’re low on budget, then you must consider how you consume these two. Remember, you have control over how you use these two things. Don’t leave the tap running. Limit turning on the water heater. You should also think about using surge protectors. You can save a lot of money when you become cautious about how you use water and electricity.
7. Limit expenses
Try not to undertake new financial responsibilities especially when you can’t handle them anymore. It only attracts problems in the household. It also places additional pressure on you.
8. Walk
Use your feet. Don’t drive the car when you can walk towards the place you need to be. It helps you save money on gas. Moreover, it reduces traffic and pollution. Last but not least, you get fresh air and exercise.
9. Don’t go on expensive dates
There are plenty of cheap date ideas you should try. Instead of ordering a salad and a steak, you should try visiting the library or the local museum. You can also set up tables and tents in each other’s backyard instead of going to the movies and consuming overpriced popcorn. Being picky about your activities doesn’t mean you’re a cheapskate. It only shows you’re being smart about your choices.
10. Do the cleaning yourself
Don’t be lazy. Don’t hire a housekeeper to wash the dishes or scrub your bathroom tiles. Teach yourself to do them. It can some work, but you’ll manage as long as you have patience. You should also try cleaning the car and tending the grass yourself. You’ll learn to take better care of your things when you tidy up by yourself.
11. Don’t shop for expensive gifts
Holidays, birthdays and special occasions often call for gifts. But, it doesn’t mean you have to purchase the most expensive ones on the shelf. Before you go shopping, you should put your budget to mind. You shouldn’t get things that go beyond your limit.
12. Don’t take frequent trips to the salon and spa
It feels nice to pamper yourself, but you don’t need someone else to do it for you. You do your nails at home or try DIY facial treatments without heading to the spa. Frequent pampering sessions are a must, but they bloat your expenses.
Faking it doesn’t mean you’re trying to be someone else. It just means you’re doing your best to get by when your income isn’t enough to cover your needs. These are the things that can help you do it. Practice them until they become part of your routine. That way, it feels natural and fits your life like a glove.