how to live on a tight budget
How to live on a tight budget
1. Write down all your steady income sources
Write down all your steady income sources in order to determine the exact amount of money that comes in the household on a monthly basis. Many people tend to skip this step, thinking that having an approximate number is enough, or including non-steady income sources (something that can get quite confusing and lead to miscalculations over time).
2. Buying in bulk
Buying products that you regularly use in bulk can save you a lot of money, as they will both last longer and come at a lower price overall. When it comes to milk, juices, coffee, tea, soaps, shampoo, toilet paper and paper towels, buying in bulk is the perfect option.
3.Take care of yourself for less
When living on a tight budget, you cannot afford spending much on taking care of yourself. If you want a good massage, opt for massage training schools that offer cheap massages by students. Those students are well trained and constantly supervised, so you can rest assured that quality is not sacrificed. For manicures and pedicures you can either ask from a friend to help you out at a reasonable price, or go to institutes that train stylists. Like students in massage training schools, stylists in those institutes are well trained and constantly supervised, so it is for certain that you will not regret choosing them.
4. Free is perfect
Learn to look for anything free. There are plenty of free e-books, magazines and newspapers to read on the Internet. Download movies, shows and songs on the Internet for free, instead of renting DVDs from the local DVD store or buying CDs. Local libraries offer free Internet access for a few hours per day. If you cannot resist the urge to go to a movie theater, what you can do to save money is opt for free movie screenings. If you are willing to wait for a few hours in line, it is a good option. In many cities there are galleries that offer free entrance to an art event on the first Friday of the month. Poetry readings always offer free entrance (the only thing you have to pay for is your drink-if you want one). During summer, many parks host music performances for free. Sigh up to websites that offer free sample products. That way you will be able to save money, as you will get a quantity of these products for free, and will also have the chance to test whether the products are of your liking to determine whether you should purchase them or not.
5.Special offers
Another important step to better financial management is training yourself to look for special offers everywhere. In several cities, there are restaurants that offer a restaurant week, according to which some of the most expensive restaurants offer a delicious prix fix menu that does not exceed $35. Purchase the Entertainment Book to find half the price discounts and 2-for-1 coupons on dining, shopping, groceries, travel, attractions and many more. If you shop online, get into the habit of combining orders to reduce shipping costs. Take full advantage of the buy one get one special offers in every shop (just make sure that you really need the items that you get for free). When it comes to clothes, you will get the best special offers if you buy off-season (summer clothes during fall and winter and winter clothes during spring and summer ). Thrift stores and garage sales are also good options, just make sure that you have conducted a thorough research before making your final choice.
By making some financial adjustments you will realise that living on a tight budget is a manageable goal that does not have to affect the quality of your life in the least.
Source:bukisa
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