In my last finance post, I spoke on ways to increase your income because let’s be honest, sometimes what you are taking enough is barely enough to pay the bills talk more of saving.
I know the last thing you probably want to hear is someone telling you it is possible to save when your take home pay feels barely enough, so I’ll share some tips. Please let me know if you find this helpful.
- First things first, remember where you are is only for a season: things will change and will not always be this way. When you have this at the back of your mind, it is easier to let go of expenses and things that you may have been holding onto. Suddenly, not being able to have a cup of coffee every morning doesn’t suck as much because you realize this is only for a season.
- Create a budget and know what you are spending your money on. I want to note that:
- You can’t afford to not have a budget especially in this economy
- You also have to stick to your budget. If you don’t have a budget, check out this free template!
- Cut down on things you do not need: Now that we know, this is only for a season, it is time to take a look at your budget and cut down on things you don’t need. If you don’t need it, don’t spend on it. A good place to start could be with your cellphone, let’s be honest, there are cheaper plans and a lot of times, if you call them to ask, you can get a lower rate. Same thing applies with wifi.
- Don’t get into debt for things you do not need: Just because it is on sale and you have enough room on your credit card doesn’t mean you can afford it. Even if they offer buy now, pay later; the last thing you want to do is go into debt for a nice to have when there are important bills looming around your head.
- Manage your cashflow: Know when bills are due and prepare to pay for them ahead of time. For example, if you get paid twice a month (1st and 15th) and your rent and most of your bills come out at the start of the month, you can save a portion of those bills from your 15th of the month pay check so you aren’t pressed for cash or broke at the start of the month after paying bills. You could also consider splitting the bills so they are paid throughout the month.
- Save something; no matter how little it is. Cultivate the habit of putting something down.
- Finally, look for ways to increase your income: Here is a whole article on things you can do to increase your income.
On my instagram stories, we had a conversation about this a few weeks ago and here is how most people answered.
Responses to the Question: How do you save when your take home pay is barely enough
Girl, you pay yourself first. No matter how little!
Created another source of income – transcribing
Budgeting.
When I was a student, I cut out a lot of things from my life. I just got groceries and that was it.
By reducing socials and ‘spoiling myself’ as necessary.
Anything mehn from $20 to $50 to $100. I must save something.
You don’t. You figure out a way to make more.
Just do it #Nike
Living below your means. Cut out unnecessary expenses/ luxuries.
That’s it from me. I hope that you have found this post super helpful. Please let me know some of the tips and ways you have saved when there was barely enough. Check out my instagram if you would like to join the conversations on money, personal finances etc. I have these every Wednesday!
Talk soon,
AwahShasha 