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Sometimes we get hit with a lot financial things all at once, and it can be really overwhelming. Even when you’re doing your best to manage your finances, an unexpected car repair, a big medical expense, or a surprise appliance breakdown can all hit at once. We’ve all been there, and if you haven’t, you might be one day. Here are 10 ways to get through a tough month when money’s tight.
What to Do When Money’s Tight: 10 Ways to Get Through a Tough Month
Make a list of all the financial things that are weighing on you.
It always helps to write things down. Our brains were made to solve problems, not to keep lists. Once you can see what you’re dealing with, you might be able to think of some ways to lighten the load.
Balance your budget or make a simple spending plan for the rest of the month.
Even if you don’t have a budget, you can look at the money you expect to bring in and your remaining expenses for the month and see if there is anything you can cut.
Be OK with saying no.
Whether it’s to your kids or your friends or someone else, it’s perfectly respetful to say, “That’s not in our budget right now.” It can feel hard to say these kinds to our kids, especially, but you’ll actually be teaching them an important lesson about money and self-control!
Delay non-urgent purchases.
Whenever you run out of something and would usually go ahead and purchase more, consider if it can wait until the next month. Is there some alternative item you can use for now?
Make it a challenge to shop your pantry and freezer.
Try to see how many days you can avoid going to the grocery store. Even if you have some weird meals, if you look at it as a kind of game, it won’t feel like a burden and you’ll be saving money.
Remember that small things add up to big things.
Maybe you can cancel all your streaming services and other subscriptions for the month. It will just be for one month, and depending on how many streaming services you have, it could add up to as much as $100 a month.
Find a few things to sell (here’s how to sell online).
It might not make up for the lack of money, but it isn’t nothing! Clean out the garage or look through the attic.
Find frugal things to do that you enjoy.
Focus on things to do in your free time that don’t cost any money. Make a craft with supplies you have; enjoy a movie night at home; have a family game night. Remind yourself that you can still enjoy life when money is tight.
Don’t bear the burden alone.
If you’re married, make sure you and your spouse both know the financial situation. If you know things are tight and your spouse doesn’t, they may continue spending, adding to the burden. If you’re not married, consider sharing your struggles with a good friend.
Ask for help.
This can look a lot of different ways. If you’re part of a church community, many churches have benevolence funds for members and regular attenders. There are also often ministries to help with basic needs like food and personal care items, especially if you have children.
