At the end of the month, it’s normal to feel like you’re running on fumes. Nearly 80% of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck, according to a 2017 survey conducted by CareerBuilder. So, how can you make that last week of the month a little less stressful? If you’re not able to increase what goes into your bank account, you might want to consider decreasing what comes out of it. We’re here with a few helpful tips for buckling down and making the most of your money at the end of the month.
Breathe.
First things first, don’t let the situation put you into a panic. A racing mind doesn’t always think clearly. Take a moment for some deep breaths and let any anxiety escape you. Remember, you can make a plan and you will get through this.
Tighten Your Belt.
Take into consideration how much you spend and where you spend it by filling out a budget. Think groceries, transportation and other necessities. If you have cable, streaming services or monthly subscriptions, you may want to consider canceling or pausing them until a later date. If possible, try walking, biking, or carpooling to work. Right now, every dollar counts.
Get Crafty in the Kitchen.
Money spent eating out and ordering in can really add up. Consider this your chance to get creative in the kitchen. Take inventory of food items in your pantry and research budget-friendly recipes. Trust us, there are TONS of them out there. Before visiting the grocery store, research coupons and sales. Make a list of what you need and stick to it.
Clean Out the Closet.
There are a few ways to make a little extra cash that may be right under your nose. Selling gently worn (or never worn) clothes and household items or furniture on sites like Poshmark, Facebook Marketplace or LetGo can also help bring in some quick cash to get you through the end of the month.
Set a Weekly Budget.
It’s said that the best defense is a good offense. Budgeting may not be easy to do on pay day, but at the end of the month you will totally appreciate it. If you’re paid once a month, split your income into four weeks of expenses so you don’t overspend too quickly. If you’re paid twice a month, set aside money for bills and rent payments. An emergency fund is also a great fallback plan, so adding a little here and there with every paycheck definitely helps.
You can learn more about budgeting and choose a budget style that’s right for you by checking out our budget blog series.