Personal finance is such a personal matter. Some people are so ashamed to speak about their finances that they never get the help they so desperately need. Whilst there are so many blog posts out there all about how to save money in the long run, I´ve written some of them, no one really talks about what to do when you are in dire need of funds for the short term.
Today I want to share with you a few ways how you can make the money you have last longer, as well as how to get your hands on those extra funds that you may need to tide you over until your next payday.
How to Save Money
There are a lot of ways one can save money. Some are silly, and some are downright stupid. If you are more focused on lifestyle changes than ways to save 2 pennies at a time (that will eventually add up, but will take ages to do so) there are some really good things you can do that actually make a difference. Some in the long run, and some short-term, but a difference nonetheless, and one that can help you get closer to being on a better financial footing.
Walk – Yes, it may sound stupid that I am stating the most obvious of human actions, but hear me out. Walking instead of using your vehicle or riding the bus is a method that is so rarely used now it needs to be mentioned. With the prices of petrol and diesel fluctuating, but mostly going on the hike, you can quickly feel the pinch and uncertainty that that expense can bring.
There are many ways to cut down on the costs of fuel, from carpooling to using public transport, but walking is one that can give you immediate savings. If you need the petrol that is in your car to last you through the week, skip the unnecessary trips and get those legs moving.
Instead of hopping in the car to get to Tesco, pop on your headphones, get your running shoes on and walk to your local One Stop. Essentials like milk will cost you virtually the same price across the board and the petrol that is in your car can be used for work or trips that are truly essential. That is, until your cash flow gets back on track, of course.
Quit Meat – If you’re attempting to make an immediate dent in your budget, or stretch the budget you currently have then think about your food. I’m not trying to push a lifestyle on you, but not only is the consumption of meat expensive, it can also have an adverse effect on your health. Some may argue that ham, sausages, and a big tray of mince can help keep your family fed during a tough week, yes, it may.
Another option and one that can be just as filling and tasty are meat-free meals. You can easily save a tenner, if not more, by having a week of meat-free meals. From Japanese onigiris, which are delicious sticky rice balls that can be filled with a simple ingredient like tuna, to quesadillas, which are a delicious Mexican delight. There are so many options and are so much more affordable, and delicious than you may expect!
Question Every Purchase – Another quick way to save money in the short term is to question every purchase, no matter how small it may seem. Do you really need those £2 Primark sunglasses? Can you cancel your subscription box for the month? Is it possible to not go to the cinema and have a Netflix binge instead?
These little purchases are so much a part of daily life that you don’t really question them. If you suspend them temporarily you can save in the short term, and if you question their long-term necessity you can save so much in the long run that you can prevent taking drastic measures right before payday.
If you do determine that a purchase is necessary then consider making your purchase via a voucher code website like dealsdaddy.co.uk. Voucher codes are brilliant whenever you buy something online and can give you a fantastic discount! I use them all the time and have gotten anything from massive discounts on big-ticket items to free shipping offers. Deals Planet is another voucher code website to look into. The more options you have as a consumer the more money you can save and that helps you gain a better financial footing.
How to Earn Money
Earning money quickly doesn’t entail doing illicit things. You may laugh, but there are still people out there that don’t believe that you can earn a little bit of extra money in a quick manner. You certainly can. There are a few quick and easy ways that you can get your hands on the funds you need to help you cover those unexpected expenses.
Clean out the Loft – You can clean out the loft, the storage cupboard, your wardrobe, or anywhere else where there is money just sitting pretty. If you have an obsession for designer items then why not use an old investment piece that isn’t making it into rotation to get a pretty penny. From designer items that can be auctioned online to random bits and bobs you can sell on Facebook groups or Gumtree, there is always money to be made whether you think so or not. After all, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure, as we say across the pond.
Consider a Loan – While getting yourself into debt is absolutely not an option, there are ways that you can get the cash you need quite instantly if your issue is a cash flow one. If you are considering options for quick loans one of options to consider is a short-term payday loan. If used wisely it can be a good option. Always consider the interest rates and whether there are any other fees involved. Try to pay off the loan as soon as you possibly can to keep these low and only go for this option if you have exhausted all others.
Sell Your Services – If you’re in a regular 9-5 job and are looking for a bit of extra funds, then using your skills is always a brilliant option. If baking is your skill then why not consider offering to bake the cake for your friends birthday party? If you’re a student maybe helping fellow students as a proofreader can help your purse? There are always options and skills that you can bring to the table with no additional investments!
There are always ways to make and save money and sometimes all it takes is a bit of initiative, and a little bit of creativity!
