The week before payday is never pretty. No matter how well we think we’ve budgeted or how stringent we’ve been with our spending, somehow we always end up scraping by with approximately a tenner to our name.
If you’re feeling the pinch this month then this article is for you. Here’s how you can make your pennies go a little bit further.
Take out your cash
It’s very easy to just tap your card at the shops. Spending money has become so simple that sometimes we don’t even notice that we are doing it. If you really want to watch your spending then you should withdraw your disposable income at the start of the week. Being able to actually see the money that you have left in your purse or wallet should help you to become more thrifty. It will also stop you from going into your overdraft.
Have some discipline
Self-control is crucial in the days before your next pay cheque. You need to be sensible and quite strict. Avoid retail therapy. If you’ve had a bad day go out for a walk or meet up with a friend instead of hitting the shops. Similarly, if you can’t afford a night out then stay in. One weekend on the sofa won’t kill you.
Afterall, you won’t be broke forever. You can treat yourself once payday rolls back around.
Plan your meals
Food is a massive weekly expense. We’re not saying that you should starve yourself but a few simple changes could make your money go a lot further. Plan your meals for the week in advance. Prep all your food on Sunday night and you will be less tempted to splash out on a team lunch or cheeky takeaway.
If you want to make even more savings try to cut back on the amount of meat that you consume. Vegetarian meals are usually much cheaper to prepare and you’ll be helping the environment too.
Ditch the morning coffees
A fancy coffee on the way to work can be a great pick-me-up but it is also an expense that you don’t need the week before payday. Cut back on impulse buys and make your morning brew in the office instead. The same goes for impromptu croissants and scones. Stick to your morning bowl of porridge and you will save a pretty penny in the process.
Walk to work
Say goodbye to last-minute taxis. If you’re really serious about saving money then you should cut back on any unnecessary spending and that includes transport. Where possible try to walk or even take the bus. It might seem like a small thing but all these little savings can add up to make a huge difference.
Switch your supermarket
Now is not the time to start shopping in Marks and Spencers. You should also try to stay away from local corner shops too. If you want to make it to payday then you have to be ruthless. Only buy the things you absolutely need. If you want milk for your breakfast that’s fair enough. If you’ve got your eye on a luxurious faux fur coat now might not be the best time to purchase.
