FINANCIAL BUDGET - PART #1 "CUTTING EXPENSES"
- infoinpursuitofhea
- Nov 6, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Nov 7, 2024
Life has a way of knocking us down from time to time, it's inevitable. The question is, do we crumble and fall or do we rise to the challenge. It is no secret we are living in hard, economic times. Humanity as a whole is facing difficult choices between paying enormous housing expenses, together with utilities or buy food and necessities. Food banks are struggling because of the numbers of families and people needing help to survive.
Homelessness is on the rise like never before and governments are not helping; in fact, it might be by design of the governments to stress their people (but that is a different topic not to be discussed here).
Fortunately, I was blessed with a great mentor (my Dad) from childhood on how to handle money. Knowing how to handle money does not mean you will never find yourself in lack or in hard times, but rather, you might be able to find some relief with your monthly bills by making some realistic decisions.
For instance, society inundates us with miscellaneous monthly expenses (above and beyond necessities) such as:
Television - cable, Netflix, etc.
Cellular service - phone(s)
Data service - data to support gaming, social media, banking, etc.
APPS - monthly fees for life phone or laptop applications, etc.
When times get tough financially, I have learned to get tough with life, such as:
Do you really need Amazon Prime membership? How about you wait the extra day or two to receive your package!
Do you really need monthly television bill? How about you start buying DVD movies at your local Thrift Stores!
Do you really need monthly music APP bill? How about you listen to the radio or purchase music CD's at your local Thrift Stores!
Do you really need the latest fashion trend outfits sold in expensive stores? How about you start shopping at your local Thrift Stores for clothing, etc?
Housing costs have become astronomical. At the present time, not much can be done about landlords demanding outrageous monthly rent. One must begin to think outside of the box (so to speak). Personally I have been thrown into homelessness twice in my life due to unexpected life challenges. Here are some possible suggestions to consider:
Do you have space to invite a paying room mate into your home for added income?
Can you downsize into a smaller home?
Do you have any family or friends that might take you into their home temporarily?
Do not expect a free ride!
Pay whatever you can pay to carry your way (if possible)
Money lacking, pay via your time, for instance:
Clean up after meals, wash the dishes, put them away
Clean the house weekly -vacuum, wash kitchen/bathroom, etc.
Mow the lawn or shovel the snow
Help with laundry
Offer to care for pets or children when possible
Offer whatever you can do to help (it will be appreciated)
If you have no one that is willing to help, then it is up to you, no one is going to save you. This is a fearful place to be, but one that will prove to build character for sure. Some suggestions:
Can you rent a room?
Do you have friends or associates seeking room mates?
Can you rent a place and seek room mates?
Can you apply for temporary social assistance?
Start researching and talking to social services in your area
Government homeless services
Government housing services
Salvation Army (food and clothing)
YMCA membership for you or your children (based on income)
Child and youth services
Local food bank
Local employment services
Offer your services (dog walking, grass cutting, snow shoveling, etc.) for low but reasonable income
Feel free to check out:
Wishing you much success navigating these challenging times!
This blog details my personal healing journal over the past 2+ decades. I am not a medical professional and offer this information freely as personal research only.
Please click here to read my disclaimer.
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