Things you wish you had done sooner

With the looming talks of a recession, inflation, and rising cost of living, money has become a tight resource and most people are looking for ways to stretch their money further.

After all with inflation, your money’s purchasing power is less than what it was a year ago to buy the same things. Additionally, wages haven’t even gone up as high as inflation.

As of Oct 2022, the inflation rate is around 7.7%.

Below you can see the monthly from Jan 2020 to Oct 2022 has been steadily increasing.

According to an article published by Forbes, from March 2021 to August 2022, inflation has risen 11.81%. That means if it cost you $5,000 per month to run your household in March of last year, it would currently cost you about $5,591 (11.81% inflation) to cover the exact same expenses which would be nearly $600 more, whereas an average person working 40 hours a week would only have a wage increase of $368 per month (7.36% increase) based on the Forbes article.

Read also: 11 short-money lessons to become an automatic millionaire ( HIGHLY RECOMMENDED)

Tricks to spend less money

Use cash

Studies show that when you spend cash, you spend less as opposed to tapping on a card. You are more aware of the money you are spending when you use cash as opposed to merely tapping your card. Hence, carry cash bills.

Reduce window shopping

When you are out and about doing window shopping, there is a natural tendency to want to buy something nice or even purchase something out of convenience that you may not necessarily need. By going out less, you reduce your spending.

Try staying in if you feel that you immediately spend $100 when you step out the door.

Save for a rainy day

Automatically save a portion for a rainy day because you never know when an unexpected expense may come up. You may want to save 5%, 10%, or even 1%. Regardless of the amount, “just get started”.

Claim tax credits/ incentives

Find out if you may be entitled to any tax incentives or benefits. By taking advantage of the credits offered, you may actually be lowering your tax bill.

Additionally, if there is any housing payment plan on your mortgage or government assistance on your student loan. Make full use of them so that can save more money and utilise benefits that are made available to you.

Delay unnecessary purchases

Sometimes the best thing you can do is to delay purchases. You may find out there might be an alternative way to get something without having to buy it. Eg borrowing from a friend, using alternative items, or even making your own without needing to go out and buy it.

Consider doing leisure activities that do not involve spending a lot of money

Eg working out, running, hiking and even cleaning your house as opposed to going to the movies, shopping, and travelling.

That way you can still use your time wisely by doing things that you enjoy without burning a hole in your pocket.

Read also: An inspirational post about success ( must read)

Final thoughts

Remember that by being wise with your money, you are setting yourself up for a comfortable future. And it does not always need to be this way. You can actively pursue business and career opportunities, start a side hustle, and grow your income stream.

The busiest people I have known in my life always have time enough to do everything. Those who do nothing are always tired and pay no attention to the little amount of work they are required to do. They complain constantly that the day is too short. The truth is, they are afraid to fight the good fight.

Paulo Coelho

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