Living paycheck to paycheck is always challenging. It can also be incredibly stressful if you run out of money before your next paycheck.
It is difficult to avoid running out of money before payday. However, it may be possible. Here are some tips to help you make it to payday without scraping the bottom of your bank account.
Ask yourself: Why am I always running out of money?
Let’s take a look at your expenditures. It is easy to judge yourself harshly if you take a look at your spending habits. Please don’t do that, either!
Instead of only being honest with yourself, also consider our financial mindset recommendations. If you need assistance being honest without being overly critical, then check out some of our cash attitude suggestions. These can get you in the right mindset to manage your funds without worrying about judgments.
How you are spending your money can lead you straight to the source of your money leaks.
Maybe the cost of living has skyrocketed. Or perhaps your income is insufficient to cover the basics. You could be paid monthly and can’t afford to pay for your test to last.
The good news is that it is perfectly possible to change your financial plan. Getting to payday may not be as hard as expected with the correct money moves.
How to stop running out of money: 5 Key tips
Are you ready to see what it is like to not run out of money all the time? Follow these guidelines to stop running out of money before payday.
1. Look at your spending
If your income often runs out, the best place to look is your spending. Our aim is to help you gain clarity of your finances.
It can be difficult to get to the bottom of your problem without diving into your spending habits. If you need help keeping track of your expenditures, check out these helpful budgeting tools.
Sometimes, the financial problems that are causing you to spend too much are painfully obvious. For example, you might be spending too much money on dining out or you may be paying excessively for your car insurance. Whatever the reason, reviewing your spending will reveal any problematic areas.
You can review your credit or debit card statement for the past three months to determine your highest spending areas. This can help you determine where your the most money goes. Once you’ve done that, you can create a budget using a spending journal.
Will not a budget journal show where your money is going in real time, it may also tell you how you feel emotionally each time you spend it.
2. Try out a new budgeting method
If you’re having a difficult time scraping by until the next paycheck, it’s time to try a new budgeting plan. Budgets do not have to be the same for everyone. Instead, you should find a budget that works for you.
There are plenty of budgeting plans to choose from. For example, the 80/20 rule is that you allocate 80% of your income to your lifestyle expenses and save 20%. Perhaps the zero-based budget would suit your needs better. This is where you budget down to the very last penny.
One of the easiest ways to budget is by paycheck. Our tips show how to effectively budget by paycheck. Take a look at our cost-free full budgeting course to develop a budget that fits your needs.
The best type of budget is one that you are able to live with. It’s fine to try out multiple budgeting methods until you find a good one that works for you.
3. Look for ways to save something with each paycheck
When unexpected expenses pop up, it can be difficult to make it to payday. That’s when an emergency fund can come in very handy. A prepper fund is a special savings stash designed to help you handle any curveballs life may throw your way.
Having an emergency fund can give you peace of mind in case you frequently run out of money. Saving money can be difficult, however. But it’s always a good idea to add this goal to your budget.
Unfortunately, life sometimes throws an unexpected expense at you. Prepare yourself for this eventuality by setting aside a certain amount with each paycheck.
One good way to save is to set up a direct deposit to your savings deposit every time you are paid. This way, the money is saved before you have the luxury of doing something with it!
4. Cut spending where you can
The easiest way to save money is by looking for the largest expenditures in your budget. For instance, a smaller apartment could save you a lot of money on rent. Look for roommates or move to a new apartment to save a significant portion of your salary.
Other items to reduce in your spending include your auto expenses. For example, comparing car insurance rates among various providers could save you a great deal of money. Consider trading in your current vehicle for a cheaper model.
After debating large fixed costs, it is time to review your variable and discretionary spending. Unfortunately, it can quickly add up! Find places where you can reasonably reduce the load.
For example, you could switch your meals for cooking at home. But you may have difficulty trimming your food bill below a certain level, particularly with higher food prices.
If you don’t see any more room for savings, move on to the next tip.
5. Seek out an additional income stream
If you haven’t exhausted all of the other options. When that is the case, a supplementary source of income could be beneficial. That’s when a side job can help out. Starting a side business can help you increase your income if you are always short on cash.
Although a side hustle is an additional time commitment, it may be a good way to increase your income. Some side hustle possibilities include freelancing, bookkeeping, proofreading, transcribing, tutoring, or flipping physical goods. One option could be volunteering for a non-governmental organization or working additional hours at a job.
For unique ideas for part-time work, go to the top side gigs for women.
Be realistic about your earning potential when beginning a side hustle. Consider an option that suits your needs. Depending on your earnings goals, you may be able to make up the difference in no time.
I strongly encourage you to try out The Side Hustle Guide: Build a Successful Side Hustle & Increase Your Income by The Side Hustle Guide’s founder, Bola Sokunbi. It offers practical advice to help you get your own side hustle off the ground.
You could also start a sideline occupation. You could seek a raise, find a better-paying job, or even take on a part-time job for the money boost you desire. As you earn more income, be sure to spend it on your financial goals and priorities rather than letting it pile up in your savings account.
Take action to stop running out of money!
If you are always running out of money, then it is time to make a switch. Remember, it’s about finding a cost-effective budget method that is easy for you, looking for ways to cut costs, and increasing your earnings if necessary. By making modifications to your spending habits, you will never be financially short of money again.
