Don't spend-save. Very much the message that is out there in the current financial climate. Question is-if you are on a low income ( and I know many who are) just HOW do you save? Every cent is counted for, allocated, devoured by day to day expenses. Right?
I say that you can, indeed save-even if you are on the barest of margins with whatever source your income takes.
Get yourself one of those money tins-the type which can only be opened with a can opener-they can be purchased cheaply at any of the $2 type shops ( consider it an investment). It is important that you cannot open the container easily!
Every payday put $5 in there-more if you can. Do this BEFORE grocery shopping-you really won't miss it! If your grocery budget is $150/week-then put the money in the tin and THEN do your shopping. Choose a couple of cheaper products and you will find that it is easy to do without that $5.
Even if you can only allocate that $5/week for 1 year-at the end of the year you will have $260. Enough to treat you and/or your family to some thing special!
Every time I get a £2 coin (they aren't all that common so it was easy to keep every single one) it goes into a jar. I saved £100 in 4 months which I put towards a new camera. I would have really struggle to justify/find the money for it otherwise. All our money goes on 'needs' these days and I have wanted a new camera for such a long time I made myself save up for it. Not only do I now have a kick ass camera, but a sense of smugness that I didn't borrow to buy it :o)
ReplyDeleteHi Janie,
DeleteThanks for taking the time to comment. I've been away for the weekend, so haven't been able to reply..
I think that we are very good at feeling guilty at purchasing "things"-so by putting that little bit aside and saving is a great way of assauging that guilt a little! :) I also "want" a new camera..but "want" timber for our outdoor alfresco area more ATM! ;)