Plan Meals
Ensure that you create a list of the things you need. Try to leave a little extra in the financial budgeting to get a few treats for the kids or yourself. Focus on meals that you can make in advance or that have tons of leftovers (if you are going to eat them). That way, you get more for what you spend.
Buy in Bulk
When the bank accounts are low, it may seem counterintuitive to buy in bulk, but this can save money. Often, they cost less overall, even though you fork out more cash to get them now.
Use Coupons
Coupons can be extremely helpful if you already plan to buy those items. Just try not to use the mentality of ‘it’s there, so buy it.’ Make sure you really need it and pay attention to the rules.
Ways to Get Extra Money
There could come a time where you have no money for food. If that happens, you can consider these ways to earn extra cash:
- Personal loans
- Home loans (equity)
- Use low-interest credit cards
- Money transfer from a trusted source
- Reverse mortgage
Those who require credit repair may not be able to get balance transfer credit cards. If you can, consider putting groceries a card, moving it to the lower-interest option, and paying that off. You may also focus on debt relief through debt consolidation companies to help in these trying times.
Tax relief from not having to pay taxes by April 15 might have helped then, but you might be in a crunch now. Just don’t forget to continue paying your home insurance and other bills. Remember, there is hope, but it can take some research and may require you to think outside the box.