With the pandemic still not showing any signs of slowing down, more and more people are facing financial hardship due to the current state of the economy. Many of us were forced to take a pay cut when the pandemic hit in 2020, which resulted in a tight budget and a need to find ways to save as much money as possible. And while it's a whole lot easier finding resources and ways to save when you reside in a bigger city, it's not that easy when you live in a small town.
Still, it is possible to stay within your budget even if you happen to live in a rural community like I do.
First and foremost, make sure that your family is on the same page as you are with the household budget. Don't just assume that your partner knows you are planning to cut back on expenses, specifically that daily coffee splurge that you take together. And don't think that your kids don't need to know that money is tight. They are more likely to understand that mom and dad just can't afford that family road trip to your favorite campground this year versus the real reason you are camping in your own backyard. Hey, this could be a fun adventure for the entire family!
Now it's time to think about those areas where you can cut back on your budget. One such area many of us spend way too much on is food. We could save quite a bit of money if we spent a whole lot less on our food budget. One way to do so is by starting every shopping trip down the clearance aisle of your favorite grocery store. Most stores will have a dedicated section for reduced clearance, but you should also be on the lookout for discounted groceries in the regular aisles and freezer section of your favorite store.
Another way to save on food is by visiting your local dollar store or discounted grocery store. You can stretch your food budget a long way if you are willing to shop generic brands and discounted prices.
Also, make it a habit to visit your local food pantry once a month or as often as permitted by your town. Food pantries are a great resource for groceries when you need to cut back on your budget.
I know what you are thinking. You are thinking, but all of those ways involve groceries that are about to expire. In most cases that best buy date just means that item won't be at its freshest by that date. The food is still edible and can be used within the next few days or frozen for future use.
For additional help with groceries, check with your local churches who can often supply extra groceries and meals to help you and your family when necessary.
And use up all of your food. When we have leftovers we often toss them in the trash rather than turning them into a new dish or freezing them for later use. We also tend to throw away meat bones and vegetable scraps that can be made into broths for soups.
Another way to save if you and your family have a cell phone plan; is to consider cutting it down to a basic or cheaper package. If your contract is about to end or you are currently contract-free, try shopping around for a cheaper cell phone service. If you don't need an unlimited data plan or make a lot of phone calls, many cell phone carriers offer packages as low as $15 per month for a service plan. And if you have a family member who uses a government program, you could even qualify for a free refurbished cell phone and service plan.
Drop your cable or satellite company and either buy a digital antenna or watch your favorite television shows on their network provider's app for free. I haven't had satellite or cable television for years. I eliminated the bill out of my life entirely because I realized I was watching the same repeated shows over and over for a hefty fee each month.
If you haven't already done so, sign up for websites like Rakuten to earn cash back on your shopping purchases. Many of these websites are stackable, meaning you can save money using more than one website at a time. Look for cash back apps for even more savings.
Start shopping yard sales and flea markets. Don't be embarrassed about the idea of second-hand clothing and household goods. Mom and dad had the right idea by heading to yard sales when we were kids. Not only are we able to save a lot of money by shopping for used goods, but we are also recycling as we do so. I've found so many wonderful furniture pieces, unique items, books, and clothing pieces by shopping at yard sales. You can even go online and check out social media Facebook groups for local yard sales and items for sale.
While you are surfing Facebook, do a search for free stuff in your area. Many people may be willing to part with a used couch for free, rather than selling it. A few words of caution when you are shopping online for used and free items, don't buy mattresses used. Always buy them new. Always inspect any item before you purchase it. While we would all love to live in a perfect world, some sellers are not trustworthy. Check their seller's rating, take someone with you when you are picking up a potential purchase and if it seems too good to be true, chances are it is.
In addition to giving away their stuff online, many people will throw it out in front of their curb. Check with your city to be sure it is legal to pick up anything thrown out on the curb. You may also want to check with the individual who you believe is throwing something out. Kids and even adults will park their toys and other items near the curb because of play or garage organizing, so it's usually best to ask if an item is free. Always inspect any item being thrown away for bugs. You definitely don't want to take something home that could end up costing you even more money just to rid yourself of a bug infestation.
These are just a few resources to help you save more and stay within your budget. Keep in mind when you are trying to cut your spending, don't sacrifice everything to save money. Give yourself a break and take the kids out for ice cream as a special treat or splurge on that once-a-month gourmet coffee. If you cut everything from your budget, your life just won't be as pleasurable, and no one deserves to feel miserable at a time like this.
Well done