How To Stop Living Paycheck to Paycheck

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Learn how to stop living paycheck to paycheck.

Do you struggle with money? Are there times when your paycheck just doesn’t cover all the expenses? Or are there days where you just wished it was way easier than it is? You are not alone.

Over half the country is living paycheck to paycheck trying to make it all work.

Do you know where your money going?

I know it’s a hard question to answer, but if you know where your money is going and what you are spending it on you can cut back on the things you really don’t need.

We cut back on over 21 items and save over $1000 in one month. It took a really hard, honest look at where we were spending our money to get that savings but it was well worth it.

And honestly I don’t miss the stuff we cut from our budget.

So where are you spending your money?

Is a majority of it going to your rent or your mortgage? Or is it the grocery bill? Are the costs of groceries driving you into debt? School and children’s activities are they eating up your money?

Or is it eating out and entertainment? This was ours! Eating out was wrecking our budget and basically eating up our money.

Once you find out where you’re over spending there are ways to fix it.

Are you paying to much for your rent or mortgage? Are you able to downsize and spend less to maintain your home? Or what about talking to your lender about better rates?

Is the grocery bill getting you down?

Honestly, this one has been getting me lately. Where we live the cost of produce and goods in general is on the rise. So in order to keep our budget in check we have had to choose a few brand alternatives and opt to not buy a few things.

You can learn more ways to save money at the grocery store with the grocery budget workshop or checkout these amazing ways to cut your grocery bill in half.

Simple changes like opting for new brands or cooking home cooked meals can save you money on food.

Childcare, school and extra curricular activities the fees all add up.

Are school or extra curricular activities hurting your pocket book? Have you looked at cheaper more cost effective after school activities? Library and community centers offer great budget friendly activities.

Or is it childcare that is hurting the budget? An easy option for saving on childcare is babysitting time exchange with friends.

We do this. I will watch a friends kids and they watch ours, no money changes hands just time.

Is dining out and entertainment hurting your budget?

It was hurting ours until we found meal planning. The problem I was experiencing was after a long hard busy day I didn’t have anything prepared for dinner or was too tired. So we ordered out.

A meal out here and a meal out there add up. If you are looking to decrease your food budget and save some money checkout this meal planning service their recipes are easy to follow and crowd pleasing.

Entertainment can get expensive.

Let’s say you go to the movies, you have tickets, popcorn and maybe dessert afterwards. It all adds up. Here are some great cost effective alternatives to the expensive entertainment bills.

Are you shopping your way to debt?

Have you thought about organizing your closet and seeing what you have before you go shopping? Most people will go out and buy something they already have.

What about buying thrift or vintage before buying brand new and saving some money?

Some other great posts that will help you save money and help you stop living paycheck to paycheck.

Simple changes to the way you shop or the way you do things can make a huge difference to your pocket book. Make a plan, start a budget and stick to it. You can stop living paycheck to paycheck and live the life you want.

Have an amazing day,

Cynthia
Saving & Simplicity

Updated June 6, 2018