You never know what life has in store for you, all can be going well when suddenly something happens that changes everything. From the loss of income to the loss of your spouse. However, there is no reason to despair; happy endings do exsist.
Many have lived through this and came out of it wiser and more confident. You can too. Making ends meet when on a very tight budget can be hard, but everything comes down to what you make of it. If you take it as a challenge to grow and learn new things, you will get through it and become a better person in the process.
Here are a few tips that you might find useful:
Get Back to Basics
The first thing to do when going through financial difficulties is to get back to basics. That means cutting off all non-necessary expenses, like cable and cell phones. If your kids had piano lessons, you might have to put that on hold for a while. This can seem drastic, but if it allows you to keep a roof over your children’s heads and food on the table, it is worth the sacrifice.
Remember, everything comes down to attitude. You can use this occasion to grow closer as a family. Since there is no television, make game nights. Learn to appreciate the small things in life: the things worth living for.
Shop Smart
Even on a limited budget, you need to shop for the essentials. Get into the habit of checking the weekly flyers. Make your menu according to the specials. Make a list and stick to it. If possible, go shopping alone, and with a full belly. Grocery shopping when you are hungry is a recipe for disaster, bringing kids along can also make it harder to stick to your shopping list.
Try to do all your shopping in one trip and do not be shy to use coupons.
Set Goals
Set short and long-term goals. A long-term goal could be to get out of debt and have some savings set aside. A short-term goal could be to save $50 in a month or to reduce your credit card balance by that same amount. Whatever is feasible and best for you.
Work towards your goals one step at a time. Stick to your budget and revise it regularly. Involve the whole family. Together you will get through this. Before you know it, things will get back to normal, and you will have your happy ending within your grasp.