Over the past few months, many of us have had to get by on less income, some on substantially less. However, while we may have earned less, we may also have found that we spend less due to reduced opportunities to go out and spend.
Yes, because many overheads have increased; some will have lost their jobs, been terminated from work, or have not received work orders or requests, thus being restricted to spending more time at home. They may have established a home office or supported children who are homeschooled.
Some will have saved on trips, clothes, outings, and haircuts, but have had to pay for more food, fuel, and home entertainment. Interestingly, 9 out of 10 people who have worked from home have expressed a preference for continuing to do so. It has become a comfortable and safe way to live.
So how has it been for you? Are you handling it well with less or are you anticipating vulnerable times ahead?
Buying online has become the norm for many people and home delivery businesses have flourished. But equally, since the beginning of the confinement, many of us have discovered how much less is needed to live satisfactorily. Our houses may have been thoroughly cleaned and improved and that investment allows us to feel comfortably settled there. We’ve nested with beautiful colors, textures, upgraded decor, and maybe even some kids’ homemade masterpieces.
Let’s see ways to continue managing well with less:
Many people have lost their jobs or are facing an uncertain future after leaving. The result is perhaps working part-time, fewer hours, or moving from staff to contract work. Managing with less has become a stark reality.
– Many people have found ways to cut back and save and have been amazed to discover how their priorities have changed. Preoccupation with leaving home or organizing food orders online has meant that they have become more imaginative about using what is in stock, that they have learned to cook, that the ingredients go further, that they share the surpluses with the customers. neighbors or who have grown produce themselves. Cooking in batches, freezing, and trading with other households has made a lot of economic sense.
– Those who shop online have found that by using a list or repeating their regular order, they have reduced the temptation to make impulse purchases. But equally, when they visit the stores in person, many people do not want to browse, but they know exactly what they want, they quickly obtain those items and they leave.
– And buying clothes or shoes in person has largely lost its appeal due to queues, one-way systems, the inability to try on or offer only one shoe at a time. It has become a weird and unsightly way to shop – a great incentive to spend less!
In the future, as the restrictions begin to relax, there could be positive lessons for moving forward.
– Working from home and conducting meetings or networking online has resulted in dressing casually, so the need for business attire has decreased. After the initial outlay for equipment, technology, training, and setup, an additional allowance will likely be needed for heat, power, online capacity, and incidentals, but less is spent on travel and office space.
– So many items of clothing Now it can be considered unnecessary, why not organize ways to exchange your unwanted, almost new clothes, with friends? Maybe host a social gathering and maybe even charge a small fee for charity, allowing people to get together and recycle their clothes, shoes, and accessories.
– When you have less income it is good to reflect on other ways of living well. You may already use skill exchanges unofficially, doing bookkeeping in exchange for handyman repairs, or cooking or baking in exchange for landscaping, decorating, babysitting, tuition, or other support. Be resourceful and find ways to trade without needing money to change hands.
– Socializing has been greatly reduced, with many relationships maintained online. Having less income means we have to rethink how to move forward. Safari dinners are a fun way to inexpensively connect in person over dinner, with a course in each house, sharing expenses as you move from house to house. For a change, you can introduce a theme, such as a costume, murder mystery, or elegant elegance.
– Maintain contact with one’s own family. and the social group is important and finding imaginative ways to do it is not always easy. Online book clubs, quiz nights, music events, and dance parties have taken center stage. In person, walks, scavenger hunts, game nights, picnics, amateur dramaturgy can all play their part.
– Going forward, Pampering afternoons could replace more expensive visits to the salon, where a few friends share products and exchange treats for snacks. Card evenings, board games, and discussion groups can also be fun and inexpensive ways to socialize, especially when the fall and winter afternoons roll in.
– Involve the children with their own tasks and responsibilities, where they get credits perhaps for a reward. Encourage them to get out of their devices with crafts, outdoor games, and perhaps let them plan an event, such as a picnic or holiday.
Some practical ways to manage with less include learning how to cook, being more vigilant about turning off the lights, making sure you use what you have in stock, checking your bank statements to make sure your direct debits are correct, and you’re not paying. of memberships or dated insurance. If you travel to work, could a carpool be viable? And if you’re really struggling, consider joining a Credit Union, an initiative created to help you with tips on managing your money.
