Let’s all laugh together at how we thought getting paid early in December was a good idea and that we would make our money last until the end of January.
With January in full swing (yes, it’s been a week already), it’s time to check-in to reality. For most, work has started, kids are getting ready for school and the festive cheer has worn off. You might be feeling destitute as January’s payday seems so far away and the weight of your New Year’s resolutions are starting to crush you, but fear not as these tips will help you get through one of the most difficult months of the year along with the other eleven that follow. p.s dont forget Valentines Day next month 🙂
Making your money last
Needless to say, January is the hardest financial month for many of us, but what we can learn from this month is to be (better) prepared for the next time it rolls around. To do that, we need to implement changes from the beginning so that it becomes a habit and therefore, easier to do.
Start a budget
Yes, everyone says and it and for good reason. Drawing up a budget allows you to clearly see where your funds are going and will give you perspective on how much money you actually have to spend. How meticulous your budget is is completely up to you. Click here for a simple table to start off with.
Sell and save
It’s out with the old to make space for the new. A great way to start afresh is to do a clean out. Whether it’s your wardrobe, kitchen, garage or living room, go through the things you own, if you’ve had it for more than six months, it’s still usable and you’ll never use it, sell it. You can use the new space to store gifts you got throughout the festive season and can relax with some cash in your pocket.
Yay, payday!
When your payday rolls around, try with all your might to resist the urge to spend it all in an effort to soothe the pain of struggling. You’re just going to relive the nightmare. Instead, pay all of your necessary bills such as rent, debts and subscriptions (while you’re at it, check if you REALLY need that subscription) and just leave the rest of your money in your bank account and enjoy the feeling of having more than R2 to your name.
New Year, Not so new, but slightly improved you
Ah, New Year’s resolutions. A joy for some, a regret for others.
It’s easy to jot down your do’s and don’ts for the New Year, but when your list of resolutions start to resemble your shopping list, that’s when it becomes less exciting and more of a chore – everyone hates chores.
Humble beginnings
Start small and grow from there. Apply this technique wherever possible such as saving, eating healthily or simply becoming a better person. Facing your goals this way make them seem less daunting and you can enjoy the little achievements along the way, which in turn will fuel your efforts to achieve the bigger goal.
Slip-ups are okay
So maybe you couldn’t save as much this month because you had more expenses or you missed the gym for a week because you were simply too busy. Don’t discontinue your progress and beat yourself up, these things happen, but the point is to keep going. Perseverance wins.
Talk less, do more
It’s normal to be excited about your future plans and wanting to tell everyone about everything, but sharing these plans might do more harm than good. Usually, you are advised to share your goals and plans so that you can have support. This might seem good on paper, but not everyone shares the same enthusiasm about your future as you do and may try to throw a spanner in your works (sad, but true), but another reason to work in silence is so that your results can speak for themselves. You don’t have to inform people about your progress. Studies found that when you voice your goals to too many people, you are less inclined to work hard at it. Work in silence and let your success make the noise.
Ask for support
Contrary to the above statement, if you really need help with achieving a goal such as smoking less or stopping completely, seek assistance. Breaking life-long habits such as smoking, drinking, having bad diet habits do need assistance so don’t be afraid to ask. However, keep the communication of this goal between you and your helper. If you feel like something or someone is tempting you, let them know you aren’t interested and if they keep badgering, perhaps you should let go of that person or activity. It’s a new year, don’t put up with things that aren’t good for you.
