Having A Tight Month? How To Get Through It
There are some months when things are just financially a lot more difficult than other months, such as right now while Los Angeles is experiencing devastation from the wildfires. In this collaborative/contributed post, we are going to discuss some of the best things you can do when you are having a tight month and you’re wondering, like me, how best to deal with it and manage it.
Revisit Your Financial Wellness Plan
It may be that you actually need to take a second look at your financial wellness plan just to make sure that it is still makes sense. Don’t have a financial wellness plan? Let’s talk or find a financial planner or advisor you trust to develop one for you. It might be that things have changed a lot since you last looked at it, or if you’re like me, in a state of “crisis,” it may be time to revise that plan. Let’s say you were in the process of paying down some debts or saving up for that trip. Now may not be the time to stick to that goal, if you’re in crisis or having a really tough month. That in itself can often make things clearer, and it might even be that it opens up a pathway to follow. So this is a good first step to take if you are worried about how you’re going to get through the month.
Consider Other Sources Of Income
Check out my previous blog post to learn how you can get some money coming in quickly. These may not always be the “traditional” ways to earn money, like a job, a gig or a side hustle. Instead, when you are in a rut, you might consider looking into using credit cards or where to find payday loans online, but definitely be careful and read the fine print to make sure the loan you get doesn’t have interest rates above credit cards. Sometimes, I’ve seen payday or check cashing loans with 75% or more in interest!
Cut Back On Non-Essentials
It’s amazing what suddenly gets seen as a non-essential once you are in a really tight spot or in crisis. My husband and I had to figure out what to take and what not to take when we were evacuated from our home. We totally grabbed our laptop, phone, clothes, toiletries, other essentials, important papers, and wedding albums/photos that weren’t already digitally loaded. If you want to make sure that you are able to get through the difficult times, you might want to consider what’s essential and what’s not. Just in the interim, buying extra clothes, eating out, and subscriptions, including all of the different streaming platforms may need to go. It could make a difference and get you through the month.
The other things you can do are again in the previous blog post. Check it out and sending you and me lots of love and compassion during this difficult time. Let’s all hope next month will be better.
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