“Isang kahig, isang tuka.” Despite your effort, your low-salary jobs make it hard for you to meet ends. Then try these money saving ideas.
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) revealed that 86% of Filipinos don’t have bank accounts. One of the main reasons is not having enough cash to open and keep one.
This means most people don’t know how to save money even with low salary. If you go through various financial sites on social media, you will see different people sharing their “Saving Challenges”. As you read the comments, you’ll find some people saying how can I save money on a low income fast. For a person living paycheck to paycheck, is it really hopeless to save your money for the future? You may not be comfortable having a savings account in a bank, but you may have an “alkansya” to start with.
Here in Cash Mart, we think that every Filipino can have his or her own way on how to save money effectively in the Philippines. But, they have to put it in their mind to succeed.
So how to save money from salary that is “sakto lang?” We have put up 10 must-try money saving ideas ways for you.
Have a Positive Money Mindset
It’s mind over matter.
A positive money mindset will keep you stuck with financial discipline no matter how much you earn.
Forgive yourself – You may have done financial mistakes in the past that have caused your current financial problems. By forgiving yourself, you’ll get a healthier attitude towards money. Your mistake does not define you. Free yourself. Believe that you can change your financial behavior.
Be aware of your money mindset – Understand how you make money decisions. See the pattern and be aware of your money beliefs and habits behind them. Do you uphold YOLO so much that you just keep on traveling despite your shaky finances?
Yes, we only live once, but chances are most of us will reach the good old ripe age. It is best to start saving now. Right?
Stop comparing your misery to other’s fortune – What you see in the lives of other people does not define their real financial status. This will make you feel miserable and lose focus on your goals. If you feel sad or depressed while using social media, then it is best to minimize using it.
Gratitude – Each day, write at least one thing that makes you grateful. It could be either financial or personal. If you feel bad about your finances, read your list to feel better.
Keep a budget
Write a detailed budget in a notebook. You can also do this with your phone. Make sure you balance your income and expenses. This way you will not overspend.
Do not forget to pay yourself first. Every time you get your salary, set aside a certain amount of your savings. It does not have to be too much. Any amount will do as long as you will be consistent. Eventually, your savings will increase.
Keep a realistic budget.
If you need to spend P700 on electricity and you kept on paying a higher amount despite doing electricity-saving measures, then face the truth and allot a realistic amount. Revise the budget from time to time. There is no such thing as perfection on the first try. Adjust the budget realistically without sacrificing your basic needs. Cross out the wants which you can survive without. You may sacrifice your wants now, but it will surely pay off in the future.
Always pay the bills and loans on time
Experiencing cut electricity and water supplies degrades your self-worth. You will also be charged reconnection fees. A late payment fee applies and this only increases your expenses. When figuring out how to save money effectively in the Philippines, on-time bills payment helps.
Buy in bulk
“Tingi-tingi” makes you spend more little by little. You will realize that if you buy in bulk you can actually save more. Also, shop in places that offer discounts if you buy in bulk. These places are usually where people with “sari-sari” stores usually go such as local grocery stores, Super-8, San Roque, and Puregold. These are small steps on how to save your income, but it is indeed effective.
Earn more for money saving ideas
If you think that your salary is still not enough despite the money saving ideas above, then why not add another source of income? If you are in doubt about how to save money even with low salary, learn other ways to earn. There are many options that start with low capital or minimum effort.
Sari-sari stores can be put up even with low capital. Start by selling cigarettes, eggs, instant noodles, and other staple stuff your neighborhood usually buys. If you have the resources, have a freelance online job as an encoder, a language tutor, a writer, or an artist. You can also sell cellphone prepaid loads at home and at your workplace.
Do not deprive yourself
Allot a small budget to treat yourself at least once a month. Too much self-deprivation may stress you out. There are times when you’ll feel down when you don’t get the things you used to enjoy.
You may not get them as much as you used to but do not totally take them out of your life if they can take away your stress. However, never do stress shopping. This will pose danger to your budget. Go back to Step 2. If you can stretch it, reserve a bit of your cash for little rewards.
Learn basic skills
Learn money saving ideas about home repairs and maintenance. There is no need to pay the plumber if you can handle the simple clogged sinks or toilets. These skills can also be used as another source of funds. If you want to know how to save your income, learn these basic skills. Ask an expert you personally know or watch video tutorials or blogs.
Downgrade
If you are renting an expensive flat try to move to a smaller apartment. Just make sure you do not compromise your health and security. Try it. It is one of the practical tips on how to save money in the Philippines.
Use loans wisely
There will be times when you have to get a personal loan. Medical emergencies, tuition ni bunso, field trip ni neneng, and higher bills will sometimes push you into a financial crisis. You can easily get a loan from a trusted lender, but make sure that you only borrow for an amount that you can surely repay with ease.
Involve your family
Your income is your family’s financial pool. Most of us are breadwinners. Our money is not our own to spend out of whim. We give money to our parents for household needs and their personal wants, for our sibling’s education, and even share in our pamangkin’s basic needs. This is the typical working Filipino life.
Sticking to the budget is a family effort. You may have a budget since it is your income. However, you need to involve your family to stick with it. Encourage each other as following a budget may not be easy for everyone.
Source: www.cashmart.ph
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