I get paid once a month. The last business day of the month, and if I’m lucky, maybe I will get paid a day earlier. Several years ago I used to work a part-time job as well as the position that I have now. The part-time job helped created a buffer between me and the end of the month. If you ever wondered why I have such a well stocked food pantry (and tons of toilet paper/toothpaste/and soap) it’s because I used to have more month than money. This was a way of life for me. Unknowingly I had created a buffer between me and the end of the month. I was keeping the winds at bay. By keeping my pantry and personal care products way over stocked it created a non-monetary buffer between me and the end of the month. For many years my reality included scrambling for several weeks to try and not have huge financial issues at the end of the month This was especially true prior to embracing a more organized system of personal finance. The problem with more month than money is it creates a perfect breeding ground for bad decisions and stress. This was especially true when looking at the choices I made during this tie in my life My credit card helped me to “bridge the gap.” I would go grocery shopping the last two weeks of the month using my credit card. I would pay for emergencies with my credit card, I would then be frustrated because I owed more on my credit card. It was an endless cycle. I was always anxious because something always came up after the middle of the month. As I move further way from the endless cycle of being unprepared for basically everything I have embraced some hard truths.
Hard Truths
1.) There is always more month than money if you’re unprepared.
2.) A filled pantry and plenty of toiletries are a broke person’s best friend
3) Having a savings is the best way to approach more month than money.
4.) In my case (at this point in time) this was a habit and debt problem…not an income problem.
How did I change the more month to money problem?
1.) I began looking at ways to cut down on spending.
2.) I created a meal plan that helped stretch my food budget. This fall I was able to stay out of the grocery store and eat well for 7 weeks* I did go to the farmer’s market twice and ordered groceries from an online organic grocer once* I cooked the majority of my meals (95%)
3.) I always have at least 1-2 month’s worth of toiletries. I have an irrational fear of running out of toilet paper so I make sure there is more than enough at home. I don’t worry about stank breath because there is a ton of toothpaste in the house
4.) Start a savings account. This has been difficult for me because I always end up spending the money. But, even if you put in a teeny, tiny amount every month. It starts to add up.
5.) Transition to a cash system. I have begun using cash for groceries, fun, and most of my miscellaneous clothing purchases. It has saved me money as I can only spend so much.
6.) Do a spending fast. I love doing these a couple of times a year. These fasts really get me in tuned with my spending habits and irrational spending triggers.
How do you deal with too much month and not enough money?
This week I am participating in a rafflecopter giveaway organized by Saving Advice. Please sign up and hopefully you’ll win $100 (paypal or amazon gift card). Wishing you a peaceful and debt free week.
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