5 Ways to Save a Few Dollars When You’re Broke

Most people when they get there paychecks don’t budget and these days and it’s hard to save on ANYTHING when you are living paycheck to paycheck, especially if you’re a single parent with limited funds. We are wired to want, what we want, when we want it–And so are our kids! Disciplining ourselves to not spend what we don’t have, can be downright HARD! But, there are still some ways you can save on the money you do have to spend. So, if you’re ready to take action, roll up your sleeves. You can squeeze a nickel from a turnip by following these tips to help you survive tough financial times: 1. Open up a savings account. Make it your Emergency fund. It’s harder to withdrawal from unlike checking accounts with debit cards. Put in small amounts over long periods of time. A little goes a long way.

2. Pack a lunch for work and eat meals at home. Eating out takes a toll on your pocketbook. Bring your own cup or water bottle. Instead of ordering take-out or delivery, find the recipe and make it yourself. The average value meal costs about $8 and change not counting the meals for the kids. A meal for a family of four averages to $32. Just think of all the calories you could save too.

3. Buy from the Dollar Store instead of Walmart. You’d be suprised what you can find in there. Toiletries, food, household products. Some discount stores even let you use coupons.

4. Find low or no cost forms of entertainment for the family. Plan to take the kids at the park for an afternoon or to a community event/fair (pack picnic lunches for everyone). Make it educational. Some museums have free admission or waive the entry fee if you’re a veteran or student. Attend Family Pizza Night at your local church and/or let your teenagers socialize at church sponsored events (they are in a group and under adult supervision).

5. Utilize your local public library. Check out books you want to read and take the kids with you. Most libraries have a kids section and free Wi-Fi. Let the kids do homework there. Use their electricity. Air-conditioned in the summer and heated in the winter.

6. Take public transportation occasionally to save on gas. Map out an alternate route to get to work. Take the bus, subway or light rail. If you have to take your car, park it at the nearest park-n-ride and take the bus or light rail the rest of the way.

I hope this helps or reaches those of you that may be struggling to survive tough financial times. Just know that it is okay and you will get through. Making just the small changes in your finances can turn into having a better economic future.