15 Ways to Make Ends Meet

Looking for ways to cut costs and balance your budget? Here’s an excerpt from Chapter 2. 71 Ways to Make Ends Meet, of my book Managing Your Money – The Caribbean Person’s Guide to Financial Independence:

Utilities

• Turn off the lights and TV when you’re leaving the room
• Lower the water level in your toilet tank
• Use a phone card for overseas calls (and now we even have What’sApp)
• Do your ironing once a week

Your Home

• Buy items of quality that last
• Use grocery bags as garbage bags

Shopping

• Don’t go grocery shopping when you’re hungry
• Look for items on the top and bottom of the shelves; they’re usually cheaper than those at eye level

Family and Children

• Once a week, or more often, cook a one-pot meal
• Work to keep your relationships in tact so you don’t have to support several houses as ordered by the courts

Car Maintenance and Fuel Consumption

• Buy a fuel efficient vehicle
• Keep the tyres inflated and properly aligned
• Avoid speeding, rapid acceleration and hard braking – these activities use lots of fuel

Money

• Do not carry excess cash in your handbag or pocket
• When you go window shopping leave your purse, wallet, or cheque book at home or in the office

Sign up here to Get Access to Chapter 2 and discover many more ways to manage your finances in these challenging times.