There comes a point in most people’s lives where their expenses creep up higher than their earnings. At the very least, this causes a patch of high stress before things balance out again. At the most, debt can mount up and you could find things getting quickly out of hand.
The good news is, your situation doesn’t have to become dire. It may seem hopeless, but there are things you can do to lessen the pressure. Here are five steps to take if your expenses are overtaking your income:
Consider A Short, Easy Fix
Sometimes, a financial issue is a temporary issue, which means it can be an easy fix. If you know you will only be short this one month, you could consider short-term solutions like 0% finance options, low-interest loans from community lenders, and even a well-discussed loan from a family member. As long as you know you can pay the money back next month, there’s no harm in seeking a temporary stop-gap solution. Just be sure to read and understand the fine print.
Face Up To What’s Really Going On
When was the last time you truly faced up to your financial situation? Do you know exactly what your outgoings are? Do you know what your true cash flow looks like? Understanding what is really going on is an important step when things look off-balance financially. Break it all down and get the facts on paper. Knowing the truth is essential if you want true solutions moving forward.
Trim The Fat
Trimming the fat financially means getting rid of (or at least cutting down) expenses that you don’t really need. You’ll be surprised by how much you can save just by reducing excess costs. For example, Americans spend a massive $3500 on average on entertainment every single year. Imagine if you were able to stick with your perfectly good TV this year and skip buying a new one? You’ve potentially saved thousands already just with that one cost trimmed. It’s also worth remembering that regular small savings, like skipping that takeout coffee and taking a flask to work instead, add up over time.
Commit To Making A Change
Being decisive is an essential step when it comes to preventing your financial situation from getting worse. Do the research, make changes, and stick to your plan. Whether you aim to stick to a strict budget, take on a side-hustle to bring in more income, or focus on paying off your worst debt first, commit to those decisions and stick to the plan. Being indecisive will only prolong the uncertainty of the situation and allow it to get progressively worse.
Seek Support
There are multiple studies showing the link between mental health issues and debt. Consider seeking support as you go through this challenging time. Whether you speak to a debt charity or open up to family and friends, the fact is, a problem shared really is a problem halved. Just opening up and sharing how you feel will be a positive step towards getting through your money problems.
“You should never view your challenges as a disadvantage. Instead, it’s important for you to understand that your experience facing and overcoming adversity is actually one of your biggest advantages.” – Michelle Obama
Follow our handy tips above to help push through this challenging financial period. With decisive action and an honest approach, things will soon be looking up.
