How To Save Money And Increase Your Income

It’s easy to panic when money is tight. The way to calm yourself down is to remind yourself that since you have the power to change things, your situation is temporary. So when money is tight, you only need to do two things: increase your income and decrease your spending.

 

Here, then, are  some options for saving and earning more:

Saving Money

1. Find deals on affordable home services.

Home service companies often differentiate themselves from the competition by offering more affordable rates. Since it’s essential to have home security, cable, and Internet in the modern world, start looking for better deals. 

Every region has their own special offers. So, if you live in Chicago, search online for home security systems Chicago homeowners prefer to find a high quality and affordable provider. Similarly, search for cable and Internet based on where you live.

2. Create a budget.

Although you might feel that it’s hopeless to create a budget since you can count on your fingers how much money you’re bringing in and rattle off your major expenses in five minutes, do it anyway. 

You’ll be surprised to find that you are spending money on things that you need not buy at all. For instance, when grocery shopping you might be buying too many fruits and vegetables and not have the time to eat them all, which means that you have to throw them out when they spoil.

3. Start using coupons.

It may seem nitpicky using the coupons because you only shave a dollar or two. However, when you start to collect coupons, coupons that come with your grocery receipts, coupons that come in your junk mail, and coupons that from coupon websites, you’ll be surprised how much it all adds up in savings.

4. Use public transportation more often.

There are many ways you can reduce your transportation costs. If you love to drive, you may be reluctant to use public transportation. However, by using it some of the time, you will save a considerable amount of gas.

Earning Money

When it comes to earning money, one reason why you are earning less than you need is that you’re unemployed, underemployed, or under-skilled. Although these problems may seem insurmountable, this is an illusion. People find good jobs or improve their job prospects every single day.

1. Unemployed.

If you are unemployed, there is a system you have to master to land a good job. First, you must learn how to write a good cover letter and resume. Second, you must have good referrals. Third, you must interview well.

If you have no idea how to write a good cover letter and resume, you have two choices: you can either learn how to do it, or you can hire someone who is a professional resume writer.

It’s unlikely that you have no good referrals. Contact everyone you know who can provide a good character reference or job referral. Even if you have gaps in your employment or quite a few jobs, a few good referrals will reassure a potential employer that you’re a good candidate.

Finally, there is the interview process. Research and practice interview skills. If you got invited to an interview, the company you applied for was sufficiently impressed by your cover letter, resume and referrals to give you a chance. Now, all you have to do is answer their questions to their satisfaction.

2. Underemployed.

If you’re underemployed, then you must either find a way to improve your career track or start looking for another job. If you like the company you work for speak to HR to find out what you can do to get promoted to a better paying position. If that option isn’t open for you, then spend your free time searching for a better job.

3. Under-skilled.

Why is it that some people earn more than others? It’s because they have more income-generating skills. Consequently, employers pay them more. Fortunately, all skills are learnable. So, if for example, you’re a salesperson who is not closing enough sales, find out what it is that you don’t know. Speak to salespeople in your company who are selling the same product as you but doing very well; ask your sales manager for tips; read sales books, and attend seminars.

In conclusion, to get out of a tight spot, start spending less money by looking for deals on affordable home services like home security, cable, and internet, then begin coming up with a budget, finding ways to save such as using coupons or using public transportation instead of driving. After you’ve figured out how to save more, begin to find ways to earn more.