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Financial setbacks such as unpaid loans and lower income have always been known to direct people away from life elements that truly matter. Because of these, a lot of folks rarely have the time for self-care because they need to juggle multiple jobs.
For those with families, much-needed time together is overlooked because it is more important to keep a roof over their head and food on the table.
Indeed, financial fragility is preventing so many from having a good quality of life. But, it is important to note that there are people making things work beautifully despite not being wealthy. Taking care of financial responsibilities is not a big issue because their frugal practices create a good life for them.
This only goes to show that even when times are challenging, it is possible to create a way of living that feels and looks abundant. You just need to be resourceful and smart with your decisions.
So, if you wish for your life to stop operating on the idea of want, you can do that, and you can do it now. Here are five ideas to help you trek this path:
1. “Fewer things, more life”
Remind yourself of this adage – it’s a short one after all. You do not need a lot of things to be happy. Fewer items that get the job done are good enough.
You do not need multiple TV sets at home to keep everybody entertained wherever they are in the house. You also do not need so many clothes – after all, you have just one body.
Things do not make a life. What you choose to do and what you are allowed to do with your time and energy are bigger contributors to quality of life.
2. Use prepaid phone plans
No contract prepaid cellphone plans are perfect if you want to stay true to your family’s budget.
With such plans, you all can still carry out the typical activities you use your phones for.
However, you have to be mindful of your phone usage because the allocation will run out earlier if you use your phone too loosely.
It’s just a little “phone behavior modification.” You are not sacrificing anything great here. A prepaid phone plan just prompts you to use your phone in the most purposeful way.
3. Do not settle for “full price”
There are a lot of resourceful people who never pay full price for anything because they know how to search for deals. In this day and age of e-commerce, you can get discounted rates on everything from fine dining experiences to travel and accommodation, groceries, and even dental treatments.
You can do the same for your phone usage. You can avoid paying full rates for calls by making them during off-peak hours.
This “no settling for full price” tactic is a proven effective way of reducing cash outflow and directing savings to your bank.
4. Switch to a rewards or cash back credit card
If you mainly use your credit card as a smart payment method for most of your financial accountabilities, why not get something more out of it? Why not get a cash back or a reward for staying on top of all the payments you make regularly?
With a rewards or cash back credit card, you can get special services, discounts, convertible (sometimes, also transferrable) flyer miles, and enough points to cover the payment of certain purchases.
5. Automate your savings and investments
One of the crucial components of being frugal is saving regularly for the future and emergency situations. You can take the mind work out of it by automating the process. You can do the same if you wish to grow your wealth through investments.
Enroll in the automatic transfers program of your bank and you’ll never miss to save or take out your contributions. Likewise, you can be sure that your money is going where it needs to go instead of sudden splurges.
Less truly is more
Smart and savvy frugal tactics can truly elevate the way you live.
By implementing and sticking to these practical and easy-to-apply tactics, you can enjoy a less stressful life now, and also make sure that your future is securely covered.
AUTHOR BIO
Al-moottil P Antony
Al-moottil P Antony is a C-Suite Executive Support Professional for Zain, a leading mobile and data services operator with a commercial footprint in 8 Middle Eastern and African countries.
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