Living Paycheck to Paycheck

Saving Money

We’ve already posted several times on social media and our blog about saving money. You’ve heard the message. You probably hear it regularly everywhere else too, “Pay yourself first”, “Keep a rainy-day fund”, “Build your emergency savings”. You already know what you’re supposed to do, but why is it so hard to do it?

Maybe you’re living paycheck to paycheck and can’t imagine saving even $5.00 a week. Or, maybe you have money left over after your bills are paid, but you spend it on other things that you enjoy (i.e. eating out, going to the movies, buying more luxury-type items, etc.). It could be that you aren’t sure where or how to save or invest. It could also be that you don’t trust financial institutions. All of these are valid reasons that you might not have a savings account.

But guess what? Everyone can save money. Everyone. Yup, even if you live paycheck to paycheck. Even if you do not plan on giving up the lifestyle you’ve earned. And, if you don’t trust financial institutions, just come in and visit with us. Leave your money at home and just come for a conversation. Tell us your story. Whether or not you decide to open an account is entirely up to you. Unsure on how to start? Again, just come in and have a conversation with us. We are in the ring fighting for your financial future, no matter what your present situation looks like.

Tips on Saving When You Live Paycheck to Paycheck

It can feel overwhelming and impossible to save anything when you live in a cycle of paycheck to paycheck. The frustration, stress, and fear behind your situation is justified (and normal). Not only are you NOT alone in that battle, you don’t have to fight it alone. Come in to NorthRidge and chat with us about how we can help make your situation better. Our members tell us they feel like they have more money after working with us on a creating a budget or a spending plan.

1. Start small. Review your spending in areas where you might be able to make small cuts: groceries, clothing, eating out, streaming accounts, unused gym memberships, etc… Find $5.00 per week. That’s it. $5.00 per week will grow over time. Set a goal to build it up to $100.00. Once you get there, set another goal. Celebrate your wins.
2. Don’t pay for cash. Don’t use ATMs that charge you to withdraw (and then get a fee from your bank on top of it!). Go for cash-back when you use your debit card to pay at gas stations or grocery stores.
3. Think about your income. Can you ask for a raise at work? Can you work overtime? Are you able to add to your income with a second job or by selling items you no longer use or need? If you’re on a fixed income, can you utilize community food shelves to help offset grocery costs? Think about community-based services, like AEOA, that can help you.
4. Seek more affordable housing. Is your rent or mortgage too much for you? You might consider downsizing. Due to economic changes, this may not be possible at this time, but it’s a thought worth exploring just in case.
5. Restructure or consolidate your debt. Are your payments to credit cards and other loans too high? Come talk to us about consolidating. We have helped members that have saved hundreds of dollars per month on debt payments after consolidating.

You can save. We can help. Call us to set up a free financial counseling session or just to chat about your current situation: 877-672-2848.