Here’s a fact: nobody seems to be able to get their hands on enough money these days. We can blame it on the economy, our jobs, and a lot of other things. More often than not however, it boils down to our ability (or lack of ability) to stick to a budget.

Think living well on a budget is a myth? Think again! Here are some tips on how to thrive financially even when on a budget:

Formulate a plan and stick to it

Everything starts with a solid plan. Financial planning can be daunting for most people, but there’s really no need to be anxious about it. The best way to plan financially is to learn from the experiences of others. Read up on top financial advisers like Robert Kiyosaki, who explains key concepts like cash flow and investments in an easy to understand way.

Be wise about your purchases

This one’s easier said than done. It’s hard to walk away from upgrading your phone or grabbing that new designer purse on display. Before you buy it though, ask yourself if it’s worth the extra hours at work. Then, think about the product’s actual value. Will it increase over time, or will it depreciate the moment you take it out of the box? Think about it carefully!

Don’t be afraid to haggle and hunt for discounts

You can buy heaps of products for less…you just have to know where to look. For example, you can drop by at the farmer’s market at the end of the day and ask them to sell you their leftover produce for a discounted price. Don’t be afraid to haggle, you could end up with a great deal and the worst they can do is say “no”.

The same goes for grocery stores. Many stores sell bruised but otherwise edible fruits and veggies at a lower price, just because they’re not as pretty as the rest. Ask around and maybe you’ll get a discount.

Of course, don’t forget to buy your groceries wholesale if you can. This can save you some serious cash in the long run.

Learn how to cook properly

Cooking properly isn’t just about having a few meals in your repertoire that you’re comfortable making. A good cook will be able to make a meal out of what’s left in the pantry, make bulk meals for the week’s lunches, and keep things interesting with a variety of cuisines.

Eating out costs a lot, so teach yourself how to cook and portion your own meals. Take packed lunches to work and get a reusable water bottle instead of buying expensive drinks all the time. This won’t just save you money in the future, it’s also better for the environment and your health!

Take advantage of free activities

Entertainment can be expensive. Even going to the movies a few times a month is going to add up over time. You don’t have to spend a fortune just to have fun. New Zealand has lots of natural wonders, hiking trails and breathtaking views that you can enjoy for free.

Use websites like Eventfinda to see what’s on in your area. There are often free community events happening that you can take the family to for a fun day out.

Shop at second-hand stores

Fashion doesn’t have to be expensive. You can find a lot of vintage gems and second-hand goodies at your local Salvation Army or Hospice store. As long as you’ve got an eye for style, it doesn’t really matter where you shop. This doesn’t just go for clothes either. Many second-hand stores have good quality items for sale at rock bottom prices. Some people even make a hobby out of looking for treasures at places like these, and make good money reselling them!

Increase your cash flow

If all these tips still don’t work, maybe you need to increase your cash flow. You could look for a part-time job to help supplement your income. It doesn’t have to be something that will take up all your free time either. Look online at how you can make extra money by doing things like online surveys, mystery shopping, home-based phone work etc.

See, that wasn’t so bad! Learn how to live well on a budget and you won’t have to stress about not having enough money all the time. If you need cash now while you’re in the process of implementing the above-mentioned tips, feel free to contact us for a personal loan.