Paydays are both fun and stressful times in your life. Especially if you’re living paycheck to paycheck. When everyone in the office expects you’ll have money in your bank account, they’re more likely to invite you to go out to an expensive dinner or go on a shopping trip.
You find it hard to say no because, well, you also want to treat yourself for all your hard work.
But before you go out and splurge, be a responsible adult and buy the following:
Groceries
You can’t survive without food for a whole week, especially if you’re expected to perform well at work. There are benefits to keeping your pantry stocked and your fridge full. If you’re making plans with your friends to spend money on pricey food and drinks, the least you can do is offset the cost by dining at home for the rest of the week.
Make-ahead meals can save you a lot of money, and you’ll have all your essentials re-stocked as well so that you will not be tempted to buy from a convenience store for a handful of items.
Convenience stores are notorious for their inflated prices, making them your last resort when you’re trying to manage a budget.
Even unplanned trips to your local grocery can be quite costly because they are designed to make you buy more than what you need. Stick to your grocery list and buy them before you splurge on anything else.
Skincare Products
Budgeting is not just about survival. You should also leave room to care for yourself, particularly your skin. When you’re working in a competitive environment, the way you look plays an important part in your productivity and confidence.
It doesn’t matter if you buy your foundation or skin toner online or in store, as long as you know the products that fit your skin type and are sure you’re buying authentic.
When you tell yourself you have limited funds to spare, that’s when discounted products are more tempting. There’s nothing wrong with finding discounts on legitimate shops, but if you’re buying from shady sources, you may be compromising your skin in the process.
Get your skincare products before you’re on your last dollar so that you will not be tempted to buy from new and untested shops.
A Fun Purchase for Yourself
It’s easy to feel sad about your current situation when you get into the mindset that all your money is accounted for and they go mostly to bills and groceries.
It can make you feel like you’re not earning enough. Getting a handle on your expenses does not happen overnight, so while you’re working on your savings, don’t forget to reward yourself with a fun purchase too.
This doesn’t have to be expensive, and it should be useful for your lifestyle. For instance, you can buy a coffee maker to help you wean off that expensive coffee shop habit without feeling like you have to give up coffee.
What you do when your paycheck arrives determines how much money you’ll have until the next one and how comfortable your lifestyle will be. Choose wisely when it comes to your immediate purchases.
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