I have been monitoring my expenses since Day 1. Most of it is spent on rent, debts, and food. Yes, I have never gotten out of debt. I have been trying the best I can to manage my debt so that I can recover once the pandemic has passed. Even though we were allowed to work from home, we were not allowed to return to our provinces so I still pay rent. We do not know how long this pandemic will last, so now is the time to hold on to our money.
Read : 10 More Ways to Save Money
With the bills piling up and poor cash flow, not all stuck at home are saving money. Like many others, I wonder how to pay my bills and make my way through this financial crisis. The pandemic has affected both our daily activities and our finances. This is the reality of it. If there is a way to save money right now, I want to know.
Plan Your Meals
In the previous weeks, I have been thoroughly planning my meals. Arranging meals can help us keep our grocery list tight. It keeps us from buying too much food at the grocery store.
I do not know what to buy in the first seven-day stretch of quarantine since I do not have a refrigerator. I have decided to store breakfast cereals, oatmeals, instant noodles, canned goods, pasta, and pasta sauces. We are in the eight-week now, but I still have those in my pantry.
Make a Grocery List
When buying, have your grocery list ready and follow it carefully. This is the quickest way to cut the bill down in almost a half. Before, I don’t mind not having a list. I always take my time shopping. Since we have a limited time inside the grocery store, we cannot do that anymore. Apart from saving time and money, preparing a grocery list has many other benefits.
Batch Cooking
I have been doing this for quite while now. Preparing meals can sometimes be tiring- the planning, the cooking, and the clean-up. But when you cook in large quantities, you are going to save more time. You are only cooking once or twice a week. Not only that, but you will also only be grocery shopping once a month.
Cut Out the Non-Essentials
It will be much more financially efficient to buy the essential food. Refrain from buying unhealthy processed foods, sodas, and juices for now. Get serious about what you need and want for the moment, and use it to spend less.
Grow Some Food
I do not know if I can grow food in my unit or at the roof deck. Even if I could, I do not know how to start.
Unplug Unused Devices
Unplug devices (cell phone chargers, laptop chargers, and wifi routers) that are not in use. Even if the device is in standby mode or off, the plugged-in devices’ energy costs may add up. This will help you save on your electricity bills as well.
Turn Off the Lights
Also, keeping the light uses a lot of energy. Let the natural light come into your home. Imagine the difference you can make if you turn off your lights during the day and take advantage of the natural light.
Stay positive. Do your best to focus on what is generally essential to you.