Simply put, a budget is a plan for your money. It is essential for financial management and stability as it provides a clear picture of income and expenses. A budget can also set you on the right path to achieving your financial goals, spending within your means, saving for retirement, building an emergency fund, and analysing your spending habits.

Budgeting during a challenging economic environment presents unique challenges. Whether it’s a recession, inflation, a pandemic, or a job loss, creating and adhering to a budget during tough times is no easy task. However, some tips can help you establish and maintain a budget.

1. Create a realistic budget

During times of reduced income, it’s crucial to create a new budget that aligns with your current financial situation. This step empowers you to manage your finances, pinpoint areas where costs can be trimmed, and reduce stress associated with money matters. Begin by listing all fixed expenses, such as rent or mortgage payments, along with variable expenses like groceries and entertainment. Tracking your income and expenses offers valuable insight into your spending habits, enabling more effective allocation of funds.

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    2. Negotiate bills and other payments

    In times of financial difficulty, it’s important to proactively address loan, mortgage and rent payments. If affording the full amount is challenging, reaching out to the bank or landlord to discuss alternative arrangements can be beneficial. This may involve negotiating reduced payments for a temporary period or deferring payments altogether. Similarly, managing credit card payments is crucial to avoid damaging one’s credit score. Making only minimum payments can lead to mounting debt and late fees. When facing challenges with debt or credit payments, contacting the lender directly to discuss potential payment deferrals or new payment plans is essential.

    3. Cut unnecessary expenses and adjust spending

      During tough economic times, it’s crucial to evaluate and cut back on expenses to alleviate financial pressure. Start by reducing the cost of groceries and food expenses by, for example, sourcing from the market instead of supermarkets and high-end grocery stores. You can also cut unnecessary expenses by minimising takeaway orders, opting for cheaper alternative brands, and embracing eating at home or carrying lunch to the office. Evaluating costly habits or even unnecessary entertainment can also make a huge difference. Monitoring and adjusting recurrent expenses, such as subscription services, can yield significant savings. For example, you can opt for basic over premium packages. Implement these changes gradually to manage finances effectively during challenging periods, ultimately alleviating financial strain and promoting stability.

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      4. Prioritise expenses

      When managing your bills, prioritise which ones to pay first and set up a payment schedule based on your paydays. Allow catch-up time if some bills are overdue. Be honest about what you can afford to pay. Prioritise essential expenses such as rent, water, electricity, or mortgage payments over non-essential ones like eating out or subscription services. Focus on covering basic needs like food, shelter, and utilities first to ensure you have enough money for essential expenses.

        5. Consider additional sources of income

        If your current budget is not balanced or you are barely making ends meet, you may need to consider working overtime, getting a side hustle, or possibly seeking a new, higher-paying job. Explore various income opportunities, including part-time work, freelancing, or selling items you no longer need to boost your overall income.

        6. Create an emergency fund or savings plan

        During a tough economic season, having a savings plan is crucial. Set small savings goals and deposit that money into a savings account as soon as you get paid. Even a small amount can grow over time, providing peace of mind during difficult economic times. Aim to save at least three to six months’ worth of income, or ideally, stash away eight to 12 months’ income, especially when the job market is weak. Building an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses can help avoid going into debt.

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        7. Search for deals

        Look for deals and try to get the best prices at grocery and retail stores like supermarkets. Compare prices, especially for costly items. Pay close attention to ads and stock up on items you know you’ll need in the future when they are on sale. You can also take advantage of the free services offered by streaming platforms, but be mindful not to overspend online.