ways to start stretching money

6 Great Ways To Stretch Your Paycheck

In today's economy, it's easy to feel as though there just isn't enough money to fulfill all of your needs. When the bills come knocking, a loan can help meet your needs. But before going with that option, it's a good idea to stretch your paycheck as much as possible to see if you actually have more money than you think.

But what exactly do we mean by stretching your paycheck? Well, there are actually plenty of things you can do to make sure you get the most bang for your buck when it comes to your paycheck. And once you use one of these options, you may find that some expenses don't have to be as significant as they first appear. Here are some options for you to choose from.

Use These 6 Methods To Stretch Your Paycheck

1. Make A Budget

This may sound simple, but the best way to stretch your paycheck is to know how much money you have, where it all goes every month, and how much you can afford to spend on things that aren't strictly necessary. Without knowing this information, there is no way to effectively make the most of your money.

Making a budget just requires a bit of record-keeping. Take account of all of your fixed expenses, such as rent, insurance payments, utility bills, and the like. Come up with an accurate rough estimate of how much you spend on groceries every month. Then, factor in how much you spend on extra things like eating out, leisure shopping, and entertainment.

Finally, all you have to do is tally up your monthly income and subtract all of these expenses from it. This gives you a rough idea of how much "spare" money you have each month and gives you a rough idea of where and how much you can cut back on monthly expenses that aren't mandatory. Remember, knowledge is half the battle.

2. Compare Prices Before Making Purchases

Products will have different costs depending on where you shop for them, even if they are identical products. Some stores just have lower prices than others, and the difference can actually be quite significant at times. Use online price comparison tools or just check on store websites to see if you can get a better deal elsewhere.

Of course, finding better prices is true for fixed expenses too. Utilities, insurance, and the like may have drastically different prices depending on who you buy from, so do proper research to make sure you aren't spending more than you need to. You might be able to find lower prices with better companies.

3. Avoid Eating Out

Strictly speaking, you never really need to eat out, whether it's at a restaurant or just fast food. The price of eating out is much higher than most people realize, especially if they eat out very often. Even if you don’t realize it, you could easily be looking at monthly expenses in the hundreds of dollars.

Resist the urge to eat out at restaurants and fast food places whenever you can. For work, try to bring your own food or snacks from home. Groceries are much cheaper than eating out, pound for pound. Plus, you get more control over how healthy your meals are when you make them yourself.

4. Make Use Of Public Transportation

Public transportation isn't always a viable option depending on where you live in South Carolina. But if it is a viable option near your home, you should seriously consider it if you want to stretch your paycheck. Needless to say, the amount of money you could save on gas alone is astronomical, especially considering current gas prices.

woman holding title loan cash with text ways to stretch your paycheck

5. Avoid Leisure Shopping

Another way to stretch your paycheck is to only shop when you absolutely need something and not because you just want something. Ask yourself if you really need new clothes, dessert foods, or new electronics. The answer is most often no, and listening to that answer can help you stretch your paycheck significantly.

6. Pay In Cash

The problem many people have is an inability to recognize money from a debit or credit card as being "real." The expense doesn't feel tangible when you pay by card. When you pay in cash, it's much harder to ignore how much you are actually spending. You can take it a step further and allocate cash for categorical expenses each month.

Make Use Of An Installment Loan For Emergencies

So, maybe you've done your best to stretch your paycheck, but you are still going to fall short on emergencies. At that point, it's not a bad idea to turn to an installment loan for help. Carolina Title Loans Inc. offers both installment loans that allow you to repay the loan in installments. Keep in mind that for this loan, we will check your credit. Even so, you do not need perfect credit with us.

Also remember that a loan is something you turn to when you have important expenses such as rent, medical bills, or emergency travel. If you just want money to spend on unnecessary expenses, this loan is not a good choice. Just fill out the online form on our website to get started. We will give you a call from the nearest South Carolina location to help you continue.

Start Stretching Your Paycheck Today

When it comes to your paycheck, it can be such a beneficial thing for you to find ways to stretch it. Stretching your paycheck can help you find some wiggle room. If you want to stretch your paycheck, check out these tips above. And if you need help with an emergency expense, consider coming to us for an installment loan. Fill out the online form to get started.

 

Note: The content provided in this article is only for informational purposes, and you should contact your financial advisor about your specific financial situation.

Daniel Dewitt

Daniel Dewitt is a lifetime blogger with a finely-honed ability to break down, analyze, and interpret economic trends for the layman. He's fiercely invested in spreading financial literacy and helping everyday people gain the tools they need for their own economic success.