Tips on how to survive January on a shoe-string budget

 How to survive January on a budget. (Courtesy)

It’s all fun and games during the December festivities until the reality dawns and the 40-day long month comes along. While most people have learned how to save some coins over the holidays in case January proves difficult, others overspend and later find themselves on a fixed budget. Despite the financial situation you are in, here are a few essential pointers on how to survive January. 

Budget your money

As the month begins, sit down and make a budget on how everything will fit depending on how much is in your pocket. However, not sticking to it means going back to the drawing board. Put sticky notes around the house if you can to help you remember the plans you make. Sticking to a plan will help you survive on your strained budget and give you peace of mind.

 Make a budget and stick to it. (Courtesy)

Cook your own food

If you are used to eating out or ordering in, you might have to teach yourself how to prepare simple meals this month. The good thing is, there are lots of tutorials both on YouTube and Pinterest to guide you in cooking any food you want. Buying an average meal in Kenya, say rice and beef, will cost you about Sh200 or Sh300 in other areas. If you use this money to cook, you may prepare a meal that will take almost three days.

 Cook your own food.

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Plan your meals

Now that you’ve learnt how to cook a few meals, plan how you’ll eat them throughout the week. When planning your meals, consider cutting on meat and focus on buying foodstuffs such as beans and green grams - try using eggs in place of beef and chicken. They are cheaper and healthier in terms of calories.

Minimize energy consumption

There are numerous ways of minimizing energy consumption while in the house. Have you ever checked how much energy you consume washing your clothes using a machine or the heater while showering? Instead, try washing your clothes regularly to avoid bulking them—shower in the afternoon when the water is not so cold if you are working from home. Avoid switching on the lights if you do not require them. You might be surprised at how much you’ll save by doing such things.

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Minimize what you need 

Have you ever checked on how much detergent you use when washing clothes or even the amount of cooking oil you use in preparing meals? Most of us use more than what is required. Try using half the amount you usually use and see if it will still serve the purpose. Consider minimizing such things.

Avoid moving around if you could

It might be boring to stay at home, especially if you are an outdoor person. However, if you look at how much you use fuelling your car or the fare for public transport, you might consider staying at home to save on that extra cash. Only move around if you need to, say going to the hospital or if your work requires you to.