Cutting your expenses

The typical Pinoy never retreats from the appalling struggle for survival.  As mere citizens of this country, we have no control over this unstoppable inflation; however, we have the command to counter this dilemma.

Have you always wanted to cut expenses but you weren’t sure where or how to start? 

With the extreme media hype of the economic inflation in our country at present, every citizen would feel less hope for improvement and development.  Nonetheless, the typical Pinoy never retreats from the appalling struggle for survival.  As mere citizens of this country, we have no control over this unstoppable inflation; however, we have the command to counter this dilemma.  The following measures will help you make the important changes in your lifestyle. These might help you to cut back on spending and refrain from accruing more debts – especially in today’s condition:

For young professionals, STOP bringing your credit cards

Right now, credit cards are not good companions for our daily survival.  These cards might lead us to incur more payouts, since we are virtually deceived by the fact that we don’t spend any cash at all.  Normally, this results to impulse buying.

Minimize groceries

In terms of your provisions, only buy the foodstuff which you deem necessary for your daily consumption.  This means that we will cut back on spending for junk foods and unnecessary beverages.  This may lead us to create a healthy lifestyle.  Also, when buying groceries, prepare a list of your needs in order to refrain from spending more on needless supplies.  Stock up on household essentials only.

Economize at home

Your house is the best place to start your cost-cutting mission.  Simple things like turning off the lights and television when not in use could slash down a part of your household expenses.  Instead of being a “couch potato,” utilize your time in reading a book or enjoying outdoor fun with your family.  Just make sure that you’ll put a clamp on your expenses.

Don’t eat out too often

Truly, eating out can gradually cost you a lot in your budget. For this reason, stay away from restaurants, fast foods, snack bars and vending machines.   Eat at home more often and try to bring lunch at work.  Keep simple foods on hand for times when you are too tired to cook and tempted to go out to dinner.  But, if it’s a friend who will invite you out for free, of course never say no to graces.

Don’t blow your money on the latest trends

You can be fashionably in without spending much in your apparel.  UK centers (ukay-ukay) are there to the rescue.  You don’t need to spend much on signature clothing.  Remember, it’s on how you carry your clothes, not the other way around.

Cut off transportation expenses

For car owners, today’s condition is a dilemma.  Better yet, calculate and compare your expenses when you use your car or just simply ride a PUJ or bus.  If it turns out that using your car would cost you more, then better park it neatly in your garage and go for the less expensive option.  In that way, you can save from spending for the gasoline and parking fee.

Monitor your expenses

To know if you have succeeded in your cost-cutting mission; keep a daily breakdown of your expenses.  In that way, you can check if your have been adhering to your self-imposed cost cutting guidelines.

Now, if you think that these guidelines can somehow distort your way of living, then you can absolutely create your own.  Do and accomplish each, one step at a time. Remember, change doesn’t happen in just a wink of an eye. 

Yes, economic inflation is unstoppable, but our ways and measures of coping with it are exceedingly relentless.