Brilliant Budgeting Hacks to Survive Until Payday

Smart Budgeting Tips to Stay Afloat Before Payday

The economy has become really tough, and inflation is everywhere. Just last week, I bought a cup of rice for GH₵ 9, and today it’s GH₵ 10. Prices keep going up, but our incomes stay the same. So how does a single person or even a family manage their income and survive until payday? I know it’s tough out there, but I really hope the tips in this article will help you stay afloat before payday. These aren’t your typical “don’t spend too much” or “don’t follow social media trends” tips. These are practical budgeting tips—some you may have never thought of—that can make a real difference.

10. Needs Over Wants
When you get paid, focus on your needs, not your wants. I’m not advising you should starve yourself or avoid treating yourself every now and then, but your priority should be essential expenses. One way to manage this is by using a scale of preference. If you don’t know what that is, it’s simply making a list of what you need in order of importance. For example, paying your bills should come before buying that extra pair of shoes. This way, you cover all essentials first and then see what’s left for non-essentials.

9. Don’t Shy Away From “Buy One, Get One Free”
In tough times like these, there’s no room for pride when it comes to saving money. If you come across a “Buy One, Get One Free” promo for something you need or find beneficial, go for it! It’s not being cheap; it’s being cost-effective. For example, if you see a market deal for rice—buy one bag and get another free—that’s a smart buy.

8. Buy Food Smartly, Not Expensively
There’s a debate about whether cooking at home is always cheaper than buying food outside. Honestly, it depends. If you’re eating at a high-end restaurant, of course, cooking at home is cheaper. But if you buy from local vendors, it’s more affordable than cooking from scratch, especially if you live alone. A smart budgeting tip is to buy food from vendors near local schools—whether it’s a junior high, senior high, or even a university. Vendors around schools often sell food at lower prices and offer generous portions to attract students. This can be a great way to save without compromising on quality.

7. Buy Quality, Not Just Cheap
I know the goal is to save money, but sometimes buying the cheapest option can cost you more in the long run. Cheap items often break or wear out quickly, leading to constant repairs or replacements. That’s more money spent over time. It’s better to invest in quality. For example, buying a slightly more expensive but durable gadget means you won’t need to repair them every few weeks or months. Investing wisely in quality items can actually save you money in the long term.

6. Avoid Impulse Spending
When you’re broke, every little temptation can lead to regret. If you don’t need it now, don’t buy it. It’s easy to get drawn to things that look good, but if it’s not essential, skip it. For example, I once went to a mini mart intending to buy bread. But I ended up at the snack aisle, staring at pringles. I bought the pringles instead of the bread—and, of course, pringles didn’t fill me up or last for a few days like the bread would have. That was a poor choice, and it’s a perfect example of why impulse buying should be avoided.

5. The Ask for the Change
Whenever you buy something, always ask for your change—even if it’s just a few coins. Don’t say, “Oh, it’s just 50 pesewas, it is just a coin” or “It’s just a cedi.” Take that change. If possible, get a money-saving box to save the coins. Over time, they’ll add up and come in handy. Whether you’re buying from a street vendor or taking a trotro, don’t be shy to ask for your full change.

4. Time Your Food Shopping
In Ghana, food prices fluctuate based on the time of day. Usually, when you visit the market in the evening, prices drop as sellers want to clear their stock before heading home. This is a great time to buy fresh produce and other items at lower prices. In some areas, early mornings may also offer better deals. It all depends on your location and the market dynamics. By timing your shopping trips strategically, you can save a good amount on food.

3. Buy Data Bundles the Smart Way
Data bundles in Ghana are expensive, so managing how you buy and use data is key. Avoid using data-heavy apps like TikTok unless it’s for work. Instead, look for bundle deals that offer more value. For example, buying GHS 3 bundles three times from MTN can give you more data than buying a GHS 9 bundle in one go. Explore cheaper data options like MTN Mashup or Midnight Bundles, where you can download content like movies and animes during 12am to 5am and entertain yourself during the day.

2. Befriend Market Women
Building relationships with market women can save you money. When you become a regular and treat them kindly, they’re more likely to be generous with portions or even give you small discounts. Being friendly and respectful can go a long way. Vendors appreciate loyal customers and often reward them with better deals.

1. Pretend You’re Broke After Payday
One of the biggest mistakes people make is spending freely right after getting paid. It’s tempting to buy everything you’ve been eyeing, but this can lead to running out of money before the next payday. Pretend you’re still broke even after payday. Stick to your budget and follow your scale of preference. This doesn’t mean you should starve yourself or deprive yourself completely—just avoid blowing your money on unnecessary things the moment you get paid.

Conclusion
We’re all feeling the pinch in this tough economy, but with smart budgeting, it’s possible to stay afloat before payday. These budgeting tips aren’t meant to make you feel embarrassed—they’re practical ways to help you stretch your money further. Better days are ahead, but until then, let’s manage our money wisely and live comfortably within our means.

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