We have lived on one income most of our married life and it’s not always been easy. We’ve had our ups and downs and in those low times it was often very hard to keep our spirits up.
If you are living on a tight budget, you may feel like it will never end. You may yearn for more money, more resources, and more freedom. This can cause you to become depressed where you are financially. But it’s important to remember that God placed you in this season of life for a reason.
When you are struggling to stay positive on a tight budget, these 6 things might help to lift your spirits.
1. Remember Your Why
What is your reason for living on a tight budget? For us, it’s so that I can continue to stay at home with our boys. It might be something completely different for you. Maybe you are trying to pay off debt or save up for a down payment on a house. Whatever your reason, try to remember it when you are struggling.
Right it down on a post-it note and put it on your bathroom mirror or make a cute sign and display it on your kitchen countertop! A little inspiration can go a long way when your are feeling down about your finances!
2. Make Frugal Fun!
Look around your community! There are usually tons of free things to do that are completely free! If you are a mom who feels like your stuck at home all the time with the kids, try to find fun ways to get out of the house without spending money! Go to a park, have a picnic, hike a trail, visit a free museum, go on a scavenger hunt around your neighborhood, or go to the library!
There are so many free things available to us in our communities. We just have to reach out and find them. When you are struggling to stay positive on a tight budget, try to add some frugal fun into your life! It will go a long way.
3. Budget for Splurges
Remember that splurges don’t have to be expensive. They can be as simple as a fun treat at the grocery store or a small snow cone in the summertime! If you can squeeze just $5-$10 into your budget each month for splurges they will really go along way in lifting your spirits.
Date nights can sometimes seem impossible when you are living on a tight budget, but they don’t have to be. You can rent a movie and pick up a fun snack to share for less than $5! If you have a splurge budget, you don’t have to feel like you’re breaking the bank when you want to have a little fun from time to time.
4. Remember It’s a Season
Living on a very meager income probably won’t last forever. While some of us may live on a tight budget for longer than others, it’s more than likely just a season in your life. Raises, promotions, and second incomes may come your way and can greatly affect your budget. You will make more money one day and will likely have a little more wiggle room in your budget.
While we still live on a very tight budget, I think back to how we lived 4-5 years ago and realize we have come a very long way. There is a season for everything. If you think of your budget in this way, you will be able to see the light at the end of the tunnel, even if it is far away.
5. Keep Your Focus
Make a list of the 5 most important things in your life. What are they? Put this list in a conspicuous place. Make sure to look at it every day. This is your focus.
What is really important to you? Is it that new outfit or cute home decor piece? Or is it your husband, your kids, your health, your time, and your extended family? My mom once told me that there is always time to make money, but my kids will only be little once. While I would love to say that I never fall prey to the draw towards these material possessions, I can’t. However, I know what my priorities are and I try to make decisions based on them.
Remember, it’s all just stuff.
6. Give to Others
One of the best things you can do to keep your head up is to remember those who are less fortunate than yourself. While our struggles may be real, there is always someone with less than you. When you are feeling down, find a way to give to others. This may be financially and it may be by giving of your time. The Bible says,
“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
By giving of our time and resources, we will be blessed.
If you still struggle with feeling down about your finances, don’t ever forget the power of prayer. It’s amazing the difference prayer can make in your life.
Staying optimistic when living on a tight budget can be hard. It can be even more of a struggle when we forget why we are living this way in the first place. Make it fun, budget for a few splurges, and remember it’s just a season. If you keep your focus and give to others, you will no doubt be on your way to a happier life on a budget!
How do you stay positive while living on a tight budget?
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I check our mortgage balance and realise how far we’ve come in a short time.
I turn it into a game. For example, Pumpkin is in season at the moment for as little as 29c/kg Australian. I’m having fun trying to squeeze it into almost every meal, including desert. Haha luckily my partner is a willing Guinea pig 🙂
We experiment making cocktails with cheap cask wine, instead of buying expensive spirits.