Tips for Living Paycheck to Paycheck
It can be upsetting and stressful when you've run out of money and that paycheck is still a few days or more away. Here are five survival tips to get you through it.
Prepare For the Worst
Assume you are going to completely run out of cash before your next payday. How will you survive? If you try to plan ahead and prepare for the worst, it can be a big help.
Keep some really cheap canned food on hand at all times. Keep a gas can full of emergency gas in your garage. Stock up on absolute necessities so when the worst happens, you can get by.
Make a Friend at Your Workplace Cafe
If you are out of money and have no food, you might be able to run a tab at your workplace cafe if you have been a regular customer and always, always pay up the second payday hits. The same might be true of a local gas station or convenience store. Be a regular customer and be friendly. It may pay off if you're desperate.
Know Where to Find Cash In Your House
If you are severely desperate for money, you should go on a scavenger hunt around the house. Look under and behind your dryer, go through pants pockets, dig in the furniture. You might be able to scrounge up some dinero!
Sell Something
Pick something you can live without that people would want, and get it on Craigslist. You might be surprised how fast someone gets to your door with cash in hand, especially if you are offering a good deal.
Return Something For a Refund
Always, always, always save your receipts. That DVD you bought 5 days ago might not look so good now that you are broke. Head back to the store with your receipt and they'll almost always put the cash back in your hand with no questions.