Surviving on a Modest Income

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There’s no denying the importance of the almighty dollar. We all need money to provide food, shelter, transportation, and clothing – life’s basic necessities. Did you know that our well-being suffers when we don’t have enough cash to cover these essentials? While money is not necessarily the path to happiness, low income is associated with low emotional well-being according to the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America (PNAS). When income is not enough, it can trigger stress that can lead to depression and other negative health outcomes and may shorten your life expectancy.

If you’re living on a modest budget, you can still enjoy life if you plan ahead. Here are 3 ways to make the best of your budget:

Consider using cash. Financial experts often recommend that if you are on a low monthly budget, use cash to make purchases. Avoid added charges that come with credit cards. Using cash makes it easier to keep track of how much money you are actually spending.

Live beneath your means. Eating out, going to a movie, or happy hour after work can drain your bank account. Make a commitment to cut 10, 20, or even 30 percent from your monthly spending. Be creative and have potluck dinners with friends and family or enjoy a movie night with your children. Entertainment doesn’t have to break the bank!

Build an emergency fund. Cutting back on extra spending will allow you to build a saving account. Knowing you have savings lessens stress during an unexpected life occurrence. Start small. Setting aside even a few dollars a week will help build up a reserve over time.

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