Seriously – in this time and day, how could we possibly make our money stretch even further? Strangely enough, it’s a choice. We have to work on our perceptions first. Our attitude will determine our altitude.

We often use or “Miss”-use money to lessen our insecurities or mask how we are feeling. Isn’t it one of the most famous sayings… Girls do retail therapy?!

Now don’t get me wrong, nothing wrong with retail therapy, but surely not to your detriment?

                Here are 12 quick tips to assist you in getting to the end of the month a bit easier:

• Take a piece of paper and do a budget – even a simple one gives you an idea of what your expenses really are
• Consider what is important and make a deal with yourself to stick to it
• “Write a list” as my 5 year old daughter would say! A list BEFORE you go to the shops
• Buy groceries for the week. Every Saturday or Sunday have your list handy where you have worked out a basic menu for the week. Buy groceries accordingly
• Take your salary and depending on your expenses/debt, take what is left over and divide it into the weeks of the month. In other words if you have R500 left then a R100 per week
• Look at reasonable and realistic possibilities of cutting costs.
• Cut down on the electricity you use
• Cut down on luxuries like dinners out and sweets, cigarettes etc
• If you don’t really trust yourself with extra cash in your purse – only take what you need for the day – leave the rest at home or even better, divide your money and put them in envelopes, seal the envelope and don’t open it until the next week and the next week!
• Stretch your money by being creative with your meals
• Instead of spending a lot of money on a new outfit, rather get a few accessories to change the ones you have
• Always, always remember – every step is a choice! If you feel ‘forced’ into helping yourself manage your money better, you will not follow through… so make the decision to WANT to do it!

Send me your questions and/or problems and lets all help each other! I will answer at least 3 ladies in each edition. Don’t forget to also send us your achievements. We are available for private consulting, so feel free to contact us.