It goes without saying that when you’re struggling to make ends meet you’ll look at any option someone puts in front of you. That, of course, doesn’t mean you’ll say “yes” to it, but money is like air. When you’ve got plenty of it, you don’t think too much about it. When it’s scarce, you’ll go a long way to get a bit more.
These facts are best summed up by some of the tips you’ll hear on TV or elsewhere about making your money go further. Ideas like “get a second job,” when a first one is tricky to come by. “Exchange luxury items for cheaper brands” is another popular one. As though you’re scrimping and saving to make sure you can afford that extra caviar…
Then there are some ideas that could just work, but will take a lot of effort. These are worth looking at. They won’t work for everyone; there is no magic bullet for financial wellness, unfortunately. But if you’re looking to change your luck, they may be a way to go.
Plan A Move Abroad
I know – it’s not practical for most of us, definitely not immediately. However, there are definite advantages if you can be flexible. It’s expected that over the next few years, the cost of living will rise in the UK, as its exit from the EU is expected to drive prices up.
For the next few years, though, we still have freedom of movement to other EU countries. Some of those have a lower cost of living at a comparable standard.
If your family situation allows it, it could be an adventure and a financial boost. (If you currently work from home, you can keep making the same amount but have more disposable income). If you’re worried about getting homesick, remember an online British shop will allow you to still have your home comforts.
Bulk Buy, Bulk Cook, Bulk Save
Supermarkets offer 2-for-1 or similar deals on a regular basis. They do this comfortable in the knowledge that people will buy two of the item and still give them a cosy profit margin.
By being prepared to buy non-perishable or long-life products in mass bulk, you could save a lot more. Soft drinks, rice, and long-life milk are among the best things to buy in this way. Don’t get two for one, get twenty for ten. Whatever your budget will allow. Remember, if you buy it now, you don’t have to pay so much on future shops.
If you have a freezer, it’s also worth investing in a slow cooker, or using your current one more. They cost less to run than other appliances, and you can make massive amounts of stew, curry, or similar dishes. Then you can freeze them and have home-made ready meals to fall back on.
Reselling: Do It While You Still Can
There is a simple principle behind reselling and drop-shipping. You pay a lower cost for an item because you buy it in bulk. Due to the volume that you buy and then sell on – at a profit as large as you decide to make it – you can make money from doing very little work.
You need to be disciplined and stay on top of what you’re doing, or it won’t pay off for you. But it is a way to make money without it taking up every spare second you have. Once you’ve made and saved enough, you can put it towards a project you want to put your heart and soul into.
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