7 Ways to Save During a Global Pandemic
Hey loves!!
I know we’ve all been going through it.
Dealing with a global pandemic, isolating from family and friends, while simultaneously worrying about everyone’s well being definitely takes a toll.
As I write this my boyfriend and his best friend are battling Covid-19 and it sucks.
But even when the darkest clouds loom overhead, I hope you can find a silver-lining because listen…
Life is going to keep happening whether you like it or not.
Life isn’t going to wait for you to feel better and have everything figured out.
You either do the best you can while you’re along for the ride or get left behind waiting on a “someday” that never comes.
But that’s not you. Nope. Not at all.
You are incredibly resilient and you adapt to whatever hand you’ve been dealt.
Because of that, I wanted to share some ways you can be even more conscious of saving during this time so that when it’s all said and done, you’ll have something to show for it.
Here are my top 7 ways to save during a global pandemic
1. Create a Pandemic Budget
If you’re like most people you probably don’t even have a regular budget, but you should still consider creating a pandemic budget.
Where can you cut back? What areas do you need to beef up? Where do things stand with your current emergency fund?
Life is a little different right now.
The world is practicing social distancing, many people are working from home and you should consider how these changes impact you and how you can leverage them to your benefit.
2. Save on Autopilot
Let’s face it, you have a lot on your mind just trying to survive. You may have some extra time on your hands if you’re working from home (unless you have kids!! lol) but do you really want to spend that time working on your finances?
Probably not.
So, set up an automatic savings plan to ensure that you’re saving whether you remember to do it or not.
3. Track your Spending
I know, tracking your spending is the last thing on your radar right now. You want to be less hands on with your finances, not more. Am I right?
Well, (and I say this with love) that’s too bad.
If you’re not careful your spending can easily get away from you.
Tell the truth… how many amazon packages do you have in your house right now? Or on the way? That’s what I thought!
Paying attention to your spending is mission critical!
4. Make Pandemic Goals
This is one of my favorites! I love goals because I’m nerdy in that way. It’s fun to have something to work towards.
I always try to find the good in the bad and goals are one way I do that. As far as we know, the Pandemic will likely last until the end of the year or beyond so you might as well create some goals for what you’d like to accomplish during this time.
5. Shack up
Yes, you heard me! instead of spending this time isolating alone, consider social distancing with a friend it makes sense to do so.
That way you guys can avoid being lonely while splitting monthly expenses.
This works best for friends who know they can live together because it’s not as easy as it may seem. In fact, I don’t think it works too well for couples.
I’ve been reading AITA tweets (for those who know what that is!) and it turns out that quarantine hasn’t been too good to married folks so if you value your relationship, keep that in mind.
6. Plan Your Meals
Relax! Before you get too nervous, I’m not going to ask you to give up dining out all together, but I do want you to plan your meals.
How many times have you used Uber Eats so far this month??
Personally, I had to check myself because it was really getting out of hand and I was justifying my constant dining out with how much I was working.
Anyway…
Dining out isn’t the healthiest, and those meals add up. Especially after fees.
So, pick how many days a week you plan to dine out and plan your meals around that.
7. Get Your Staycation On
You might not be able to go on a vacation, but you can definitely plan a nice staycation. And you probably need it.
Grab a tent or a blanket and plan a picnic by yourself, with family or with whoever you’re isolating with. I’ve done this 3 times already. One of those times was on the beach!!
Basically, what I’m trying to say is find ways to have fun in your backyard or your closest city park (one that isn’t filled with people). There are so many ways to enjoy yourself and your life.