YOUR ULTIMATE “I’M BROKE” GUIDE TO BECOMING FINANCIALLY RESPONSIBLE
Elissa Ghaoui
Whether you get your monthly salary from your parents or you got a job, managing your wallet or bank account could be a great idea – only when it works! In most cases like today, yesterday and probably every other day, you will find yourself sitting at home and waiting for some miracle to happen because #BrokeLife calls for desperate measures and Netflixing in bed.
Here are 7 tips that could help you make a positive change with your financials.
1. Pay Your Debts (i.e. Whatever You Owe To Your Friends) At The Very Start Of The Month
As soon as you get your monthly salary, always try to remember if you owe someone money and make sure to pay them back. I know; you just touched your salary and probably don’t wanna let it go on the very first day, but if you wait till mid of the month, you will probably not be able to cover it. Trust me, paying your bills on time (or what you owe your friends) will give you a net profit to manage throughout the month with no worries at all. Plus, you need to always keep your promise to your friends, or else, they will not trust you anymore with future loans.
2. Know How To Budget – Allocate Your Money Depending Of The Month’s Different Plans
I know it’s kinda boring but taking 20 minutes to allocate budgets accordingly will save you a lot for later. Think about what you have planned for the month and work it out financially: budget for this month’s birthdays and big events, your next shopping list (stick to it and try not to go OFF guard!) and finally, allocate the money you need for daily meals, drinks, gas, outings, etc., separately.
Be your own consultant!
3. Savings
If you survived step 2 successfully, that means you should end up with some amount of money by the end of the day – even if it is as little as $10, make sure you save it and don’t feel the urge to spend it on something you don’t really need! It can help you with the upcoming busy months to come (where you have more spending) or you can always allocate an extra monthly sum for your next summer trip! Also, don’t forget to invest in a savings account – that’s an investment worth having as it pays you off big time! Check out our savings advantages for the young
4. Being Young Has Its Own Benefits
Yes, it means being able to enjoy a lot of discounts offered by so many services. I mean, why not? If being young doesn’t always pay you off with big money (as you’re probably still at entry level), it kinda makes up for it with the many discounts and benefits that many services offer exclusively for the youth only. Check out the many discounts and offers that you can benefit from by simply presenting your Lucky to be Young card!
5. Save Up On Gas
Yes, gas gas gas! Driving in Lebanon is already stressful enough, and between the daily consumption of gas and the parking prices (All valets everywhere!), it is always better to take a cab and save up!
6. Be Up-to-date On Your Credit Record
No, it’s not just another plus application on the phone; it’s here for a reason! Always keep track on your expenses to know whether you are budgeting right or whether you are overspending. Check out BLF’s app, My BLF that gives you a clear and updated view of your transactions and balances! Download it now!
7. Buy Smart
Let’s face it. We’re still young and we’re probably not doing that MUCH to be able to spend here and there without giving a care (future goals of course!) But for now, make sure you’re buying what you need and not whatever is cute or new. I mean this marketing world of ours is full of tempting stuff but let’s keep our priorities straight.
Now tell us about your most embarrassing “broke” or “card declined” moment.