Despite the extra income and the desire to “save bread for May”, Christmas expenses leave our pockets like a crumpled card, however, there are some techniques to survive January and start the financial cycle of the new year without too many shocks.
1. Arrange Your duties. Write down your income for the month and any debts or payments you have to make at the beginning of the year in a notebook.
2. Prioritize. Review which payments are urgent, which are mandatory and which can be scheduled for another date.
3. Reduce. Realize the need to reduce costs as much as possible. When you go to buy something ask yourself: Do I need it?, then ask yourself again: Do I need it now? Most of the monthly expenses are done unconsciously on non-priority items.
4. Smart shopping. List what you have in your pantry. Evaluate essential products for survival in January. When shopping, take your list, don't buy anything that isn't on it, and check where you can find quality products at good prices.
5. Take advantage of loyalty points. Many banks and supermarkets, through their customer loyalty programs, offer points that you can exchange for pesos or products, use them this month and they will relieve your budget.
Put these tips into practice, try not to touch your savings and good luck, remember that January is “80 days”, and if you survive this month, the possibilities for a happy 2024 are very hidden.
