4 Things To Do If You Are Barely Scraping By

I recently polled you lovely ladies, wanting to find out what the biggest problem you are facing is. Unanimously you responded that finances were at the very top.  Thank you so much to those of you who responded and congratulations to Hannah who won the Amazon Gift Card!  This is for you…4 Things To Do If You Are Barely Scraping By.

Before we head to the more tangible suggestions, I want to toss out this practice that my husband and implement when we are facing struggles of any kind. First off we Pray, then Praise, Prioritize, and rest in God’s Promises, He will care for you!  For us, these are the 4 most important things to do if you are barely scraping by.

4 Things To Do If You Are Barely Scraping By

Pay Rent/Mortgage

It’s the first thing you need to do at the beginning of every month.  This one item keeps your family safe.  Sheltering is a necessity.

Pay Basic Groceries

When I say pay for basic groceries, I mean basic. For instance, beans, oatmeal, rice, and vegetables.  Add water and you will survive quite nicely.  If you purchase wants instead of needs your family will suffer.  Now, that said, each family has different needs.  To supplement your needs, please check out your church’s food pantry.  Our church has had one for decades.  We had to use this wonderful ministry 15 years ago.  While it was incredibly hard to humble ourselves.  It turned out to be a tremendous blessing to us. 

Pay Utilities

You need water, sanitation, heat, and in some parts of the country air conditioning.  Pay these monthly and if you fall behind, call and work out a payment plan.  

Pay Transportation

If you own a car it is incredibly important to stay current on your car payment if you have one.  To save money on gas, take a bus. It may save you a bundle.  Commuting to your job is important! If you are in an urban environment you may even be able to get along without a car.  Either way, making sure you can get to work is of utmost importance because that is how you get a paycheck. 

I know it may be tempting to want to pay other bills to save face but these four are the most important to keep your family healthy and safe. It’s time to get your frugal on!   Get creative and see where you can save money in your budget and look for ways to make money from home.  The Proverbs 31 Woman is a great inspiration!

YOUR TURN…

How do you save money when you are struggling to pay your bills? 

Blessings, 

Janelle