How I Am Making a Small Paycheck Go Further

In this recession if you make $9 an hour it can seem as if your paycheck is gone before it hits your bank account. It is possible to make your paycheck go a bit further in these trying economic times. With a little planning and thinking outside the box I have managed to pay off some bills even though my paycheck is not getting bigger.

One of my biggest expenses is transportation. Since I do not drive I have to pay to take the bus wherever I go. The cash price is $2.00 with the 1 hour transfer you can ask the driver for. The bus company does offer tickets, weekly and monthly passes to help to reduce the cost. I have been buying the 10 tickets for $16.50 and using them when I have no other choice but to ride the bus. I am fortunate that I can walk to many of the places I need to go. I can walk to the library, laundry mat, and grocery store and even to work. Not only is the walking good for my waistline but it also allows me to use less bus tickets. I have been able to stretch the 10 tickets into a two week period. Each pay period I evaluate my needs to see if tickets or a pass are my best option.

Groceries are another large expense for me. I am single so I do not have to cook for more than one. Once again I am in luck; there is a butcher not to far from my house that offers a great meat deal each month.

For example in May I was able to get the following for $20.09:
1 lb Hickory Smoked Bacon
2 pcs Pork Rib eye Grillers
3 Homemade Polish
1 Whole or Cut-up Chicken
1 lb Ground Chuck
2 Chicken Patties (pre-cooked)

This meat can last me a month most times unless I have someone over for dinner. It all comes wrapped in butcher meat and I have the option to have items packed smaller so I am not wasting food. I will make a pot of spaghetti and eat that till it is gone. I will grill chicken and have bbq chicken, chicken salad and chicken quesadillas. The polishes were great cut up in some red beans and rice. It took a little thinking but I have managed to eat well and not feel as if I have to go out to eat. Since my income is so low I also applied for food stamps. I receive $16.00 a month in food stamps. This will help for me to get staples in the kitchen, bread, cereal, potatoes and rice to add to my meals. With the summer months arriving I will go to the local farmer's market to get fresh fruits and veggies at a reasonable price. I also use coupons and rebates whenever possible. I make sure that I pack all my meals for work so that I am not spending extra money on food.

Hanging laundry is another way I can save at least $5.00 a month. I have to go to the laundry mat. I take my clothes there to wash and bring them home to hang up on my clothes racks. On a good windy day all my clothes are dry before I go to work. Even if you do not have to go to a laundry mat, hanging your clothes will take your electric or gas bill down. The dryer is the most energy hog you have in your home.

Track all your spending can show you were the holes are. I started to see how much money I was spending at work every day. So I stopped bringing my debt card. I bring my lunch and a soda. I always have a bottle of water with me. That alone has saved me at least $20.00 a week on junk. I carry a notebook in my bag and when I spend something, I stop and write it down. It is nothing elaborate but it is keeping me accountable for where my money is going.

A few simple changes and you can make your small paycheck go further. You do not have to feel deprived while you do this. In fact look at it as a challenge to see how well you can survive on a little less. It worked for me and I know it can work for you too.