by Eleanor O'Donnell

Created on: March 16, 2008   Last Updated: July 11, 2009

If you're prepared to put in a little work to get the most out of your money then getting by on a low income doesn't have to be one crisis after another. The following are my favourite fifteen thrifty tips and tricks to keep my family afloat without having to go without anything:

1) Keep a Running Budget. Preferably on a PC so you can lay out a predictive budget for the six months ahead and make adjustments as and when changes occur. For example in planning ahead you enter when you think your bills will come out then go back and change them on the specific days they leave your account. If you want to spend money on a luxury item and think you can afford it because you've got 100 in your account, check your budget to see if that 100 really is spare or if it's about to be used to pay a bill next week. This will enable you to always feel confident about your expenditures and avoid running into debt.

2) Sensible Banking. When you're on a low income, it's even more important to avoid debt and maintain a respectable credit rating just in case of a life emergency. If you're not already making the most of free online banking then now's the time to think about it. It'll make keeping on top of your budget much easier if you're able to check your account once or twice a week just by booting up your PC. Try to arrange all of your bills to be paid by direct debit or standing order too to avoid falling into arrears or forgetting to pay for something.

3) Apply for Government Assistance. In both America and the UK there is government assistance to be applied for so you need to make sure you're getting your full entitlement. Here in the UK, there are a lot of provisions available for those on Income Support or those on higher rate Child Tax Credits (but not Working Tax Credits) that the Government don't advertise. For example, you can pay a concession price to go swimming at your local council sponsored swimming pool and enrol on a variety of educational courses free of charge too. If your child is 2yrs old, I recently discovered that they are entitled to three free two and a half hour playgroup sessions a week. Make sure you apply for your food stamps or healthy start vouchers whichever country you're in; free milk or food for your child or children is not to be refused when money is tight.

4) Limit Impulse Buying. I find it's best to allow myself a set amount of "pocket money" in a week to keep in my purse for buying whatever I like. This allows me to feel like I have

• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5
• Next Page >>