Believe it or not, being home under quarantine for the past few months has saved you some money. As you limit your trips and remain indoors, you’ve likely saved a ton of money on gas. Many adults also report seeing a decline in takeout and entertainment costs as more people are eating at home and finding free forms of entertainment. In some areas, however, costs have skyrocketed since the coronavirus pandemic.
Everyone’s home all day which causes energy costs to go through the roof, though cooking meals at home is a lot more affordable than takeout, the rise in food prices makes the grocery bill quite hefty. On top of that, many adults are unemployed or underemployed trying to keep up with the bills and cover the cost of necessities.
Even with the additional savings on gas, takeout, entertainment, and unnecessary purchases, for some people, affording necessities is still a struggle. If you happen to be in this financial position, take comfort in knowing that there are effective solutions to help you weather the storm.
Comparison Shop
Before making a purchase, do some comparison shopping to determine whether or not you’re getting the best deal. As there are many online businesses vying for new customers these days, you’ll find that there are a lot of options to choose from. So, whether you’re looking for the most affordable pharmacy to fill your prescriptions or you’re in need of clean beauty products for your skincare routine, check several websites to see which company is going to offer you the best bang for your buck.
Use Coupons Whenever Possible
You’d be surprised how often people overlook the money-saving benefits of coupons. On the surface, it might seem like just a lot of work to get a few cents, dollars, or percentage off your purchases. It is quite the contrary, however. Coupons are essentially like real cash. Every penny they save you is a penny that can be utilized to purchase something else you need.
Keep in mind also that coupons can often be combined with other deals or coupons to increase your savings. There are some people that are so good at using coupons that they get their groceries and other necessary items for absolutely nothing. So, when making a necessary purchase, do a quick online search to see if there are any coupons you can apply to get additional savings.
Shop Generic Brands
Financially surviving the coronavirus pandemic may require some people to downsize. While this could apply to your home or car, it can also apply to your purchases. Perhaps you’re used to buying a particular brand of food, medication, cleaning supplies, line of clothes, etc. These brands may be of good quality and what you’d prefer, but depending on which brands you’re choosing they could also be a lot more expensive. For the time being, it may be best for you to shop generic brands and save additional money on things you need during the pandemic. You may be surprised to find that many of these generic brands are just as good as the brands you’re used to.
Contact Service Providers
The whole world is experiencing financial strain during the coronavirus pandemic – even the very companies that provide you with some of the products and services you need. Whether you’re trying to figure out how to keep the lights on, maintain your cell phone plan, or insure your car, a simple call to the service provider could save you some money.
Many companies are trying to help their customers during these uncertain times by offering everything from lower monthly payments to affordable payment plans and more. In fact, some companies like car insurance agencies are even going as far as to provide refunds to customers who may have paid for insurance coverage but don’t use their vehicles as much.
Cell phone providers are offering more affordable data plans and easy payment plans. In some states, utility companies have removed shutoff services and have several programs and options for payment assistance. Don’t hesitate to pick up the phone and express your struggles and see what they can do to help.
Unfortunately, the coronavirus pandemic has caused a financial strain on everyone. Now, more than ever it is essential for adults to implement strong money management skills to stay afloat. Whether you’re on unemployment, dealing with a smaller paycheck, or simply struggling with the additional cost of living while under quarantine, there are ways to ensure that you can afford the things you need most.
