What happens if a sudden emergency makes you lose all your savings?
The whole world is going through a financial crisis today. The current circumstances prove that even when you think you have done everything right, disaster can still knock on your door. It is vital to be prepared at such times so that you can support yourself and your family.
One might ask, how can you be financially stable in this economic recession? Keep reading to discover 9 steps that can help you survive financial setbacks and prevent them from occurring in the future.
1. Don’t rely on a single stream of income
If you can only take one advice, I want it to be this. It is foolish to depend on a single source of income when there are endless opportunities to earn online.
Having multiple gigs will not only increase your revenue but will also help you immensely in times of recession. It can even help you pursue your passion for some cash in return. For example, if you are a passionate writer, start a blog.
There are hundreds of different ways that can help you generate money. So, stop procrastinating and focus on using your skills to earn a better living.
2. Make a budget
Without a budget, you can never save yourself from a financial crisis, even if you earn a lot of money. Budgets help us keep our spending on track. They will also enable you to save some cash every month for an emergency fund.
Start by writing down all of your expenses. Deduct some amount from your salary and keep the remaining sum in a savings account. If you don’t make enough money to save, it is time to start doing side jobs to make some extra cash.
3. Assess your financial state
If you are going through a crisis and have recently lost your job, it is essential to assess your financial situation. How much money do you owe? How much funds do you have?
Such times can be depressing. But remember never to lose hope. Focus on getting out of the money crunch by looking for side gigs in addition to your job. When you stand on your feet again, don’t fall back into old habits and try to discourage yourself from spending a lot of money.
Concentrate on saving some money. Even if you have enough cash, try to stop splurging.
4. Pay off your debt
One of the biggest mistakes you can make is accumulating ridiculous amounts of debt. However, sometimes, it is unavoidable. The best way to avoid a potential crunch is to pay your arrears as quickly as possible.
Stop online shopping and eating out regularly. Just think about fulfilling your basic requirements and using the remaining money to pay off what you owe. It may be hard at the start, but once you pay off everything you owe, you will feel a fantastic sense of freedom.
5. Get rid of credit cards
Using a credit card can mount a lot of unnecessary debt. Instead, use cash or your trustee debit card for your day to day expenses. If you cannot eliminate credit cards, try to limit their use. Keep only one credit card that you use regularly.
Pay off the rest of them and try to close this chapter. Credit cards also encourage reckless splurging. Once you get rid of them, you will notice an immediate change in your spending habits. When money is going directly from your wallet, you will be more cautious about your expenses.
6. Talk about your problems with your loved ones
There is no shame in talking about your financial issues with the ones you love. Discuss your problems with your family and friends. You will get better answers from someone who has already been in your shoes. Even if you don’t get a solution to your problem, you will feel much better after talking to a dear friend.
Your parents may have gone through similar circumstances as you. Talk to them and try to understand the tactics they used to raise their family. Believe that you can do it too, and you will.
7. Try to be more optimistic
Optimism can never hurt anybody. Life is not always easy. But this is what makes it worth living. These hardships will soon turn into memories and you might even miss these tough times when you are more successful.
These motivational quotes about living a happy life will inspire you live life to its fullest..
8. Invest in insurance
Sure, insurance seems like a bad idea when you are healthy, wealthy and wise. But to stay that way, you need some kind of support to fall back on. Health insurance is a must, even if you are blessed with good health.
In the case of a financial emergency, you can save money on everything except your health. This is when insurance can be a lifesaver for you. If you can’t afford an expensive one, invest in a cost-friendly one.
9. Forgive yourself
If you are blaming yourself for losing your job or not saving enough money, it is time to forgive yourself. We are all humans, and we are not perfect. We all make mistakes, but it is vital to remind yourself that it is okay.
It is common to feel as if everything is your fault. We often feel ashamed if we lose our job or end up in financial difficulty. There is no use of beating yourself up for things you cannot change. Instead, learn from them and focus on building a more stable future.
Final Words
Financial setbacks are painful to deal with, but they help you grow. Every problem comes with its lessons. It is essential to learn those lessons the first time, so you don’t have to go through the same thing again. Try to follow the steps listed above and you will soon find yourself on the path to recovery.
Perception is everything. If you think your problems have defeated you, then they will eventually crush you. But if you believe that you can overcome the obstacles, nothing can stop you from becoming a better version of yourself. So, stop doubting yourself and work hard to achieve all your dreams and objectives.