How to Survive With a Job That Pays Less Than Your Expenses

Surviving with a job that pays less than your expenses will require diligent attention to how you spend your money. Job layoffs and reduced hours can hurt your ability to make ends meet each month. Some people file bankruptcy to eradicate debts and stay afloat. But if trying to keep your credit intact, simple lifestyle changes can help you survive on less money.

Instructions

1

Request assistance from your mortgage lender or landlord. Attempt to reduce how much you spend on housing each month by talking to your mortgage lender about a modification to decrease your payment or ask your landlord for a discounted rent payment.

2

Eliminate household services. Cut expenses wherever possible to survive on less money each month. Cancel your house phone if you have a cellular phone, get rid of cable or expanded cable packages and stop professional lawn services.

3

Learn how to do certain tasks yourself. Paying someone to wash your car, dry clean your clothes and do your hair is convenient, but not economically wise when trying to survive with a job that pays less than your expenses.

4

Clip coupons. Thumb through coupons before doing your weekly grocery shopping to save on food costs. Plan to shop on days when grocery stores have double coupon days to save the most money.

5

Apply for a consolidation to lower the interest rate on outstanding balances and save money. High rates on credit cards and installment loans can trigger higher monthly payments. Consolidate to a lower rate with a home equity loan or personal loan to help slash your rates and save on your payments.

6

Plan free or cheap entertainment. Living on less money doesn't necessarily mean skipping recreation or entertainment. The key is checking the local paper for free or low-cost activities. Host friends in your home and ask everyone to bring a dish, go to a fair, spend the day at the beach or check out your state parks.