If you have a part-time job, you might wonder how to manage your money. You may want to manage your money better so you can live comfortably, save for something you would like to buy, or stay out of debt. Part-time work is quite common in teens and younger people who may be in college, and it is people in this demographic who often find it challenging to manage their finances. Because part-time jobs do not pay as much as full-time jobs, how do you manage your money if you work a part-time job?
Consider Direct Deposits
It is very easy to spend money if you are paid in cash. However, there is a much lower chance of doing so if the money is deposited directly into your bank account. To manage your money better, ask your employer to deposit it directly into your bank account. From there, only take out the amount you need, when you need it, before the next payment is deposited.
To make it easier to save for the future or for something you need, also consider automated savings. Ask your employee if they can deposit some of your money directly into your savings account and the rest of it into a regular account.
If your employer feels like this is too much work, you can always talk to your bank to set up these deposits. They will often be structured as payments from one account to another and can be done with no input from you.
The reasoning is that even though you will know how much you are paid; you will only have access to the amount you end up with after the automatic deposit is done. You can then budget accordingly with what remains.
Budgeting
As mentioned above, you should do all your budgeting after you have put some money into your savings account. Budgeting allows you to have a clearer view of your expenses and to know exactly where your money will go for the next week or month. This makes it easy to eliminate things you do not need or to reduce the cost of some of them.
For example, if you spend £60 a month on an internet connection, you can try to reduce your internet usage or switch to another internet provider to lower this cost. This also applies to subscription services where you do not have to pay for the highest tier of service.
Lower Your Mobile Phone Bill
Many people pay for mobile phone plans they do not utilize fully. Start by seeing what your average minutes and text usage are every month. Then try to see if your provider has a plan that suits what you use. If not, you can always shop around to see what other providers are offering.
If you have not shopped for a mobile phone plan in a while, this can be a chance to see which providers have the best plan that includes minutes, texts, and data.
Manage Unexpected Expenses
Unexpected expenses can come up at any time. It could be a roof that starts leaking or a car that will not start when you are about to go to work. Whatever the case may be, unexpected expenses can wreck your budget and put your finances in disarray if you do not have a backup plan.
For most people, turning to their emergency savings is the first option they consider. Holding some money for emergencies can help shield you from unexpected expenses. However, you need a lot of discipline to not dip into this pot unless absolutely necessary.
Taking interest-free credit and borrowing from family are other ways to meet unexpected expenses. With both options, you have to be sure to borrow only what you can afford to avoid having problems with your creditor or a family member down the line.
If any of these facilities are not available to you, you should consider getting a pay day loan. Pay day loans are especially useful when you have an emergency that requires cash quickly. You can get quotes from top lenders online in a few minutes and have the money sent to you in about 10 minutes if you pick the right lender. Platforms like Payday UK help you compare quotes from various lenders through an online application process that is easy and fast. There are no hidden fees or costs associated with getting the quotes and there is no credit check either. You get Pay day loans quotes that are tailored to you with no obligation to accept any of the quotes or offers.
Be Patient About Big Purchases
Once you start making money, it can be tempting to make bigger purchases than you normally would. This can be financially irresponsible, especially if you are purchasing things you can live without. To help manage your finances better, wait a while before purchasing big stuff.
Doing this gives you enough time to think about whether you really need to buy that item. It also gives you enough time to weigh the pros and cons of doing so and gives you time to assess how such a purchase will affect your finances.
How long you wait is a personal decision. Take as long as you like, and you might even find that you forget about the purchase and do something more meaningful with the money.
Use Coupons Whenever and Wherever you Can
When you do not have a lot of money to spend on things, the aim should be to spend as little as possible. Coupons help you do this. Coupons can save you a lot of money, especially on everyday things like soap, toothpaste, deodorant, and even groceries.
You can find coupons online, on store websites, in stores, and on fliers. Always check where there is a coupon available before you purchase something. If you can save a few pounds on one shopping trip, do it. These amounts will add up and you will end up saving a lot once you have been using coups for a few months.
On a related note, always take advantage of discounts, sales, and promotions. All these allow you to save a lot of money. They can even be combined with coupons where you end up getting certain products for free.
Take Advantage of Student Discounts
If you are working a part-time job, you are likely a student. Some places give you discounts when you show them your student ID. These student discounts can be substantial enough that it makes it worthwhile to land as many of them as possible.
Do note that many retailers and shops do not advertise that they offer student discounts and so you have to ask. You can also check online to check which stores do so and to apply for student discount cards. You will have to prove you are a college or university student but once registration is done, you can enjoy these discounts at various participating businesses.
Money management is important for anyone who works, but it is especially important for part-time employees. Saving money and using it in the best way possible are two of the best ways to manage your finances and to stay away from financial hardship regardless of the type of job you do.
