You may think that you are making enough money. However, if you are constantly struggling each month to make ends meet, then you may be facing financial problems. You may either be overspending or not making enough money or both.
If you do not make enough money to cover your monthly expenses, you will have to take some steps to increase your income. A proper budget plan will help you get back on track.
Here are seven signs that show you are not making enough money and solutions that will help you deal with them.
1. You run out of money before you get your salary
Payday is a few days away and you have already hit the end of your bank balance. It means that you run out of money before you your payday and you are living paycheque to paycheque. Also, if you have to make a choice between paying rent and other utility bills, you will have to think again.
If it happens once in a while, you can ignore this sign. However, if you run out of money regularly, it is not good for you financially and you will have to look for ways to improve your income.
Solution: You can find a new job or look for a second job or work on side projects to increase your income. Money earned from side jobs can be used to pay your debts and even used as an emergency fund. However, if this is a long-term issue, you may consider earning a higher degree or take up a better paying job.
2. There’s nothing more to cut
If you look at your budget to find extra money but cannot find anything to cut, you may be in serious trouble. If you have already trimmed down on your eat-outs, gym membership, movie theatres,etc., and have nothing more to cut down on then it’s a clear sign that you need to earn more.
Solution: Spend only on necessities and not on luxuries. This means that you do not buy anything new unless you absolutely need it. Avoid buying new mobile phones every year or eating out in lavish restaurants every time. Again, this is also a short-term solution that can help you tide until you find something better to improve your situation.
3. Living on credit
If you are consistently relying on credit cards to meet your expenses, it is a sign that your finances are in disarray. While credit cards offer credit, you will have to eventually pay off the amount. If you are paying only 5% of the minimum dues (of the total dues) and rolling over the rest of it, you are heading towards a debt trap. Also, if you have to pay off multiple loans and struggle to do so, you are in serious trouble.
Solution: Switch to cash for your daily expenses and stop using your credit cards. Although it may seem difficult to make the switch, it will help limit what you are spending.
4. No investments yet
Investing in equities is one of the best ways to build wealth over the long-term. It is best to start investing early on in life. You will have to set aside 20-30% of your monthly income for investing to cover your financial goals and retirement goals.
However, if you are struggling to save anything for a long-time, you need to look for ways to improve your income.
Solution: Start investing now! Lookup for schemes that allow you to invest a small amount and build up from there.
5. No Emergency fund
If you are stretched tight every month, it is difficult to save money for an emergency fund. If you are not prepared to handle an emergency, you may end up using your credit cards. Eventually, your credit card payments will grow large enough and even cripple you to a great extent.
Solution: Set aside about six months of household expenditure in a liquid fund to handle any emergency situation like loss of job or hospitalization.
6. Always stressed about money
There is a difference between worrying about how to pay an unexpected expense and getting worried every time you think about paying for your groceries. If you are always worried about paying bills then you are likely not making enough money.
Solution: Stop worrying about paying your bills and instead focus on planning a budget that will help you deal with unfavorable situations.
Takeaway
If you are facing one or a combination of a few of the above signs, you are clearly in need of better income. Find ways or consult a financial advisor who can help you manage your finances in a better way.