Only one of those things had to happen and my budget would be shattered. I could get back on track because I became very adept at making some extra money to cover those bills. If I had money left over from a tax refund or a work bonus, I would put it into savings to help cover emergencies.
What helped me to keep perspective at that time was my priorities. I had four priorities when making my budget for every paycheck.
Many people would admit that they were preparing for uncertain times and economic downturns. Unfortunately, those times have come for many people. We were in a slow spiral, but it has now become a tailspin towards economic depression or worse. These were the times that many people, myself included, had been preparing for in their minds.
Vehicle maintenance is very important to your vehicle’s health and overall sustainability. The better you take care of your vehicles, the longer they last and the better they run, thus saving you money. With regular care and maintenance, your car can last you several years.
Summer can be a spendy time of the year. Sure, you don’t have the high heating bills that happen in the winter, but your other bills and expenses can take a jump! Whether you are spending more on gas and food or your water bill is going through the roof, you probably need to find ways to cut back and save money.
Gardening is an essential skill. You need to know how to grow your own food. If times get hard, you can supplement your grocery bill by growing your own vegetables. You also get the satisfaction of knowing you grew something. (It’s the best feeling ever!)
Vital records are the documents that prove who you are as a citizen. You need them for many things, like proving who you are, voter registration, flying domestically and internationally, and entering federal facilities. You also need identification to visit someone in prison, enter nuclear facilities, and secure a job.