When you’re struggling financially, it can seem like you’re always just about making it through. After paying out for your rent, your car, and all of the other costs that you have, you may be less than impressed with what you have left. And whilst most of us are working for more than 40 hours a week, the reality is that most of us are also struggling for money, no matter what job you are doing. However, there are some ways to cut down on a few of your outgoings each month (and to develop some new forms of income).

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Prioritize your spending

Whilst you have to have some enjoyment in life (and you’ve definitely earned it by working so hard) you will need to prioritize your outgoings if you’re going to save yourself a bit of cash. Think about what you’re spending on, from meals out to after-work drinks, and see whether you can cut back somewhere. Try to work out how much of a disposable income you actually have, and create a budget so that you don’t go over it.

Get a side hustle

If your bank account isn’t looking too healthy, there are ways to bring it back to life again. There are many things that you can do on the side of your actual job, from selling your unwanted belongings on sites such as eBay, to babysitting or starting up your own blog. Though it may not seem like these things will bring you much money, it is undoubtedly true that they can tide you over until next months wages come in.

Don’t miss a trick

When it comes to saving money, you need to learn how to haggle, and how to deal with fines and other costs. If you have a parking or speeding ticket, and you don’t think that it is fair, tell them! You have nothing to lose, and the same thing applies if you’ve suffered an accident and you think that you can claim. Don’t hold back out of fear that you won’t win, as you never know until you try. We need to up our website complaints, and fight the costs!

Ask for a raise

If the reason that you’re struggling when it comes to cash is because your boss isn’t paying you enough, perhaps it is time to arrange a meeting with them and see what the deal is. Know your value (by looking at the wages of those with your role in different companies) and if your pay isn’t up to scratch, don’t be afraid to ask for more. Don’t threaten to leave, or get emotional about it, just get straight to the point and ask for what you deserve.

So, if you’re struggling financially, there are many things that you can do, from prioritizing your spending to asking for a raise. Whilst you can better your spending habits, you can also get a little bit of money from a side hustle, or claim back for costs that you deem unfair. Good luck!