Sun.Star Pampanga

Take advantage of the rainy days with these money-saving tips

- BY ERIKA MARIEL B. GINES erika_gines@icloud .com

IFor example, if it’s been a while since you reviewed your budget, it might be a good idea to look over it. And if you haven’t been saving enough money, you can figure out how to cut back on spending. Here are ways to make money and save for the rainy days:

1. Start freelancin­g Whether you have a knack for designing websites, writing blog posts or taking photos, you can use your talents to earn extra income by freelancin­g. Don’t forget to tap into your network and ask whether anyone’s looking for freelancer­s. If that doesn’t get you anywhere, you can spend your day off searching the web for opportunit­ies. 2. Prep your meals for the week If you’ve been spending too much money on groceries lately or eating out too frequently, you can take advantage of your rainy day by prepping your meals for the whole week. You might be surprised to find that an ordinary meal can last for several days. Planning and preparing meals in advance are great ways to save money.

3. Research investment opportunit­ies

If your busy schedule has kept you from investing, you can spend the day looking for a viable business opportunit­y or doing research to find out what’s happening in the market. By investing, you’re essentiall­y putting your money to work. Just keep in mind that you’ll be taking on some degree of risk and that returns aren’t guaranteed.

4. Evaluate your budget

Regularly reviewing your budget can help you get rid of your bad financial habits. After all, it might be easier to stop wasting money if you know that you’re spending the majority of your fun money on food or travel. When you have plenty of time at your disposal, it never hurts to evaluate your budget and make appropriat­e adjustment­s.

5. Surf the web for deals

The internet is full of discounts and deals especially this rainy season. Instead of watching TV all day or twiddling your thumbs, you could check out websites that give you the chance to save money on everything from gifts to groceries.

6. Evaluate your credit situation

If you’re paying high credit card fees or you’re charging your credit card too frequently, it might be a good idea to spend part of the day figuring out which card to cancel. 7. Clean the house

Are there any clothes or equipment in your home that you can get rid of? Your old junk might be worth something to someone else. You can spend the day gathering together whatever you plan to sell. Then when you have additional free time, you can try selling your clothes at a thrift shop near you.

8. Plan to start a garden

Even if you don’t have a green thumb, you can use your rainy day to think about the fruits and vegetables that you want to start growing in your backyard. That’s another way to minimize your grocery costs and with access to a garden you’ll be able to eat healthier food as well. 9. DIY

Why buy something that you could just create? Cleaning supplies and home decor are two things that you can make at home. Arts and crafts projects can be fun and rewarding at the same time if they allow you to save money.

Rainy days don’t have to be depressing or boring. If you have the day off, it might be a good idea to use that free time to get your finances in order.

t’s that time of the year again when the rainy season is upon us and hard-to-predict downpours happen almost everyday. However, while the inclement weather is the perfect reason to just stay in bed all day, the best way to take advantage of it is to become more productive.

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