Standard of living: Adjusting to a reduced income

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Everyone aspires to have a better standard of living. Even the most contented people desire something that would make their lives more comfortable. Whether it is food, clothing, house, transportation, medicine, books or fees, everything costs money. The global pandemic has crushed most of these aspirations with numerous job losses and reduced incomes in households. People have to focus on surviving rather than improving the standard of living that they once had. Here are 5 tips that you can use to comfortably adjust your standard of living on a reduced income.

1. Separate your needs from wants

Make a list of the things that you use to survive and the things that you use to improve your standard of living. If you are on medication, that should be at the top of your list of needs. On your food list, keep staples, vegetables, fruits, legumes, proteins and fats. On your clothing list, buy items that must be replaced like worn-out underwear, jeans and shoes. If you are renting, find a cheaper place to live or put your pride aside and consider moving back home with your relatives. Sell your vehicle and either buy one that you can afford or make use of public transportation.

2. Start a home kitchen garden

One of the best ways to reduce your food bill is to start a kitchen garden at home. Shop for seeds, plants, soil treatment, tools and pesticides to start your project. Collect kitchen scraps, gather containers and locate the perfect environment to set up your garden. Plant a variety of your favourite foods so that you do not have to put them on your shopping list. Make sure your plants get enough sunlight and water. Monitor them to ensure they are not being attacked by bacteria, weeds and insects. Reap your produce in three weeks to six months and feel comfortable with your new standard of living.

3. Do things for yourself

A lot of people pay for goods and services that make their lives easier. They have grown so accustomed to enjoying their standard of living that with reduced incomes they find it very difficult to adjust. During a crisis, you need to learn to do things for yourself. Identify the goods and services that cause you to spend a lot of money. Buy ingredients instead of cooked meals. Bake your own bread and cook your favourite dishes following recipes. Buy cleaning supplies instead of paying for cleaning services. Clean your own home. Get outside and cut your own grass. Wash your clothes at home and hang them on the line. Clean your own vehicle inside and outside, it is not a difficult task.

4. Find pleasure in simple things

Find pleasure in the things you do with your family rather than the things that cost a lot of money. This may be difficult to swallow, but you do not need coffee, alcohol and cigarettes to be happy. Sugary snacks and expensive fast foods are very addictive and fool you into thinking that you need them to feel good about yourself, but you do not. Get it out of your head that you need to be fashionable at all times because you have an image to upkeep. Times are hard, you should not care about other people’s opinions to make you feel good, so forget the latest designer’s clothing for now. Also, you do not need to use the big screen TV, air condition, dryer and the electric stove to make you comfortable during a pandemic. Those devices skyrocket your electric bill unnecessarily. Gather your family to do the chores around the house that end with a special lunch, outside barbecue and games that will have everyone laughing together.

5. Take a break from social media

Being on social media every day can be very depressing for people with reduced incomes. You fixate on other people’s statuses, happy photos and exciting videos that may not even be a true representation of their reality. You too may be tempted to portray yourself as happy to mislead your friends. The best thing to do is to adjust to your new standard of living and stop scrolling on social media. Connect with real family and friends directly about the situation that affects everyone and do not waste time playing senseless games during a crisis.

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