CUTTING BACK

WHERE TO START?

Sometimes you find yourself in a period where money is a bit less straightforward. Or you have a long vacation ahead, a new job, a new house, or whatever. Anyway; if money is a bit tight, I have some tips for you.

Check your bills

Where does your money actually go? What can be reduced? What automatic debits are there? I recently went through my statements and discovered that I transfer around €100 a month to charities for sad animals. Seriously, show me one emaciated cat on TV and boom, I immediately text “SAVE ANIMAL” to contribute €5 every month. Truly very noble, but a hundred euros, I find that a bit much. But hey, try choosing which animals you will no longer help. In short, I need to think about this a bit more.

Rent out your house

If you are a homeowner, you can rent out your house for 60 days each year on Airbnb. If you are not a homeowner, it is officially a bit more complicated, but I know plenty of people who just put their house up. Especially if you have a partner, this is ideal; you just spend a weekend at their place and meanwhile rake in some cash.

Switch providers

Not from your partner (that works too, by the way) but from your energy supplier. I have been with Nuon for 8 years, but I hear from everyone that you should actually switch every year to keep benefiting from offers and discounts. They call people like me “sleepers,” who just stay where they are. Also, you might want to check what it does for you if you switch internet and phone providers.

Go through your wardrobe

Because I bet there’s a lot you can get rid of? Really take a critical look at your shelves and racks; there are often so many pieces that you still find very beautiful but just don’t wear anymore. Sell the stuff and use the proceeds for things you really need.