Beating Broke

Personal Finance from the Broke Perspective

3 Benefits of Budgeting One Month Ahead

By Leave a Comment

Person holding a calculator with a spreadsheet in front of them.

For years, I’ve tried to get one month ahead of my budget. This is based on the You Need a Budget rule number four: age your money. The idea is that you spend the money you earned last month this month. Finally, this past January, my husband and I were able to do this, and in the last few months, we’ve realized several benefits of budgeting one month ahead.

However, I want to recognize that putting together enough money to budget one month ahead is tough! We needed years to do this because our money was always so tight. However, we feel relieved now that we’ve finally reached this step.

3 Benefits of Budgeting One Month Ahead

Here are three times budgeting one month ahead protects your finances:

When Pay Day Falls Later in the Month

My husband is the primary breadwinner; his check comes every other week. That means that some months, his check will come at the end of the month, which makes paying bills at the beginning of the following month easy. However, sometimes, his check won’t come until the 8th or 9th of the month. If we’re not ahead in our budget, we’re short money to pay bills at the beginning of the month.

However, budgeting one month in advance took care of this problem. Now, I can pay our bills on time, in full, because when we start the month of July, for instance, all the money I need is in the budget. After all, I used June’s paychecks to fund July. This is freeing!

When Paychecks Are Delayed

I work as a freelancer and make about 20 percent of our household income. However, my money is allocated to pay for groceries and a few other budget categories. Recently, not one but two of my employers were delayed in paying me. Had we not been one month ahead in the budget, we would have had to shuffle some money around to have money for groceries.

However, I didn’t have to worry because I had budgeted ahead. I got both paychecks about two weeks late, but it wasn’t a big deal. I simply took the money when I received it and budgeted it for the upcoming month.

Defacto Emergency Fund

When you budget one month ahead, that money counts as part of your emergency fund. If anything happens, such as job loss, a reduction in hours, or, as in my case, delayed payments, you have next month covered so you have a financial cushion.

In addition, if you’re tempted by money sitting in an emergency fund, budgeting it one month ahead tends to reduce the temptation because you’ve already allocated how the money can be used next month.

Final Thoughts

We’ve realized several benefits of budgeting one month ahead in the few months since we’ve been able to do it. Who knows? Now we may try to work our way up to budgeting two months ahead. Then, we’ll be one step closer to a six-month emergency fund.

Read More

How Getting Ahead Saves Time, Money, and Mental Energy

Why You Need a Budget If You’re Broke

Yes, Incremental Budgeting Is A Thing

8 Ways to Take Care of Your Aging Back Without Breaking the Bank

By Leave a Comment

Our health changes throughout our bodies as we age, especially in our backs. Fortunately, taking care of your aging back doesn’t have to drain your bank account, and there are several simple and affordable ways to maintain a healthy back. Here are 8 tips to help you take care of your back without breaking the bank.

1. Maintain a Good Posture

An effective way to prevent back pain is by maintaining good posture. Slouching or hunching over strains your back muscles, resulting in pain and discomfort. Whether you’re sitting, standing, or walking, you should always be aware of your posture, and even if you’re not currently experiencing pain, consider using a cushion to support the natural curve of your spine.

2. Stay Active

Regular physical activity is essential for maintaining a healthy back. Engaging in low-impact exercises like walking, swimming, or cycling can help strengthen the muscles that support your back and improve flexibility. Don’t worry if you don’t have a gym membership, as there are simple exercises you can incorporate into your daily routine that will be just as effective.

3. Stretch Regularly

Stretching is a crucial aspect of back care. It helps improve flexibility, reduce muscle stiffness, and relieve tension. Touching your toes, doing knee-to-chest stretches, or practicing yoga are simple stretches that can be done at home without any special equipment. Look for free online resources or community classes to learn different stretching routines, as there are likely many resources available to you. Engaged audiences spend 76 times more on advertised products and services (according to High Rock Studios), meaning that there should be many effective options that you can access.

4. Invest in a Supportive Mattress

A good night’s sleep is essential for overall health and back care. Spring mattresses, which have been popular since 1857, can still provide adequate support for your aging back. Look for a mattress that offers proper spinal alignment and distributes your body weight evenly. While some mattresses can be costly, there are affordable options available that offer both comfort and support.

5. Use Ergonomic Furniture

Make sure your workspace is ergonomically designed to minimize strain on your back. Adjust your chair height, use a cushioned seat, and position your computer monitor at eye level to maintain a neutral spine position. If you’re worried about money, there are inexpensive alternatives such as pillows or rolled-up towels to provide lumbar support.

6. Practice Mindful Lifting

Lifting heavy objects incorrectly can lead to back injuries. Whenever you need to lift something, remember to bend your knees, engage your core muscles, and always lift with your legs and not your back. This technique helps evenly distribute weight and reduce the strain on your back muscles.

7. Maintain a Healthy Weight

Excess weight can put additional stress on your back, leading to increased pain and discomfort. When you maintain a healthy weight, you can reduce back strain and improve your overall back health. Opt for nutritious, affordable foods and seek out free or low-cost exercise options to support your weight management goals.

8. Practice Stress Management

Stress can exacerbate back pain and muscle tension, and you should incorporate stress reduction techniques into your daily life, whether you’re home, with friends, running errands, or at the gym. If your daily activities are strenuous, take breaks when you can and avoid overextending yourself, as these things will catch up to you as you age. For example, 62% of dancer employees are between 20 and 30 years old, whereas only 4% are over the age of 40. Therefore, you need to balance out how physical and emotional stress affects your body.

By incorporating these simple and affordable strategies into your routine, you’ll be able to care for your back without incurring excessive expenses. Take proactive steps today to ensure a pain-free and active lifestyle as you age.

6 Questions to Ask a Potential Roofer

By Leave a Comment

If you’re familiar with the phrase, ‘having a roof over your head,’ you know just how important this truly is. It’s your first line of defense against the elements and falling debris. If a roof is leaky or unstable, it doesn’t matter how great the rest of the house is; it’s hard to live in. According to a report by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are about 129,000 roofers in the United States. Finding a great roofer in such a massive pool requires tact. You have to ask the right questions. Here are some you can’t afford to leave out.

1. Do They Have Insurance?

Even if your home is already insured, as a homeowner, you don’t want to end up footing medical bills or paying for accidental damages to other parts of the house during the roof repair or replacement process. Therefore, the roofer you end up with must show they’ve got an active workers’ compensation and a general liability cover that absolves you of any liability your current home insurance doesn’t cover.

2. How Was Their Previous Clients’ Experience?

Asking to see previous projects or to speak with previous clients is not the same as going on a witch hunt. Buying or replacing a roof is a big decision, and you should carefully research the roofer’s work history. Be objective and address any concerns that come up straight on. Ensure their previous work aligns with the outcome you desire for your home.

3. What Credentials Does the Roofing Company Have?

Determine the credentials and licenses your local authorities require roofers to hold. Once you have this information, ask your potential roofer to show you their licenses and certifications. This way, you can weed out roofing companies trying to cut corners. If something goes wrong in the engagement, you’ll have a better chance for recourse if you deal with a legally sound roofer.

4. What Materials Do They Use?

Roofing materials aren’t all equal. They vary in price and quality. Your roof should serve you for decades without leaking or caving. So, the materials should support long-term use. For instance, if you install new asphalt shingles, according to Select Construction Company Inc., you will enjoy an impressive ROI of about 62%, whereas aluminum roofing, though much more affordable, has a lower ROI.

5. What Sizes of Projects Have They Handled Before?

The American Roofers Guild reports that the average residential roof in America is around 1,600 square feet. Granted, an experienced roofer may have handled projects in their tens or hundreds. Still, their scale may have been smaller than the work you want to contract them to do. Conversely, they may be experts at massive projects and must become familiar with the nuances of working on a much smaller-scale project.

6. Can the Roofer Give You a Work Plan?

Before you agree to anything, the roofer should provide you with a work plan that includes timelines, working hours, budget, payment terms, communication plan, contact persons, and other vital details that place you at the heart of the project. You shouldn’t be caught off-guard by anything, so try your best to read between the lines of any document offered to you. If a roofer doesn’t have a work plan, don’t hire them. With professional roofers, you won’t have to ask; a work plan is part of their project routine.

Roofing is a complex job, but these questions should set you on the path to a smooth engagement with your roofer. Build rapport with the company you choose to work with so you can ask for clarification at any stage of your roofing project. If you’re unsatisfied with a response to an issue that’s important to you, that’s a red flag. Keep looking until you find a roofer who’s willing to answer any question you may have, and before you put ink on paper, visit the internet for online reviews and comments about a particular roofer. The proof of roofing is in completed projects and satisfied clients.