Most people spend money on eating out, live shows, movies, and other types of live entertainment, as well as appearances; such as grooming, clothing, and more. We do this to entertain ourselves, spend time with friends and family, and also to make a good impression at work and other places, but that can often get expensive. Keeping up appearances can often mean spending more than your budget can handle. If you do this in excess, it can be dangerous to your financial health.

While socializing is a healthy and normal way to live life, there are restrictions on doing it at all right now. With the coronavirus pandemic at our front door, socializing is out of the question. We should all be practicing social distancing to keep ourselves, loved ones, and others safe from harm. To prevent the spread of COVID-19, we are asked to distance ourselves from others. Staying in touch from home. That can mean more time on the phone, on Facetime, and in live chat settings; like Zoom. Practicing social distancing can be hard, especially when you are separated from loved ones, but there is a silver lining in all of this, maybe even more than one.

Saving Money While Social Distancing

Unfortunately, there are many Americans in GA and all around the United States suffering from a loss of income due to business closures during this time, so money-saving efforts are not possible, even if you are saving by social distancing, the money is most likely being used on bills. But, for those of you who are working from home, or still working in an essential business that has remained open, should be able to stash some money because of the stay-at-home order and recommended social distancing.

After your standard bills are covered for the month, what is typically used on social activities? If you have an entertainment or grooming budget worked into your monthly expenses, save it. Since social distancing has been put into effect all over the world, there is no better time than now to save. You aren’t missing anything. Nothing is open. The world has been basically put on pause, and so should your spending. Now more than ever, it is important to save. We have no idea what the economy will look like after this, and what areas of our lives will be changed forever.

 

 

Getting Back to Basics

Getting back to simpler times is what people around the world are doing. There is no need or even no money to be spending frivolously. Keep it simple. If you are still receiving a paycheck, receiving unemployment, or have an emergency fund to help cover expenses, then pay your bills, go grocery shopping, and do worry about spending on anything else. Stick to the basics, and eliminate the extras, you do not need them. During these trying times, it is more about survival.

Remembering What Is Important

Take the time to remember what is important. While saving money is vital to our well-being, so is the support and love from the ones who matter most. Social distancing can help to fatten our wallets but spending some much-needed time with family can fill our hearts. So many of us have been stuck in a cycle of work, school, social media, and more, without giving time to what’s important.

Seeing families playing games, baking, laughing, and just enjoying each other’s company is the silver lining that has really made a difference. While money will be spent, the memories we are making together will last long after we are gone. Make this time count and make the kind of memories that last forever.

 

 

Getting Financial Help in Georgia During These Uncertain Times

As mentioned, many Americans are struggling financially. If you normally live from one paycheck to the next, without much in the way of savings, then you are probably having a harder time than most, especially if you are not working. That can be scary, but you are not alone. There are title pawn places like Georgia Auto Pawn, Inc. that are here to help. Unlike traditional loans that require the use of credit, title pawn companies do not rely on credit for approval. With just a few simple requirements, get the title cash you need to stay current on your bills or to buy food, cash that can be had in 30 minutes or less with a title loan. All you need to do to get started is to complete the online request form, and a representative will call you with details.

Stay ahead of your finances while social distancing. Make this time count.

Note: The content provided in this article is only for informational purposes, and you should contact your financial advisor about your specific financial situation.