Think of your expenses in the form of a bonsai, hedge or plane tree. The better your size, the better your budget is controlled. Here are some tips.
First of all, what are the right gestures to plan before pruning?
The first step to take is to analyze the situation. What are your resources? What are your expenses? What is the deadline?
You may think you know the status of your expenses and income, but taking 15 minutes to list them will allow you to have a certain degree of clarity on the project to be undertaken.
It's simple. In the left-hand column, your monthly income. In the right-hand column, your monthly expenses. Don't forget your quarterly, semi-annual or annual fees. Simply divide to the twelfth to include the amount in the corresponding column.
If your balance is negative or close to 0, it's time to get to work. Depending on the final result statement, the time frame to begin the work may be short or longer.
Here are a few tips:
Plan for an 'unexpected expense' item. Estimate it at 5% of your monthly income.
Don't underestimate the 'miscellaneous' item. This often includes small everyday expenses that are regularly forgotten or minimized.
Plan a second version of your comparison; a version in which your income is reduced by 20% or 30% depending on your marital status. No, we don't want to be a bird of ill omen, but losing a job is always a risk to consider.
You are close to equilibrium. Still, it's time to prune your bonsai.
Nothing dramatic to be expected, but you might as well plan ahead. A pair of scissors will suffice.
We're in the business of tricks. Here's what we offer:
Make an effort to compare your phone provider's offers. It is often the same provider that takes care of your internet network and your TV package. These are often nice promises when you sign up for your subscription, but this market is hyper-competitive and better offers are regularly available.
Speaking of TV packages, do you remember that channel you ordered in addition to your package and that you almost never watch? Cancel it. There are no small savings.
Do you have an eco-friendly streak? Good! Lower your thermostat by one degree. You'll be doing good for the planet and your wallet.
Is going to the recycling centre your favourite activity of the weekend? Take the time to look at what you're throwing away and ask yourself if you should sell your used items instead. You'll be amazed at the interest shown in an old kettle, an old baby seat, toys lying around, clothes you were wearing...
Do you have the Migros card? Use it. No, it's not cheesy. Yes, it can save you money on your purchases. It's not just Migros, of course. It also works with other food giants.
Speaking of food. Take a meat cure if you're a carnivore. You will see the impact on the receipt.
Find out how much your pension costs to be. Play the competition. Sometimes there are nice surprises!
You're in the red. Nothing too serious but still... The hedge will have to be trimmed, and quickly.
Scissors won't cut it. Let's go with the chainsaw!
An important item of expenditure is transportation. Your vehicle is at the top of the podium. The question is, can you afford it? We're not yet at the point of eliminating your car from the calculations, but it would be a good idea to see if savings can be made. Another displacement? A vehicle that consumes less? Something smaller? Swapping your sports car or SUV for a small city car may not be exciting, but you can quickly save hundreds of francs on your monthly lease.
Holidays on a paradisiacal beach in Asia? Opt for the beach of Préverenges or the swimming pool of Lausanne. The water is less turquoise and the sand less fine, but you will still have a great time with your family.
Do you like gastronomy? Drive past the latest trendy restaurant, watch Top Chef, and try it out at home. It won't be a star-studded experience, but your Visa card will thank you! While we're at it, lower your credit card spending limit.
Sometimes, you also need to know how to invest. Investing capital to reduce monthly expenses can make sense:
Study the energy quality of your home. If your property is underperforming, you will certainly pay significant heating costs. Think boiler replacement, thermal insulation, double or triple glazed windows, the installation of a heat pump...
Do you do your taxes alone in your corner? Consider hiring a fiduciary or accountant. Review your financial situation. You'll probably have to pay for this service, but it's worth seeing where you can optimize your return. Transport costs, daycare, interest on a property purchase, training... everything is good to consider.
Is the situation critical? Grab your axe!
In this case, you have to aim for the big positions. Your rent, your vehicle.
The plane tree needs to be cut down and you need to consider the big means. Negotiate an early departure with your landlord, aim for less expensive accommodation. It's not necessarily pleasant, but you'll bounce back later.
Do you have two vehicles? Consider the feasibility of having just one. Do you have only one vehicle? Compare the cost of a transport subscription with the costs generated by your car (petrol, maintenance, insurance, leasing, bank loan, etc.). This is obviously not an easy choice and your habits will have to change, but it is often a significant cost in households.
What if we restructured your debt?
Sometimes it's enough to have a break. A period during which you reduce your monthly payments related to one or more loans. Depending on your budgetary reality and while planning to apply the tips and advice mentioned above, you can discuss spreading your credit or consolidating your credits into one.
In most cases, only a few administrative fees will be charged. In some cases, you don't even have to pay an amount for this service.
This is an opportunity to reformat your loan so that your repayments are more in line with your cash flow. In the context of consolidation, this allows you to have a single point of contact, a single monthly payment and possibly to be able to discuss the borrowing rate applied.
Trust!
In the end, that's the key word. Confidence in your ability to rectify the situation if necessary. Confidence that you will be able to make the right decisions to avoid over-indebtedness.
If you need a helping hand negotiating with your creditors, we will be able to direct you to a partner of choice, in particular Solvable, a company specializing in this type of situation.
Trust again if you prefer to review your credit options. Milenia has a leading financing platform in the credit industry and its team will be able to advise and support you in your credit efforts.
Whether you are a bonsai, hedge or plane tree, there are solutions. When it comes to a loan and a personalized follow-up, you can count on our expertise. With confidence!