5 Ways to Tackle Your Finances During Lent

Already failed to keep up with your New Year’s financial resolutions? Don’t fret. Lent, the 40-day period in which Christians (and many others) practice fasting, abstinence and repentance, has begun and it offers another chance for you to strive for self-improvement.

Buy generic

When it comes to certain consumer goods, it is understandable that the bigger brands tend to carry a level of trustworthiness. But, from over-the-counter drugs to toiletries, many generic brands have caught up — and may even exceed — the quality of their well-known brand counterparts.

By purchasing generic brands, you’ll save money without sacrificing too much in quality. Try it out for the next six weeks and see if you’re able to notice a significant difference before switching back to the major brands.

Stop using the credit card

Although we are proponents of rewards credit cards and preach ways that you can maximize them, we don’t recommend them if you just can’t seem to rid yourself of debt.

Freeze that credit card in a block of ice and use your debit card or cash for the next several weeks. You may find that you’re able to pass the days without swiping a credit card. You may even find that you’re spending less because you are more conscious of the funds that you actually have available.

Maybe, you’ll never use a credit card again…

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