Running out of money before payday? Here’s what you can do

More than a third of us run out of money before payday.

If that sounds familiar, there are simple things you can do to make your money stretch further.

Research from Aqua found  38.8% of people run out of cash before their next salary payment, with one in six running out just days before payday.

For some, rising food and energy bills will be the reason. For others, spending can creep up as income does.

Either way, a few changes can help you get through a tight month,  and make the next one easier.

See exactly what you’ve got

Avoiding your bank balance won’t make the money last longer.

Check what’s in your account, which bills are still due and how many days you have until payday. Then you’ll know exactly what you’re working with.

Take what’s left after essential bills and divide it by the number of weeks until payday. That’s your rough weekly spending limit.

Put non-essentials on pause

You don’t have to give everything up forever. Just give your spending a breather until payday.

Pause takeaways, impulse buys and subscriptions you don’t need right now. Check your bank statement for forgotten memberships and free trials while you’re at it.

A few pounds here and there can add up surprisingly quickly.

Check your cupboards before you go shopping

Before you go shopping, check your fridge, freezer and cupboards. You might already have the ingredients for a few meals.

Plan around what you have, make a shopping list and look for cheaper alternatives such as supermarket own-brand products, frozen vegetables, beans and lentils.

And don’t overlook yellow stickers, as reduced food can be a great way to cut your shopping bill.

Look for money you’re entitled to

If you’re struggling, don’t assume you won’t qualify for help.

Check whether you could get benefits, council tax support, help with housing costs or other financial support.

Even a small amount can make a big difference when you’re running short each month.

Use the free Money Wellness benefits checker to see what support you could be entitled to, including universal credit, council tax reduction or help with housing costs.

It’s worth checking, as you might be entitled to more than you think.

Ask for help with your bills

If you’re worried about paying your energy, water, mortgage or other essential bills, contact the provider before you miss a payment.

You may be able to agree a payment plan, get help through social tariffs, a hardship fund or access other support.

And if you’re struggling with debt, prioritise essentials such as your rent or mortgage, council tax and energy bills.

Don’t ignore bills you can’t afford, talk to the people you owe.

Find some extra cash

Could you make a little extra money to get you through?

Have a clear-out and sell things you no longer use on sites such as eBay or Vinted. You could also look for flexible work or freelance opportunities if you have the time and skills.

Even a small amount of extra income can give you some breathing room.

Get free advice if it’s becoming a pattern

If you regularly run out of money before payday, it could be a sign that your budget needs a rethink, or that your income simply isn’t covering your essential costs.

You don’t have to figure it out alone.

We offer confidential money and debt advice to help you take control. Our advisers can help you prioritise bills, access support schemes, put a realistic budget in place or help you find the right debt solution for you.

Getting help early can make things much easier to manage, especially if you’re going through a bad month.

You can reach us online or by phone, and support is completely confidential - even if you just want to check your options.