5 ways to save money this Ramadan
Ramadan leads to unforeseen increases in our usual expenditure. From special iftar items to shopping for the Eid celebration, the ways in which money can be spent, or overspent, during this month are potentially limitless. It is of utmost importance to plan this month in accordance with your budget and convenience. To make this process easier, here are 5 tips that can help you save money and make the most of your spending during this month.
Mind your tongue
It is easy to get lost in the vast array of items available in the numerous food carts that have grown overnight like mushrooms on streets. High in fat, salt, sugar, and food colouring, the appeal of such dishes may seem irresistible at times. The same can be said about the special deals offered for iftar and sehri, which appear to be available in nearly every restaurant we come across.
However, make no mistake that such dishes are luxury items despite all the discounts and will definitely add up to a staggering amount if purchased on a regular basis. Not only do they contain harmful amounts of oil and fat, but they also lack the essential nutrients necessary for replenishing your body after a long day of fasting.
It is also evident that home-cooked meals can provide an affordable and nutritious substitute for these unhealthy junk foods. And never forget to practice moderation in eating during this month of self-restraint.
Buy groceries in bulk
It is undeniable that the month of Ramadan will inevitably lead to an increase in the cost of daily groceries. While we may feel quite helpless to prevent such inflation, we can still prepare ourselves as best as we can.
Buying groceries in bulk at the very beginning of the month can mitigate the impact of an unstable market that we usually experience during Ramadan. Moreover, it is advisable to seek out vendors who offer discounts for bulk purchases and negotiate prices to obtain the best possible deal, as this will free up more funds for other expenses!
Plan your travel
One of the most significant highlights of Ramadan is Eid, a day of reward that most of us prefer to celebrate with our family and loved ones. However, it often involves extensive travel to return to the hamlet we left to pursue our career in the city. Unfortunately, anyone who has traveled in close proximity to Eid day is aware that the fare may increase by the minute due to limited vehicles and ticket scalping.
In order to address this issue and secure reasonably priced transportation, it is advisable to buy tickets in advance. If your destination can be reached by train, consider purchasing tickets online as early as possible.
Stick to your shopping budget
Very few of us can claim to never feel the urge to go on a shopping frenzy in anticipation of the oncoming Eid. Although it might be extremely satisfying to buy on impulse, such behaviour is guaranteed to have a disastrous effect on your wallet. The key is to create a comprehensive list of all the items and presents you intend to buy and establish a strict budget for them.
Once that is done, stick to your plan with firm determination and let the hunt begin for the finest possible products at the most reasonable prices. Shop early and keep an eye out for clearance sales.
Use the public transportation
If you do not possess a personal vehicle, try to use public transportation as frequently as you can. While the desire to use ride-hailing services after a tiring day at work during Ramadan is understandable, keep in mind that such services typically cost between five to ten times more than taking a public bus.
So, if you are keen on saving money for one more gift for a loved one, try using public transport to cut the transportation cost significantly.