10 reasons you're always broke before payday

Most of us know the feeling.

You have to survive five days until payday, and you have pretty much nothing left in your bank account.

It's incredible how we're able to survive those last few days on almost nothing, but the first few days after payday, we think we're the Wolf of Wall Street!

So, here are a few reasons why most of us are completely broke at the end of the month:

1. Rent / Bond payment

This is unavoidable and usually makes up about half of our income. So, don't feel too bad about this.

2. Utility bills and general debt

Once again, pretty much unavoidable. But, we can learn from the debt payments and try to avoid getting into any more debt.

3. Drinks after work

Let's face it. If you're heading to the pub after work every other day, you can make some changes here. Make a rule: Never go to the pub on a school night.

4. Buying lunch 

Stop being lazy! Use that lunch box you bought in January with the best intentions. If you pack your own lunch every day, you're saving a whole lot already. And, it's a pretty simple change to make.

5. Spending money before you have it

That contracted job that was offered to you at the pub or on the golf course last week doesn't mean you have the money already. Sit down! Do the work, get the pay and then spend the money.

6. Mobile / home data charges

Once again, to a certain extent, pretty much unavoidable. But, even here you can make a few changes. If you're refreshing Facebook on your phone every 17 seconds, stop! Also, that adorable video of a cat fighting with his water bowl can wait until you're at work and hooked up to their WiFi!

7. Impulse shopping

If you're buying something you don't really need just because it's R200 less, doesn't mean you're saving money. It means you're spending it! Stop! Sit down!

8. Shopping when you're hungry

This is one of the most reckless things you can do. Don't do it. Have a snack before you hit the supermarket. That 12-pack of cheese grillers that would've ended up in your trolley and then in the bin because you didn't get a chance to eat them all, won't happen!

9. Chasing after brands

If you never have any money left at the end of the month and you're living on 2-minute noodles on toast for the last week, but wearing a pair of designer shorts you bought on credit, you're silly. Sort yourself out! The other shorts at the other shop that looked the same were just as good. 

10. Refusing to budget

Finally, if you're not spending at least 10 minutes every month crunching your own numbers, and allocating your available funds accordingly, you deserve those 2-minute noodles on toast.