Are you struggling with your finances? According to the Groningen municipality, the ‘Rondkomen kun je leren’ (which translates to “You can learn to make ends meet”) course, offered by the Groningse Kredietbank, could be the solution you’re looking for.
Sulivain Jansen, a 44-year-old Groningen resident, knows firsthand how tough it can be to manage money. Even though she’s been through financial challenges before, she decided to join the course to see if she could pick up any new tips.
“I signed up to see what the course was all about,” Sulivain says. “It was really helpful to hear other people’s tips and tricks. For example, I learned about the ‘Too Good To Go’ app, which is great for finding cheap food. The course opened my eyes to new ways to save money, and everyone in the group was super friendly.”
Fighting the urge to splurge
One of Sulivain’s biggest struggles was resisting the urge to buy things she didn’t need, especially when influenced by advertisements. “I’m not cheap, but I am careful with my money,” she says. “I take things slow and steady. If I don’t need something, I don’t buy it.”
Sulivain’s approach to managing her finances is super practical. She sets aside money for each week of the month so she knows exactly what she can spend. It’s a great way to avoid overspending.
Sulivain learned these skills the hard way. She remembers a time when she was in debt and couldn’t afford to buy new clothes for a whole year! “It taught me how to live within my means,” she says. “That’s why I think everyone should take this course. It’s a lifesaver.”
Resist the siren song of sales
Another issue the course addresses is impulse purchases. Sulivain admits she used to struggle with this. “Sometimes you see something cute and you just want it,” she says. “But I’ve learned to resist those urges. It’s hard, especially at Action – you go in for one thing and come out with ten! Now I make myself think twice before I buy anything.”
Managing on a limited budget is a lot of work, but Sulivain still finds time to give back. She volunteers at a local care center and takes care of her stepdad, who has dementia. She’s also starting a healthcare training program in September. “Working in healthcare is my dream,” she says. “I’m really hoping it works out.” When asked if this is also her plan to get off social security, she grins and says, “Absolutely!”
Daytime or evening? Pick your budget boot camp!
If you’re interested, there’s a daytime session of ‘Rondkomen kun je leren’ starting on Monday, September 9th, and an evening session kicking off on Monday, September 30th. For more details, check out the municipality’s website.
The courses take place at two convenient locations: Het Floreshuis at Floresplein 19 and the municipal office at Harm Buiterplein 1, both right here in Groningen.
Image: Gemeente.groningen.nl
