Passover is approaching, and with it the pace of opening the wallet.
Or if we become more up-to-date - the pace of opening the digital wallet, the look and the Facebook box.
Many of us will find ourselves with many and unexpected expenses, which can affect us months ahead, so it is worth preparing for the holiday - and even the one that comes after it.
"People are very surprised when they find out how much they really spend on food, clothes and entertainment, and how much debt they have on the downside," says Sharon Levin, director of publicity at Bells, a social organization that employs about 3,000 volunteers across the country. - Free of charge.
"The support we provide to families can take half a year or ten months, and according to our data, 73% of the families improve the balance. A family that completes a process saves more than NIS 3,800 a month, and in the aggregate this is very significant."
Sharon Levin, Photo: Didi Moskowitz
What does the process involve?
"Initially we do a mapping of expenses, income, debts and assets. We ask the family for full transparency using credit cards and standing orders, and do a thorough check of all the parameters. We check what provident funds there are, study funds and insurance. When we get a picture we build a family budget: "On the one hand, they are examining where it is possible to become more efficient, and on the other hand, they increase income, for example by adding a shift at work. People spend NIS 3,000-2,000 more than they put in, no matter what class it is. We arrive in a non-judgmental and empathetic manner."
What things is important for the family to do during the escort?
"We want not to take out more loans in the process, and live on what is available. If the budget is not enough - it needs to be increased, and we have employment consultants who help with that. If there is a family with ten credit cards that buy every day at the grocery store, at the end "Weekly, concentrated and according to a list. We also help to prepare properly for family events or higher education, and teach them to stand on their own and bargain at the bank, for example on interest rates."
Do you have any special recommendations for Passover?
"Planning, and planning again. If we host, we will plan the purchase according to the number of people. You can ask each of the guests to be responsible for bringing something, the guests are usually happy to help. It is also recommended to take advantage of the holiday shopping vouchers. "You forget them in your wallet, and they have validity. Another thing you should know is that you can only renew with one garment or one item, and you don't have to buy an entire wardrobe.
Israel Liebman, Photo: Hanna Tayeb
Makimi also offers free family support to the right economy.
The association's director general, Israel Liebman, declares that Pesach must arrive ready, and not wait for the last minute.
One should check what is needed, and not buy lots and then feed the cats with it.
It is advisable to build a budget in advance, and it is also allowed to wear clothes from the previous holiday. "Liebman is aware that it is not easy for most people to admit that they need advice and help:" For us, we can offer an escort within a day.
We know it's hard to turn around, and when it does, we do not want to waste momentum. "
Helping to meet the challenge
There are also paid digital services that offer savings help and advice.
RiseUp's service is provided through a customized automated cash flow, which helps to examine the movements in the account, and produces a forecast for the end of the month.
The service anticipates how the month will end, and updates via WhatsApp, with the help of which customers can consult experts before any financial decision.
Yuval Samet, Photo: Dror Einav
Yuval Samet, CEO of RiseUp, says that the service is provided for free in the first month, and then for NIS 45 a month. "This is not an expense, but an investment," he explains.
It is not easy to manage budget records over time, and we help with a slight urgency to meet the challenge.
The system takes all the data of the credit cards, and calculates all the expenses.
Already at the beginning of the month we specify how much can be spent per week, and then it is easier to make decisions, such as whether to buy a family pizza in the evening or not.
We also have experts who can be contacted in chat. "
Even those who are in the red can save?
"We believe that as long as a person has an income - it is possible to save, even if it is tens of shekels. We all use a bit, and many did not think that once you get a refund in a bit, you can transfer it to savings."
There are also many apps that can be used to save money.
For example, consumer clubs like "Yours" and "Ashmoret" have an app through which you can find benefits for restaurants, attractions and even food chains.
"You should compare prices and check the account at the checkout, as in many cases gaps can be discovered," advises Hila Knister Bar-David, CEO of your "Consumer Club".
In the "Secret Deals on the VIP Network" telegram group, you can follow the coupons offered on a variety of networks.
You should also download apps from food chains, pharmacies and toys that you usually purchase, for coupons that can help save money.
Azrieli malls also have coupons tailored to each mall, and you can receive benefits in the "Strauss Plus" app for purchasing the company's products, by scanning invoices for food chains.
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