For those in jobs that require close physical contact such as those in the beauty industry, the shelter in place has been especially hard. Specifically, for small business owners or freelancers, I could only imagine how hard it has been for them. Although there have been stimulus checks coming in now, their business is about the multitude of clients. Some makeup artists for example have full schedules throughout the week and rely upon this to make a good living as well as during wedding season.
After reading an article about the effect to small business owners, I was compelled to give back to the small business owners like my makeup artist. By giving back, I mean doing a prepayment to a small business owner or freelancer you go to like your hair stylist, makeup artist, nail salon, or aesthetician. For me, I wanted to start by giving to my makeup artist especially since our shelter in place order kept being extended.
What’s great about doing this is that not only are you giving back to them, but you are able to treat yourself for a future appointment. It felt so rewarding being able to do that. Another benefit is that you can lock in your beauty treatment so it is already been checked off your budget. This method has been helping me to budget better. For example, I could get my makeup done when I choose while having my money set aside for it. It’s stress-free self care!
The card that keeps on giving
Another way you can give back is through buying a gift card for your hair salon for example. You can have your payment all loaded and ready to go for when you are able to safely go back to your hair salon or beauty center! If you’d like, you can even buy a separate gift card to go and treat a family member or a friend.
Just a tip
Tips, tips, tips…These are especially important for people in service jobs such as waiters/waitresses and bartenders. Most of their income from their job comes from tips and since high-risk establishments such as restaurants are not fully open across the states yet, it’s a great idea to save tips for your favorite restaurants.
For me, I know of a great bartender at a movie theater I go to and he always has excellent service. Thus, I give him a generous tip. I want to be able to set aside money for tips when I am safely able to go back to the cinema. A $20 tip is a standard for how great of customer service this bartender provides. I want to be able to give even more than that when it’s safe to go back to the cinema.
Whatever works for you, even if it’s $10. I give $20 for this particular bartender every time, no matter what my bill is. The best rule of thumb is for good to exceptional service, always give 15% or more. If it’s not so great, give at least 10%.
Enjoying the little luxuries
Even as much of us are focusing on budgeting right now, when it’s safe to be out and about at your favorite restaurants and bars and cinemas, I believe we’ll definitely appreciate those fun activities and luxuries even more.
Treating yourself will now be even more of a treat for you and your favorite service providers and establishments.
Money is not just to invest in ourselves, but it is meant to give our resources to others. To have more selflessness and appreciation from this God-given resource truly is the best thing.
Keep saving, budgeting, and make sure to treat yourself and others!
Busayo
