Thank God the month has just ended! Why? Because we just got paid.

Let's face it, unless you're making big bucks in Jordan, it's almost impossible to begin the month with any leftover money from last month's salary.

In fact, most of us are often in debt to either our credit cards, parents or friends by the time we’re about to receive our next paycheck.

The average salary in Amman is JD 468.24, according to the statistics website Numbeo. But how much do Jordanians think they need to earn per month to live comfortably?

We've conducted a survey, and most of our respondents think they need at least JD 900 to live comfortably - minus rent and as a single person. 

This figure is closer to reality than the one suggested by Numbeo. 

The website claims that the average salary a single Jordanian needs to survive on per month - minus rent - is just JD 473.1.

They also claim that a family of four needs just JD 1,707 to live on per month, also without rent.

Hang on a minute.

It costs JD 700 per month to keep one prisoner, with barely any expenses, so how can citizens survive on JD 473?

Nonetheless, we're here to help you find ways to manage your money and maybe, just maybe, make your salary last until the end of the month.

Carpool to work

If you and your colleague live near each other, why not save on petrol/taxis and share a ride to work? That way, you’ll be helping the environment too.

Handmade gifts

Social obligations in Jordan will bleed you dry, which is why it’s both an economic and sweet idea to make a symbolic gift for someone instead of buying one, and if you really must buy one, then keep in mind that it’s the thought that counts.

Stop showing off

A big part of our culture is about showing off and owning the best of the best. But is it really worth that bank loan or credit card bill just to drive that Jaguar you can’t actually afford? The same applies to expensive clothes, gifts and outings.

Say no to Sales

This is just a trick to get you shopping for extra items, which you most likely don’t need (or sometimes even want).

Smoke less

If you can't kick the habit, at least reduce the number of cigarettes you're smoking, and your wallet will breathe a serious sigh of relief.

Eat in, not out

Dining out is overrated. Say goodbye to takeaways and restaurant food and indulge in the healthier/cleaner home-cooked meals instead.

Ditch the valet

And this isn’t just for your own health. Sure, walking those 10 extra meters will do you good, but trust us when we tell you that paying JD 1 or JD 2 for valet every time you need to park seriously adds up. You can spend that money on petrol instead!

LED light bulbs

Sounds like a no-brainer, but you’ll be surprised at just how many people still use incandescent bulbs and, consequently, pay a lot of money for their electricity bill.

Pack your own lunch

Last night’s dinner will make a delicious lunch the next day, or you could just eat mum’s sandwiches on your lunch break. Either way, you’ll be saving yourself a lot of money this way.

Cancel your nutritionist and gym membership

You don’t need to pay to be fit. You can walk, cycle or lift weights at home to keep you fit, while keeping a healthy diet using information FREE from the internet, aka, your online nutritionist.