There are still a few days left until your next paycheck and you’ve run out of something that you need. Before you hop in your car and head to the nearest store, take a minute to see if you can make do with what you have on hand. Of course, we aren’t suggesting that you live like you’re on a survival television show! Think of this as a chance to get in touch with your inner MacGyver. Flex your creative muscles and have some fun! Your budget will thank you for it.

Cooking:
It's dinnertime and it seems as though there’s nothing in the house. Explore your pantry, freezer, and refrigerator. Think of new ways to use the ingredients you have. Give yourself the freedom to mix things up, like having pancakes or omelets for dinner. Make smart substitutions, like using chicken broth instead of wine in savory dishes or mayonnaise instead of vegetable oil in baked goods. Consult cookbooks or the Internet for inspiration. Or let your sense of adventure guide you!

Cleaning:
When you've run out of a cleaning product, let something else do the pinch-hitting. Both white vinegar and lemon juice make excellent disinfectants. A vinegar and water solution can be used to treat laundry stains. A small bit of dish soap on a damp rag can clean your floors. Antibacterial kitchen cleaner will also kill germs in the bathroom. A gentle shampoo can be used to hand wash a few items of clothing (but don’t do this in your washing machine!).

Personal Care:
Out of a health or beauty item? Utilize what you have and both you and your wallet will be sitting pretty. Use conditioner as a substitute for shaving cream. Brush your teeth with baking soda or use hydrogen peroxide as a great antibacterial mouthwash. Basic makeup emergencies can be averted as well. Out of lipstick? Use a neutral lip liner to fill in lips and top with a little petroleum jelly. In place of blush, a light dab of lipstick blended into the apples of cheeks can provide a fresh look. For eyes, a small angled brush lightly coated with petroleum jelly and neutral eye shadow can take the place of brow pencil. The tiniest bit of petroleum jelly on lashes can provide definition.

Entertaining:
It's the weekend, and you're looking for something fun to do. Instead of putting a pair of movie tickets or dinner on a credit card, consider some fun and free options. Check out what’s going on in your community. Most towns have a website listing upcoming events. Or check your local library. This past month, our town library hosted a free foreign film festival, reptile show, old-fashioned ice cream social, and jazz quintet concert. Other fun options include a potluck game night or movie marathon, where each of your friends can bring a favorite flick to show. Make the brownie mix from your pantry or the mini egg rolls from the freezer and you’re good to go.

Not all emergencies can be avoided, but sometimes making creative substitutions can help get you through a budget pinch. After all, making the most of what you already have means being able to spend more on the things that are really important to you!

{Be sure to check in for future segments where we will be looking at Winning the Emergency Spending Situation in detail for each Budget Savvy department.}

Rachel Mari is a writer and copy editor who resides in the Garden State with her husband. Her current interests include organic gardening, the French language, and building the perfect chili cheese dog. Rachel Mari can be reached at marimediaservices@yahoo.com.