Budget-Friendly Strategies for Boarding House Residents to Manage Finances During Ramadan 2025

Ramadan is a blessed month, but for boarding house residents, it can also be a challenge in managing expenses. With increased needs for pre-dawn meals (sahur), breaking fast (iftar), and other necessities, living costs can rise if not well-managed. To save money without sacrificing essential needs, here are some strategies that can be applied to reduce expenses during Ramadan 2025.

Creating a Special Ramadan Budget

Budget planning is an essential first step to keep expenses under control. Some key components to consider in the budget include:

• Food expenses for sahur and iftar
• Worship-related needs such as zakat and charity
• Transportation and other necessities

By setting a clear budget, spending can be more controlled, preventing unnecessary waste.

Cooking Meals for Sahur and Iftar

Buying food from outside daily can be costly, making home-cooked meals a more economical option. Some money-saving cooking tips for boarding house residents include:

• Cooking in larger portions to be consumed for both sahur and iftar
• Choosing budget-friendly ingredients like eggs, tofu, tempeh, and vegetables
• Shopping at traditional markets, which generally offer lower prices than supermarkets

Minimizing Meal Expenses with a Frugal Eating Pattern

Another way to cut costs is by adopting a more economical eating pattern, such as having iftar only once every two days while still having sahur daily. Here is an estimated daily cost breakdown:

• Sahur: Rice + egg + vegetables (Rp5,000 – Rp7,000)
• Iftar (for two days): Rice + tofu/tempeh + simple side dish (Rp10,000 – Rp15,000)
• Free iftar snacks (takjil) from mosques or communities (helps reduce food costs)
• Total daily cost: Rp7,000 – Rp10,000 since iftar meals are divided over two days

With this method, food expenses during Ramadan can be reduced without compromising nutritional needs.

Utilizing Free Takjil

Many mosques and community groups provide free takjil for those observing the fast. Boarding house residents can take advantage of this to lower food expenses, although it is advisable not to rely entirely on free takjil and still allocate funds for nutritious meals.

Avoiding Impulse Buying and Unnecessary Snacking

Ramadan promotions and discounts can often tempt people into buying unnecessary food or items. To avoid excessive spending:

• Make a shopping list before going to the market or supermarket
• Avoid shopping while hungry
• Limit the use of food delivery apps to prevent overspending

Using Cost-Effective Transportation

For those who frequently use public transport or ride-hailing services, looking for discounts or promotions can help reduce travel costs. If possible, walking or cycling can be a more economical and healthy alternative.

Finding Side Jobs or Scholarships

If finances become tight, taking up a side job such as freelancing, selling products online, or tutoring can be an option to increase income. Additionally, students should seek information on scholarships or financial aid that may be available during Ramadan.

Sharing Expenses with Boarding Housemates

For those living with friends, sharing expenses by pooling money for groceries or cooking together can be a cost-effective solution. Besides reducing financial burdens, this approach also strengthens bonds during Ramadan.

Conclusion

Saving money during Ramadan does not mean sacrificing essential needs. With proper budgeting, cooking at home, utilizing free takjil, avoiding impulsive shopping, and sharing expenses with housemates, boarding house residents can enjoy Ramadan comfortably without financial worries. The strategy of having iftar every two days while maintaining daily sahur can also help cut daily costs. By applying these steps, Ramadan 2025 can be both more economical and spiritually rewarding.