The hardest thing for people to overcome sometimes is their pride. People will work themselves to death and be "wage slaves" so they don't get questions from family, friends, or peers when they ask -- "Why don't you live in X?" -- "What happened to your high-paying job?" -- etc.
If somebody feels comfortable at a certain income level -- and they're bringing in more than they're spending -- that's all that matters.
Great article. Great advice. This is something people in my generation (Gen Y) need to come to embrace.
You've compiled some fantastic tips here. I think #13 is key and one I try to incorporate as often as possible. Since I work full time and have a business on the side, it's important for me to prepare as much as I can. If I don't or I don't have a schedule or task list worked out, it's incredibly difficult to stay on point and accomplish anything.
All really good tips. I completely agree on traveling slow. If you don't take the time and really explore a place, what's the point of even going? I really love to travel, but really hate the actual traveling part of it, so when I get somewhere I tend to stay a long time.
Great article!
I am living and working in a job I am thoroughly passionate about. It's helping others transition into more fulfilling careers and relationships. It took me a long time to figure out what I wanted. I asked myself questions similar to the ones in your article.
My tip would be, take the time needed to ask yourself important questions about your career. The clarity you gain will make the time spent worth it.
Amy
For those of us who are choosy about condoms, a certain online clearinghouse has them cheap. I'd pay a quarter for the condom of my choice rather than take the free ones that break or are just plain unpleasant.
I particularly loved the tip about making mornings fun. Adding some ice cream or bacon to a healthy breakfast would certainly get me out of bed! I find that going to bed at an early time helps me sleep the best, which I'm sure is an age old idea. If I'm finding it hard to fall asleep, if I go to bed early, I'm able to get more sleep than if I went to bed later and couldn't fall asleep, and therefore maximize the amount of rest that my body is attempting to get.
I'll echo what everyone else said about the library for books, magazines, e-books, audio books, etc.
Books can also be bought cheaply at half.com (one of the sources of used textbooks when I was going to school). I also like getting used video games on half.com as well. Another choice for renting video games is the Netflix like service, Gamefly. I have used it in the past and really liked it.
For in theatre movies, try buying tickets ahead of time at places like Costco. You can also look into your employee benefits program or union who might provide discount tickets as well. I usually buy my movie tickets this way, along with them park tickets.
Water bottles have a huge markup. I'll agree with what Tyler said about water. Even though "potable" water comes out of every faucet, it's not all equal and palatable. In my current city, the water is extremely hard. To save money, I installed a water filtration system and use Klean Kanteens. Cheaper than water bottles, and more environmentally friendly by far.
Very creative ideas! I really like the watering can, paint storage, and free weight ideas. A great way to be friendly to the environment and be frugal at the same time.
As a single mom, having a roommate has been a great way to supplement my income. I'm very picky about who I allow to rent a room because I have children. We will often have exchange students which I find is a great way to expose the family to other cultures.
Once we had an older roommate that was a huge help when our dog had an emergency. She kept the dog still while I drove to the vet.
My daughter was in the hospital for 20 days, 13 of which were spent on a ventilator, a lung surgery, 4 chest tubes, a few CT scans, countless X-rays, bloodwork, meds and what not we got a hospital bill for $274,040.36 with the warning that the Drs will send a separate bill; we don't have health insurance, she is a full time college student and I make less than 30K, there are a lot of programs that we don't qualify for because we are only legal residents (not citizens). This is recent enough for us to do a good damage control but we need serious help, the financial aid is still processing, but I would love to be prepared with other alternatives. Thanks for the advice
Negative thoughts really are the proverbial demons plaguing our soul and filling our head with doubts. As one who comes from a family struggling with depression and clinical negativity, I can testify first-hand to the unwanted effects of anti-depressants and other forms of mind-numbing medication. I appreciate this list, then, for its wholesome, constructive suggestions for combating dark thoughts. Surrounding yourself with friends, family, and the unconditional affection of pets will never fail to remind you of the many blessings life affords. Although no one wakes up in the morning excited to head to work, losing yourself in a constructive or money-making endeavor will not only allow yourself to let go of the negativity but give you a reason to celebrate after the job is done. Also, never underestimate the power of writing as catharsis as well as recreation.
Some great ideas there. Here in the UK we usually put our plastic in recycle bins that get taken away every two weeks. You've got your own form of recycling, well done.
Philip,
The hardest thing for people to overcome sometimes is their pride. People will work themselves to death and be "wage slaves" so they don't get questions from family, friends, or peers when they ask -- "Why don't you live in X?" -- "What happened to your high-paying job?" -- etc.
If somebody feels comfortable at a certain income level -- and they're bringing in more than they're spending -- that's all that matters.
Great article. Great advice. This is something people in my generation (Gen Y) need to come to embrace.
Thanks,
Dave
Mikey,
You've compiled some fantastic tips here. I think #13 is key and one I try to incorporate as often as possible. Since I work full time and have a business on the side, it's important for me to prepare as much as I can. If I don't or I don't have a schedule or task list worked out, it's incredibly difficult to stay on point and accomplish anything.
Thanks a lot!
- Dave
Excellent point about water. It's definitely not environmentally friendly to be buying water in plastic bottles.
All really good tips. I completely agree on traveling slow. If you don't take the time and really explore a place, what's the point of even going? I really love to travel, but really hate the actual traveling part of it, so when I get somewhere I tend to stay a long time.
Great article!
I am living and working in a job I am thoroughly passionate about. It's helping others transition into more fulfilling careers and relationships. It took me a long time to figure out what I wanted. I asked myself questions similar to the ones in your article.
My tip would be, take the time needed to ask yourself important questions about your career. The clarity you gain will make the time spent worth it.
Amy
YOU CAN ALSO TIE A LENGTH OF FISHING LINE A HOOK, SOME BAIT AND A SINKER AND USE THEM FOR FISHING JUGS.
For those of us who are choosy about condoms, a certain online clearinghouse has them cheap. I'd pay a quarter for the condom of my choice rather than take the free ones that break or are just plain unpleasant.
Wow, great tips! Who would have known nail polish could be used for all that!
Good article...not only are fruits and veggies more expensive when you buy them "out of season," they just don't taste as good!
I particularly loved the tip about making mornings fun. Adding some ice cream or bacon to a healthy breakfast would certainly get me out of bed! I find that going to bed at an early time helps me sleep the best, which I'm sure is an age old idea. If I'm finding it hard to fall asleep, if I go to bed early, I'm able to get more sleep than if I went to bed later and couldn't fall asleep, and therefore maximize the amount of rest that my body is attempting to get.
I'll echo what everyone else said about the library for books, magazines, e-books, audio books, etc.
Books can also be bought cheaply at half.com (one of the sources of used textbooks when I was going to school). I also like getting used video games on half.com as well. Another choice for renting video games is the Netflix like service, Gamefly. I have used it in the past and really liked it.
For in theatre movies, try buying tickets ahead of time at places like Costco. You can also look into your employee benefits program or union who might provide discount tickets as well. I usually buy my movie tickets this way, along with them park tickets.
Water bottles have a huge markup. I'll agree with what Tyler said about water. Even though "potable" water comes out of every faucet, it's not all equal and palatable. In my current city, the water is extremely hard. To save money, I installed a water filtration system and use Klean Kanteens. Cheaper than water bottles, and more environmentally friendly by far.
Great topic Mikey.
Very creative ideas! I really like the watering can, paint storage, and free weight ideas. A great way to be friendly to the environment and be frugal at the same time.
There must be something in the air -- I talked about the power of positivity today in my blog!
I like the first one and the last one the most. Having a gratitude journal is definitely
Thanks for the tips. We are beginner travelers and this has given me some motivation to explore more!
Are you a real estate agent?
As a single mom, having a roommate has been a great way to supplement my income. I'm very picky about who I allow to rent a room because I have children. We will often have exchange students which I find is a great way to expose the family to other cultures.
Once we had an older roommate that was a huge help when our dog had an emergency. She kept the dog still while I drove to the vet.
Thanks Sherri! That was great advice! The Hydrogen peroxide removed 2 cat vomit stains in my blue carpet. I couldn't believe it!! Thanks so much, C.
Thanks for sharing my article and for the rest of these great tips.
My daughter was in the hospital for 20 days, 13 of which were spent on a ventilator, a lung surgery, 4 chest tubes, a few CT scans, countless X-rays, bloodwork, meds and what not we got a hospital bill for $274,040.36 with the warning that the Drs will send a separate bill; we don't have health insurance, she is a full time college student and I make less than 30K, there are a lot of programs that we don't qualify for because we are only legal residents (not citizens). This is recent enough for us to do a good damage control but we need serious help, the financial aid is still processing, but I would love to be prepared with other alternatives. Thanks for the advice
Concerned Mom
My husband and I know of Roth IRAs but we don't yet make enough after student loan payments to save enough to justify the cost per transaction. :-(
Negative thoughts really are the proverbial demons plaguing our soul and filling our head with doubts. As one who comes from a family struggling with depression and clinical negativity, I can testify first-hand to the unwanted effects of anti-depressants and other forms of mind-numbing medication. I appreciate this list, then, for its wholesome, constructive suggestions for combating dark thoughts. Surrounding yourself with friends, family, and the unconditional affection of pets will never fail to remind you of the many blessings life affords. Although no one wakes up in the morning excited to head to work, losing yourself in a constructive or money-making endeavor will not only allow yourself to let go of the negativity but give you a reason to celebrate after the job is done. Also, never underestimate the power of writing as catharsis as well as recreation.
Some great ideas there. Here in the UK we usually put our plastic in recycle bins that get taken away every two weeks. You've got your own form of recycling, well done.
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