saitaina | Learning to Survive

So, after watching way too many hours of backed up "Today Show" Episodes (is there supposed to be a 'the' in the title?), I've found I'm disgusted by all their 'money-saving tips' for the economy. And I'm not talking the coupon queens or 'America's Cheapest Family' (whom I would love to learn from), but nonsencial tips that have no place in my life ("Cut out your daily Starbucks!", hun, I can't even afford ONE starbucks trip in a month, good luck on the 'daily' aspect).

So I've put together these thoughts and ideas and basic things that I do to survive.

Learning to Survive on 900$ a month (used to be 400$)

1. Generic is not a dirty word. It's the same damn thing without the mark up and shiney boxes. If you want the box that badly, buy it and pour the generic into it. Trust me, you can save up to 50% for the EXACT. SAME. ITEM. The only things I buy name brand are my laundry detergant (I'm allergic to the generic), my garbage bags (yes, the generics suck, I will admit that), and...that's it. Everything else, if I can find the generic, I buy it, unless there is a rocking sale.

2. Grocery Outlet, Dollar Tree and the like. I'm pretty sure both of these stores are nationwide in the states, but even if not, they have copy cats. Both are your best bed for food/random shit. They even carry name brands! Basically you're looking for stores that do overstock/close to experation stock. These are pretty good items for cheap cheap! I do all my shopping at Grocery Outlet, and go to Dollar Tree for my random items (generic window washing fluid for a buck that I can use on my ever so dirty screens? Sign me up!). Watch out for dates on food items you're not going to use within a week, but pretty much it's a safe bet all over.

3. Bulk. I buy my toilet paper, bath soaps, baby powder, etc in bulk (Amazon.com has a subscription service that gives you free shipping and 15% off, or Costco). 18$ for 18 rolls may seem odd to some people, but I get it delivered to my door, it's a brand I like (Charmin...okay, another name brand), and I have tp for the month for a dollar a roll (and unlike Scotts dollar roll...no ouchies). Another plus for Amazon Subscribe and Save...shipping to ME, not me going to it.

4. Memberships. Okay, so these mostly stand for Warehouse Stores (Costco, Sam's Club, etc), but Amazon has a fun 'Mom's Membership' program that gives you free shipping (3 month free Prime [free two day shipping], plus an extra month every time you place an order of 25$ or more in the baby store), great discounts on items, and most of my 'general care/beauty' items qualify (baby wipes, powder, bath gel, shampoo) so it's not just good for mom's (although if you ARE a mother with a baby, diaper subscriptions gallore, no more running to the store to get diapers!). And the mom's club is free compared to Costco or Sam's...though I will never diss Costco, they gots some good bulk frozen items.

Well that's great Sait, but what about other needs, gas, bills, rent, etc.

If you're really struggling (like I was when I only had 400$ a month and was living alone), there are programs out there for you. Yes they're complicated, yes they're swamped with applicants. Hell, Oregon is currently on a lottery system for Health Care and Mortgage help...but reach out to them, you'll never know WHERE you'll find help. Also, always keep in contact with your utility companies and that, many times, they're willing to help you out. My Electric Company saved me from a life of eternal debt with them by helping me set up a payment plan. Only 24$ a month extra and I finally don't have to stare at huge bills.

As for gas...sorry folks, but you have feet (or a cane, nor a wheel chair). Hoof it. I hate walking, I hate public transportation, I would rather have a comfy car that I can zoom around in. Excluding the fact I can't currently buy one...I wouldn't be using mine all that much right now anyway. I may hate every step I'm forced to take, but it's better then not getting things done.

And yes, if you really, really have to use your car, shop around. Don't stop just when it's convienent or close-by, often the best prices for gas are a bit off the beaten path.

Alright, those are my tips for the day, and I know some of you won't agree with or like them, I'm just tossing them out there.