So to start this magical journey I will start listing what I have already done to push myself in the right direction. Other than the drinking, going out and paying an exorbitant amount in rent, I was already a rather “frugal” person so pushing it farther is an accomplishment for me.
- Got the h*ll out of the $195 per month parking in my building:
Now I pay $75 a month to park 1 mile away. Yeah, even typing that depresses me. I have to literally BIKE to my car when I leave the city to go grocery shopping or visit friends/family. I grew up where parking is free (everywhere), so paying for it is like torture to the soul. - Writing lists for food shopping and cutting back on processed foods:
Being vegetarian, this isn’t easy. Also, I’m as lazy as they come, so learning to cook is like pulling teeth. I started by buying dry milk, cooking my own bread and making crock-pot creations for the week. I really want to stick to $25 a week food budget. - Planing on moving out of my apartment the day my lease is up:
I am kicking myself so hard for this one. I had the chance to sign an 8 month lease instead of a 12 month one and I was a dingbat and picked the 12 month one. Because of my stupidity, have to wait till April 1st. When that happens, I have to move far away from work again, sit on the train for an hour each way and get a roommate. But at least I wont live at the top of someone’s stairs. I am shooting for my rent to go from $1,112 to $500-600. Cutting that in half will really help so I wont have to depend on my credit cards every month. - Pack Lunch and not eat if I don’t bring anything:
On the bright side, if I don’t eat its a good way to lose weight. - Applied for part-time, night jobs:
I don’t want anyone knowing about this one. I already have a great job M-F 8-5, but I really need the extra $100 a week I could earn making coffee or stocking shelves. It would also keep me busy so I wouldn’t feel the need to spend $40 to drive and visit my friends. I just feel really weird about this one. When I was filling out applications I though to myself “I make more than the manager that’s reading this makes, will they just throw me aside?”. I just hope they wont hold that against me, because I am very reliable and will work hard at any job I’m given.
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From my experience #5 is the best option. I got a part-time job tutoring online at Tutor.com. The pay isn’t great, but you can work from home in your pajamas. If you have a degree in science or math it makes it really easy. =)
Comment by SS4BC — December 16, 2009 @ 5:37 am |
I hear tutoring is a good side income. Maybe I should consider doing it myself!
But I understand your qualms about #5. I applied at Border’s Bookstore and felt the same way. I also felt guilty because I was applying for a part time job while I have a full time job and there are so many other people just looking for anything.
#2 is a HUGE money saver! And you can do it – I’m big fan of the vegetarian, vegan, or raw food diet – as long as you are eating your veggies and not stacking up on the junk food. You may see my menu plans consist of meat because the rest of my family is carnivores, but I tend to omit the meat on my plate.
You’ll feel growing pains as you get your finances on track… it’s all worth it.
Comment by Money Funk — December 16, 2009 @ 5:45 pm |