Stretching the Everyday Dollar

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Stretching the Everyday Dollar Practical Living Tips Dream Weddings on a Beer Budget Positive-Parenting Skills

... and more. My purpose for this Blog Spot is to share with you some of my 'learning experiences’; my successes as well as my failures, so that you don’t have to re-invent-the-wheel. I call it, 'The Cheat Sheet’. You will get there someday… on Your terms, by learning to live consciously, realistically, virtually debt-free, and, all in one piece. So, If you are right out of school facing life on your own, (plus a Student Loan), the last thing that you want to do is accumulate more debt. That could sabotage your peace of mind and financial future in a 'New York Second'. So, it is of ultimate importance that you prioritize your Needs. You must approach your personal lifestyle and financial growth on a conscious level. That means you must (a) Come out of the box (b) Resist the temptation to 'fit-in' or 'follow the crowd'. Everybody's reality is different, so you have to know who You are; i.e., your dreams and your aspirations, your likes and dislikes. Explore your hidden talents. A great deal of pride can come from accomplishing a goal for less than the rest. That's what makes you 'Uniquely You'. Let's explore a few scenarios: You just graduated from high school, tech school or college, and landed that 'starter position’. Now you want to cut-the-cord and explore life on your own. Your worldly possessions consist of just enough money for first, last and securities on a one-bedroom/one-bath apartment. Many young people find themselves settled into an undesirable location because of the lower monthly rental costs. If they don’t own a car, public transportation is also a consideration; at least until they can save enough money for a down payment on one. Then, there are furnishings to provide immediately, such as a bed, a dresser, a few kitchen items, as well as a professional wardrobe and transportation… all on your starter income. And that’s where the 'cycle of struggle’ begins. Using the same scenario, there is another way to avoid the 'cycle of struggle’, and 'start right to stay right'. Confine your apartment search to areas closest to your job. This will eliminate your immediate need for a car. Some of the benefits of that are: (a) The cost of an automobile can buy a lot of furniture, if you go about that right; (b) There are no additional expenses for auto insurance and maintenance; (c) The daily walk could substitute for an expensive 'fitness center’ for a while; and (d) You are already 'uptown’, livin large. If you are in a big hurry to 'live large’, and patience is not your strong point, consider finding a roommate to share expenses for the first couple of years. With the right chemistry, you could each save an average of 43% per month on rent and utilities by leasing (1) two bedroom apartment to share, as opposed to (2) one bedroom apartments each. But the right chemistry is important! Shop Thrift stores, Consignment stores, Yard sales and Estate sales for your starter furnishings, household items and entertainment equipment. “One man’s trash is another man’s treasures”. You can always upgrade as your income increases. Choose these same options for your professional wardrobe also. If you check the enclosed display counter at a Thrift or Consignment store at the register, you will often find heirloom costume jewelry and other specialty items at a good price. A great deal of personal pride and confidence can be gained from a quality find that makes you look like a million bucks, for little more than the cost of a six pack of beer. The money you save on your professional wardrobe can be used to buy the social wear that expresses your personal style. To be continued…