Ways to Save Money.

Earlier today I talked to my dear friend Naomi on the telephone and she told me that I should write a book on saving money.  I honestly don't feel like I'm that great with my money, but I have learned how to make do with little.  It's something I'm constantly working on.  What can I live without? How can I cut back? What is essential? I would like to share occasional tips I have found in being content with little and still enjoying life. 

1.  Go to the library.  This is a no-brainer to me.  Libraries are filled with resources and in whatever city I've lived, I've found them extremely useful.  Helpful librarians, map information/community dinners/events, books, DVDS, magazines, and sometimes a wonderful view of water (Somesville, Maine) or a warm, cozy fireplace (Berea, Kentucky).  Berea library even had a community garden.  Use your library! There are sometimes book readings by authors (Elisabeth Strout in Seattle), how to presentations (how to make a winter lantern/winter solstice walk- Southwest Harbor, Maine).  Here in Tucson I have noticed that there are even fitness classes, nurse visits, and a multitude of helpful resources.   Whenever I settle into a new area, I find the library immediately.  The libraries of Seattle also benefited me a lot when I was a nanny as I attended multiple story times- a fun outlet for me and a stimulating time for baby.  Stop buying on Amazon and go to your library!

2.  Eat eggs.  Eggs are one of the cheapest foods out there, and there are so many ways to utilize them.  Eggs salad, boiled eggs, scrambled eggs, omelets, frittatas, fried eggs, eggs in a hole.  Eggs are amazing!

3.  Have friends that also care about saving money, finding a deal, and living simple.  Believe me, with like minded individuals, ideas will be stimulated and you will be great sparks to each others.  I've had friends that dumpster dived while I drove (adventurous) and friends are also a wonderful source to share clothes, have swap fests, and obviously- share dinner!

4.  Decorate the way you want to.   I've hung fairly cheap maps in my apartment (U.S. and World), but they really are useful and fun.  When I hear about what's going on in the world, I instantly find it on the map and feel a better understanding.  You don't need to follow trends, follow what you like.  I also bought a very old painting of birds flying together over a swamp (6.00).  I like it.  I'm sure a lot of people would not- just like my very old lazy boy that has a vibrator with it, but I love it.  Comfort matters to me and having a chair that is comfortable is more important to me than trendy things.  Plus, I got them at the thrift store across the street that gives me great deals all the time, delivers for free, and supports a great ministry.  Win, win! Recently I decorated a wall in my bedroom with postcards I've saved from friends.  Keep it simple, friends.

 

5.  Get out in nature.  The more that you get out and swim, walk, or hike, the better you will feel, and the less you will be spending on movies, restaurants, etc.,  Appreciate sunsets, the moon, different types of trees, and let these things make you feel rich, because they are the things that are truly worth experiencing.