Living Cheap, Living Large

By Jessica Paden


As a recent college graduate living in pricey San Diego on a temp's lowly salary, I've become something of an expert at living on the cheap. Back in my carefree, allowance-enabled college days, my biggest problem was trying to reconcile a full day spent watching MTV Cribs, with having to attend a lecture on the seminal philosophers of Existentialism in the evening. These days, my reconciliatory conundrums are a bit more reality-based. If I've temporarily run out of toilet paper, for example, would paper towels or Kleenex be the more acceptable alternative? When a friend stops by unannounced and needs to use the bathroom, which would be less offensive to offer? In other words, is it possible to maintain a shred of dignity, without even a shred of toilet paper?

We've all heard, and try to follow, the tenets of a thrifty lifestyle. But subtract a bit of laundry detergent with each load, add a bagged lunch at work, and divide by actually eating that questionable leftover salmon from two nights ago, and it equals... essentially nothing. A few extra dollars at the end of the month has not yet served to alleviate the notion that my future as a well-educated bag lady is rapidly approaching.

So, then, what can alleviate that feeling? To begin with, a realization that to live well, on a budget, you don't have to develop a strict mantra of deprivation and indignity. Instead, what's important, and uplifting, is to use a lean period as a time to readjust your priorities, and discover what is truly meaningful and useful in your life. You can develop a system of living that is less wasteful in general; one that enables you to have the things you truly want and need, while forgoing the things you only thought you did in the past.

Understandably, accepting that you can't justify splurging on the latest Prada tweeds is never easy. Neither is realizing you can barely afford to be sporting a Charlotte Russe polyester blend. But in time, having less money to spend in excess, can help you to notice all the other things you might have been missing. Ways to save your pennies come a dime a dozen. Here are some ways to coast through the lean times without sacrificing; your happiness, or your dignity.

Get Crafty!
Advertisers, stylists, and trend-conscious magazine editors try to persuade us that our lives are sorely missing the items they promote. The more we ignore them, the more we can learn to follow our own instincts, and the more crafty we can become. If you really want something, learn how to sew it, knit it, build it, or cook it. Experience the inimitable joys of creating something yourself, and being truly original.

See No Evil, Hear No Evil
The most effective way to deal with our pervasive consumer culture is to try our best to avoid it. Try the 'See No Evil, Hear No Evil' approach to ignoring the cloying tools of advertisement. This might mean pressing the mute button when commercials come on the television, or reading fewer glossy magazines. Browsing through Vogue or Cosmo may help relieve your anxiety while waiting at the dentist's, but beating an equally nervous third grader to the office copy of Highlights might be the better option. Goofus and Gallant can probably offer a lot more guidance than Dolce & Gabbana when your monthly bills are piling up faster than your shoe collection.

Shake Your Moneymaker
Chances are, unless you're living in New York City, you're in your car a lot. If you live a mile or two from the drugstore, try to walk or ride your bike whenever you can. Falling into a rhythm of small comforts is very tempting, and driving to places we could easily walk is one of them. But in the long run, the extra exercise and ease on the environment from ditching the car now and then will be a lot more comforting. Not to mention the money you'll save on gas. So, if geographically possible, shake your moneymaker, all the way to the bank.

Read Free Publications
Things can start feeling pretty grim when you realize the last good time you had was when they ran a Queer Eye for the Straight Guy marathon on Bravo. But it is possible to go out on the town on a budget. If you read the free publications offered in your area (this might mean the Village Voice, the Providence Phoenix, Chicago Reader, or Los Angeles City Beat, to name a few) there are usually a number of free or cheap events listed that might peak your interest. The writers for these publications are often in a similar financial situation, so they're sure to be in tune to the types of fun to be had on the cheap in your area.

Eat your Vegetables
On a regular basis, healthy eating should never be sacrificed, regardless of the situation. When strapped for cash, it's tempting to round off a week of going to Wendy's with a bucket of KFC, but it actually is possible to eat cheaply, and well. Buying fruits and vegetables in season won't break the bank, and will help you maintain your health and general well-being. Though you may not have the funds to delve into any culinary masterpieces just yet, a good vegetable stir-fry can be much more satisfying than another night of the drive-thru kind.

Volunteer
It may seem counter-intuitive - when you're down and out, you should be spending your time trying to make more money, not working for free. Follow the laws of karma, however, and you may find yourself in a better stride; do good for others, and others will do good for you. Even if that doesn't happen right away, volunteering will make you feel good about yourself, while you help others feel the same. And, in spite of what we've heard, that is truly what makes the world go round.

 

Jessica recently graduated from NYU's Gallatin School of Individualized Study. She currently resides in beautiful San Diego, and has discovered that, even in paradise, she needs a scarf in the winter. Which she'll knit by herself, of course.