Live Frugally or Die Broke

Mutual Arrangement
I readily admit, I have an advantage over a majority of the population. For the last three years, I have worked in a restaurant. In that time, I was able to eat at work or bring food home. The more I realized the savings, the more I liked my job. People shouldn’t be too quick to judge a restaurant worker. The amount they don’t make is easily offset by the money they spend on groceries. Even the restaurants that don’t allow free employee meals, usually offer substantial discounts.

Look For Value
Besides the obvious advice on saving such as; shopping with a list, not shopping hungry, and using coupons, there are others. I’ve learned to bring cash only, for the rough amount I intend to spend. I can’t go over this amount because I have created a barrier. I insure I won’t spend more than I intend to. I am often looking to buy in bulk. Instead of buying the ingredients for one dinner eating my frugal chili, I buy enough for several dinners. I then freeze the rest. Sam’s club and Costco are obviously the best places to buy in bulk. I like the fact I only need to go every month or so. I enjoy a steady diet of rice and beans mixed in as well. I still get plenty of protein and save a bundle in the meantime. I try and stay away from the frozen section, as the prices are outrageous for what you get.

I certainly don’t eat as healthy as I should. It is true that organic foods are quite a bit more expensive than the less healthy stuff. I regrettably can’t be picky with the salary I live on. If I can get a crate of expired chicken wings, I am taking the whole lot. I’ve often noticed our restaurant throws away expired product. I intervene when I can. If a customer cancels an order, I am quick to box it up and throw it in the cooler. Because of this, I haven’t been shopping in quite a while.

Who You Know
If times continue to grow tougher and the grocery bill is getting too high, you should try and network. Our manager calls his relatives and offers customer’s cancellations sometimes. He once gave his cousin, four large pizzas that went unclaimed. That probably fed him for a week. We would all much rather see the food go to someone who will eat it, than get tossed in the trash.

I know plenty of other friends who have been able to give me deals as well. I had a roommate that worked for a deli. He would bring home left over bread at the end of the day. I bought a jar of peanut butter and jelly to use. I was set for lunch the rest of the year. When I moved out, I was lucky enough to find my first restaurant job. Thus, I no longer needed to rely on this handout. If you ever feel times get desperate, it could be ideal to network. Even a part time second job, delivering pizzas, could save you hundreds on food costs.

The First To Go From Any Budget
I find myself perplexed at the people who can barely afford to keep the heat on and insist on having a premium cable package. One of my former roommates finds himself in a tight bind this month. He thinks he is going to fall short on rent, even though he hasn’t missed a new episode of “Weeds” on Showtime in over four years. To me it’s common sense that his budget needs an intervention. I have been cable free for two years and absolutely love it.

Cut The Contract
Cable companies have become very sneaky in the past few years. They learned to put together hard to break contracts, like their cell phone provider cousins. You have to be very animated on the phone to get them to cancel. When I finally got rid of my cable, I told the customer representative that I was moving. They asked where I was moving to and I replied, “My parents basement.” They got the hint that I wasn’t going to be interested in a transfer. With a little nudging, they let me loose from the contract.

There Will Be Pain
I would go as far as saying, anyone in debt should have no cable whatsoever. Cable is a luxury and having debt is a major burden. When you have a burden, there should be a certain amount of pain. Living frugally isn’t an easy task, just like anything else that is difficult, there will be sacrifices. Sure you might not get to watch your favorite TV show but you don’t have time. Instead of lounging on the couch, you should be out working a second job. Instead of taking on more debt in the form of monthly bills, you can be getting income.

Being in debt is like being sick. You should work hard to get better by doing the right things. That being said there are plenty of alternatives to watching cable TV. With the low cost of the internet, there are a variety substitutes to television. Hulu is one such free alternative, as well as youtube. Don’t forget the great joy of reading as well. I still enjoy picking up a good book to pass my time.

Old Habits Die Hard
I believe cable TV will eventually be phased out of existence. Most people I know are phasing it out in lieu of the internet. As the baby boomers get older, TVs will start moving out of the average household. It’s been clear to me for a while, the internet is where many of the new advertising dollars will be headed. The information we have access to online, is far more diverse then an old fashioned television set.

When I have children I will make sure to limit TV as much as possible. I noticed that it seems to be mostly hereditary. I was never allowed much TV as a child, so was never very interested in much of what was on. I would visit with friends occasionally for a gathering and there was always a TV on, while we would sit and chat. I found myself bewildered at how focused people could become on a talking head. I don’t think people who watch TV are necessarily zombies or dumb but they sure act funny.

If you must watch TV, try the cheaper alternatives first. If you are in debt it’s a good idea to get rid of cable all together. Pick up a second job for a while and work hard to limit spending. Cable is a luxury which one cannot afford, while being burdened by debt. Developing this mind frame will move you in the right directions faster and you will be frugal in no time.