Hi there. Did you miss me?
So you're a 20 or 30 something North American reeling from a bad couple of economic years. You live in the coldest fucking city on earth. You're young, educated and gosh darn it, why aren't you rich yet? Calm down Sally, we're in this together. Take solace in the fact your assets haven't lost any worth because you don't have any. Amidst the recession, there is a way to live the fantastic life and not be a bummy skeeze who gets their boyfriend to buy them everything.
How to Survive the recession in style:
(If that could actually be possible in Winnipeg Manitoba)
Food.
For some, this is not an issue - being broke equals being skinny. But for those of us who get grumpy when the traditional bowl of snacks is empty, never fear! There's a fine balance between eating cardboard and being healthy on a budget so here are a few uber delicious, healthy, cheap and exotic picks:
Crepes - $15 will get you about 24 servings. The latest hipster food to hit our streets have been flippin' in Jamall Knight's kitchen since '85. Follow this recipe, then add cheese, nutella, banana, peanut butter, jam, you name it!
Edamame beans - $2-3ish. Frozen from Safeway or Costco. Insane amounts of protein. Close your eyes and pretend you're at Wasabi.
Popcorn, just the kernels - $1-2. Pop on the stove with some oil and boom! You're snacking for miles and miles. Download a movie for an extra cheapo date.
Water - it's free, it's always luxuriously smooth and quenching. Your skin has never looked so good.
Dress.
The ultimate human flag and finest art of self expression. We're all somewhat broke, so the good news is your sartorial competition isn't quite, "Who's got the latest Burberry trench". Perfect. One of the best lux' for less tricks is simply knowing your shit and faking it. Read high fashion mags, scan blogs and lookbook.nu. Figure out what the rich kids are wearing and hit up Value Village, Goodwill, Joe and your grandma's closet. Another tip: Save up those pennies and splurge on quality for items you can wear often - jackets, shoes, sunglasses, purses and scarves.
Job.
Unless you're one of those dotcom millionaires who managed to set up passive income and retire at 30, (ahem, Dennis) employment is necessary for life. To the jobless, laid-off, fired without cause or hopeless job-hunters out there - why not take a leap and start your own company? What is your passion? Your dream? Why not try your hand at entrepreneurship? According to Stats Canada, self-employment is on the rise in response to the massive amounts of job losses. I guess there's still the same amount of work to be done hey? Get inspired by Seth Godin, follow small business blogs like IttyBiz, get some money from Uncle Sam and get crackin!
Dwelling. Running a modestly furnished and tastefully located abode can be a challenge when times are tight. Some of you may opt to move out of your overpriced apartment and take advantage of today's excellent interest rates. Holy shit they're low. Or perhaps if it gets really bad, you can get another roommate or just move home, right? Um....
Drink.
Many wine drinking aficionados will attest that the most trained taste buds can't tell the difference between a $25 and $200 bottle of wine. Is it just a status symbol? Often yes, but a delicious one we could never call frivolous. But lets face it, our parents are drinking boxed wine for a reason. They somehow managed to raise a family on the same salary I burn through in magazines and penny candy, so perhaps they're doing something right? Tip - if you have a basement, start making wine. You'll find yourself with more drunk friends than you could shake a stick at.
Other money saving advice:
Quit smoking - save $20-$500 per month. Also, it's an obvious heal
th bonus. Don't get a pet - cats? I mean c'mon. Another mouth to feed and another annoying personality to contend with? srrrsly.
Disconnect your TV - it's full of garbage and fully accessible online, for free. Or - read a book you drones.
Ride your bike - That is, if it hasn't been stolen. Bike everywhere possible for killer legs and more chedda for your bar tab.
Got any luxury on a dime tips? Tell us in the comments if you've got a moment.
:)
