Annie's Guide to Living in Poverty

Change your value system. (Does buying new clothes make you feel better?...Materialism is a false value, besides you can't take the stuff with you when you die.)

Live simply. ( I do not own a cell phone, clothes dryer, or dishwasher. I wash and use a drying rack for laundry to save money.)

Take advantage of cheap hobbies. (Like blogging, borrowing books from a library or friend, walking instead of a gym membership)

Buy food in bulk. (not only does it save room in landfills by avoiding excessive packaging it allows you to buy the quantity of food you need not what the company pre determines for you)

Live within your means. ( I have no cable tv, no cell phone or clothes dryer. They just don't fit in my monthly budget.)

Have and stick to a monthly budget. (Keep track where every dime goes for a few months, you'd be amazed how much money gets piddled away)

Cook at home. (I have an easy time with this one. I used to be a restaurant inspector. If you could actually see most commercial kitchens you would gag)

Quit the expensive lattes and mochas and buy a cup of drip coffee for a dollar. Most drip coffee has more caffeine in it anyway.

Give up Christmas.

Keep your car well maintained. (tires inflated help get better gas mileage, buy gas at the cheap station, only get 10-15 dollars worth at a time, learn how to do your own tune ups, plan trips carefully)

Get on an equal payment plan with your power company. It helps you to stick to a budget.

Don't buy new clothes. Shop at thrift stores and garage sales. (Are new fashions as important as good wholesome food? Not.)

Garden ( I grow a garden to stretch my food budget. This way I get to eat fresh homemade pesto and eat well despite living on under $1000 a month. It's also a cheap hobby and a way to exercise)

Quit dyeing your hair (50 year old women with peroxide hair looks weird anyway. Honor and respect the grey)

Buy a phone card. (I pay 2.9 cents a minute for long distance with a phone card)

Eat seasonal fruits and veggies, They usually cost less. Learn how to freeze, dehydrate, or can your own food. It's a free hobby and you get better quality food that way.

Shop at the Dollar Store. (I get bar soap, dish soap and disposable razors there. Much cheaper)

Scan your phone bill for unnecessary charges. You would be amazed at what shows up on your bill.

Pay yourself first. Tuck away $20 each month or whatever you can afford.

Quit drinking alcohol. If it's not in your means, you probably shouldn't be spending money on it.

Swap clothes with a friend of a similar size. This refreshes both of your wardrobes

Enjoy what life has to offer for free. There are free outdoor venues for music and craft shows. Museums can be free or on a donation basis. Watching a sunset with a friend is free. Walking around town windowshopping is free and gives you a chance to interact with people. Parks are free and a great place to relax and read. Newspapers are usually free at coffee houses. Enjoy free samples at the grocery store. Visiting an arboretum or public garden may be free.

Sell unused junk. (Like my son's lacrosse pads or the extra bike I have)

Forego going to the movies and wait til it comes out on DVD.

Ask for free samples of medicines at your Doctor's office.

Remind yourself that the U.S.A. uses up most of the world's natural resources. Avoid consumerism. Get your self-esteem from being healthy and fit, not from what you own. Be green and earth friendly.

Pay bills online to save money on postage.

Stay at home more. Enjoy your familie's, or your own, company.

Eat one meal a day of brown rice.

Show gratitude for what you do have. Do not agonize over what you don't.

Get rid of the credit cards. They are evil. If you can't afford it, you probably shouldn't be owning it.

Only own what you can afford to maintain.

Turn off lights to conserve energy and money.

Eat less. As we age we need less calories.