Now that the Fourth of July is over I was recently informed that there are only 166 days left until Christmas, meaning we're a little more than halfway to the holiday season. Of course, if you're Jewish the High Holy Days are a little closer with Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year) beginning Sept. 4.
This little tidbit was provided to me by someone in the garrison from Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobility and Security. Those folks always know what's going on.
It might be silly to start thinking about shiny new toys wrapped up in paper and bows, seeing as how Department of Defense civilians are currently taking extra vacation days in the form of the furlough, and a 20 percent reduction in pay until the end of September.
However, it's the perfect time to think about saving.
The internet is loaded with ideas on how to save money, survive and thrive during a furlough.
Here are just a few ideas I've used to cut down expenses, and some I've discovered on the Web.
Support your local library
You don't have to load up the car, drive to the movie theater, pay for parking, wait in line to buy tickets, wait in line at the concession stand to buy snacks, sit through 20 minutes of commercials for other movies, and then watch the movie. Also, you don't have to put up with that one person in the theater who won't shut up or that kid who has to kick your seat. It all adds up to a big hole in your bank account (for a family of four, it costs approximately $80 or about $20 per person to go to the movies and buy popcorn and soda).
Borrowing books from the library doesn't cost you anything and books provide a longer period of entertainment than going to the movies. Many libraries also have movies to rent.
Books come in a wide range of subject matter, from any kind of fiction you can imagine to any kind of non-fiction you can imagine. You can pick up a book of poems to read to your significant other, or a children's book to read to your munchkins. You've got the extra day to spend with them anyway.
The library has the added benefit of stocking educational materials.
I can imagine a lot of things, but I can't imagine Hollywood coming out with their latest blockbuster on programming C++, or business management.
Perhaps you would find a book on time management useful, considering you now have 32 hours at work to complete what you would have done in 40. Just a thought.
Pick up or restart a hobby
That guitar has been collecting dust for a long time. Those knitting needles, and the yarn, are still in the drawer where you left them. You can still go to the fitness centers on post.
If only there were a place you could get information to help you improve your skills as a guitarist, learn how to knit a scarf for Aunt Helen's Christmas present, or learn more ways to put on or take off those last two pounds? The internet! …well, there and the library.
Stop eating out
I know it's hard and you never have time to plan your meals, but seriously brown bagging it is cheaper and healthier (as long as your brown bag consists of meals better than a bag of Oreos and 2 liters of your favorite fizzy caffeinated beverage).
I usually can't get out of Starbucks without spending at least $5. If I only go there once a day on my way to work (during a five day work week) that's $25 a week, $100 a month $1,300 a year. I could buy a (really nice) new banjo for that. That's if I only buy my regular double-tall mocha. If I get a banana or splurge for the pastry, that adds to the total. Compare that to the fact I can make my own espresso at home for less than 32 cents.
Think about how much you spend a day on food. Now consider how much it costs to slow cook a roast and have sandwiches or stew at work. You can make a $15 dollar roast go a long way. That's cheaper than $8 a day at a fast food restaurant.
Examine your spending
You would be surprised how much money you actually waste. Try keeping a diary of your spending -- ALL of your spending. How much do you really need to get through the month? What do you spend that actually supports your basic needs and what just slips through your fingers?
What's left over after the car payment, insurance, water, electricity, maintenance, credit card and loan payments, cable and internet?
If you're still feeling the pinch is there any way you can reduce your credit card and loan payments? Many credit companies will work with you (if you miss payments). Call them, explain the situation and see if there's something you can work out.
Personally, I can't live without the internet. I have many classes and hobbies I follow online.
However, do you really need 200 channels on the cable? I remember (yes, I'm old) turning the knob for four channels when we didn't have cable, and I lived in the middle of nowhere, and not finding anything I wanted to watch. Now, I can sit on the couch and go through all 200 channels and still not find anything I want to watch. (Is that really better?…but, I digress.)
After all you're watching less television by going to the library, you're getting in touch with your children and you're starting your new band while knitting that scarf.
Social Sharing