How to be Poor and Survive a Recession

I've been thinking a lot lately about what we, the Stanley's and we as a nation, need to do to survive during these uncertain and volatile economic times. Over the past few days, I feel like I've stumbled upon some really great guidelines that everyone can follow.

Ryan and I have already implemented a few of them. Some of them don't apply to us. But between Oprah and O'Reily, I've gleaned several tactics that will be useful in part if not in whole, to the vast majority out there. If you're nosey, look for the stars* to see which rules apply to us.

- Dining out is no longer a luxury, it's a lifestyle. The average American eats 1 in 5 meals away from home, or 4-5 meals per week. Solution: Alternate weeks when you are allowed to dine out, and during that week, only allow 1 or 2 meals. On the off week, enjoy every meal at home, or take your lunch with you. Doing this will be most people's greatest challenge.*

- If you go to the movies very often, try to knock it back to only once a month. Get a Netflix account, or go to the dollar show if you feel the urge.* (My parents gave us a 1-year Netflix account for Christmas. You should ask for something like that as a gift if you love movies.)

- Stop/reduce all other expenses on entertainment. You don't really need to go to that concert, or pay to get into that club, or go bowling, or go to the fair, or go to Sea World, or whatever it is that you do that costs money. If you are bored and want something to do, look at the next item.*

- Get out of the house and go for a walk, go for a bike ride, or go to a free live event. The trick is to leave your money at home. I like to go non-shopping, which is just walking around in nice stores like Best Buy or World Market, and just look at stuff. You can also go to a book store to browse and read. But don't take any money, or you just might buy something.*

- Do free stuff, like go to the public lake* or pool. Take your laptop somewhere that has free wi-fi.* Get online and find out when/where bands are doing free shows.* Go hang out at a friend's house and play Catch Phrase.* Start using that exercise gear sitting in the garage.* Play those games that are in the closet. Learn a new language. Make a home video. Play cards. Clean out the fridge.* Volunteer. Play with your dog. Take digital photos and edit them on the computer.

- If it is not life threatening, put it off. If you don't have insurance, then forgo those pricey doctor/dentist visits.* Get a trustworthy friend to tell you if that "Maint Req" light means anything, and drive 5000 miles per oil change.* Wait till next year to go on that expensive vacation.*

- Do it yourself. From weddings to home repairs*, you ARE capable of doing the majority of the work needed. For the rest of what you aren't able to do, you have friends and family.*

- If your stuff breaks or you need something that you don't already have, borrow stuff from friends. This is very difficult for some people, when it comes to vehicles and personal computers.

- If you absolutely have to spend money for something, or for a service, shop around for the best bargain. This means calling around, or actually visiting several places before making a decision.*

- Buy used stuff at a discount, such as tires, other auto parts, cell phones*, computers*, appliances, clothes, toys, etc. (DO NOT buy used shoes or mattresses.) If you are poor, and barely making it, you don't really need that iPhone 3G just because your renewal is coming up.

- Reduce regular bills. Cancel the cable, home phone*, and data plan. Lower your monthly minutes* and quit texting. Try to wear your day clothes more than just once*, take shorter showers, and reuse your bath towel a few times to cut down on laundry*. Only water the lawn half as much. Keep the fridge closed, computers off at night, and the lights off.* Turn your A/C to 85 when you leave the house for the day.*
FREEBIE: Minimize your car insurance to just liability.* Switch over to Bennie Camp (http://www.bencampinsurance.com/) and save on auto, home, health, and life insurance.*

- Quit living off of credit, and try to live on a budget your income can support. Most adults have 4-12 credit cards. This sounds crazy, and beyond all reasonable understanding to me. While it is wise to have one card* on standby for extreme emergencies, it's best not to use credit at all, or only if you can pay it off each month. Try consolidating your debt with balance transfers with 0% interest for 12+ months, and only pay the minimum. Dave Ramsey says "Sell your new car to end those high monthly payments and buy an older used car with cash." *

- If your mortgage or rent is too high, consider getting a roommate. Share your room, or rent out that extra guest room to a friend. Be totally sure everyone else you live with is okay with it.

And the #1 thing you can do to survive if you are poor...

- QUIT BUYING CRAP!* You are poor, and this is probably why. Though we may live in the land of plenty, having everything you want is not a human right. Even if you work hard, and you probably deserve to treat yourself to something nice, that doesn't mean you should. You don't NEED that fancy haircut and highlights. You don't NEED to take your girl on an expensive date every single time. You don't need Another pair of shoes. Not right now, at least. Not while your other 14 pairs of shoes are still fine.

There is no shame in being poor if you are being responsible and truly doing your best. Being broke, on the other hand, is not cool. The goal is to make it through the poor-ness with dignity and grace. There is so much you can do to improve your situation, just by exercising DISCIPLINE and SELF CONTROL. Be proud of who you are, and thankful for what you have. No one owes you anything, and you are the best/sometimes only person who can help you. Don't be unhappy because others may have more or nicer things. (No matter how much you have, there will always be someone with more.) Be glad that you are able to take care of yourself and your family.

- The best thing you can do for yourself, whether you have little or plenty, is to have a spiritual compass.* Everyone has to believe in something greater than themselves, and lives by some set of good standards. Personally, I follow Jesus and the principals set out by God in the Bible. Without any instruction for living and behaving (financially, morally) properly, we are all in a mess. I am thankful to have a go-to for wisdom, direction, correction, and comfort at all times. If you feel like you are unsure about the direction your life is heading, I would love to talk with you about why I have such confidence in the hope I have in Jesus. I don't have it all figured out, and I am far from perfect. But I am certain that my life is much better now than before I knew him. I know I'm going to be just fine, and I know it's because he is taking care of me, offering wisdom and peace.