The Great Recession Survival Thread

[skra75]

So! Since many of the brave souls who survived the Great Depression of teh 20's are either too young to recall tricks their folks did to get by - or are too old or passed on to offer advice - I figured I'd make a thread where we share some wise advice on how to work through economic hardship - together.

My advice nuggets will be separate posts, try to break yours out that way too for ease of reading.

[Nygel]

invest in the stock market


....wait

[ms.peachy]

Beans are your friend.

[Adam]

I think the main symtom of the recession is gonna be that people start to get thinner (eat less), petrol will become cheaper (less demand) and people will have more time to themselves (no job).

^^sounds awful!

[skra75]

Stop buying so much red meat. Look, I love red meat. I love Hamburgers and Carnitas and Stew and all that. But red meat is expensive. Very expensive compared to chicken and ground-turkey.

Don't buy as much Cheese. Cheese is also expensive. If you must have cheese, wait for promotions and such - and buy that kind of cheese. Let go of your love of expensive Gouda etc, you big hippie. You Liberal Elite.

So, when at the supermarket, cut back on that red meat and cheese and you'll save a few bucks. Really, no meat at all is the way to go - but beware! Meat Alternatives are even more expensive than actual meat. Honestly: you gotta eat meat unless you are some sort of monk and don't mind eating beans every single meal.

[100% ILL]

Plant a garden.

If you live in the city use a box in window sill. You can easily water and with plenty of sunshine you will be surprised with the results. Freeze or can what you do not consume immediately. Substantial savings on veggies at the grocery store. Not to mention an interesting hobby.

[roosta]

Really, no meat at all is the way to go - but beware! Meat Alternatives are even more expensive than actual meat. .

So......eat nothing?

[100% ILL]

Learn to hunt.

It's relatively inexpensive. The food is out there, you just have to go get it.

[skra75]

Adjust your styles or clothing. Stop wearing name brand Crooks and Castles stuff and all that chain-blinger stuffs. Shit is played anyways.

If you can keep your clothes going for a long time without replacement, this is best. But, really, you'll look like a broke-ass soccer mom/dad if you pull this business. No one likes that!

Instead, hit up the thrift store. Also buy up some discount tshirts and hoodies in solid colors. Invest in staple, working class shits. If you need to dress sharp for your job, visit second hand stores and try to get by with a pale blue and white dress shirt and only a couple pairs of mens slacks.

Last, it's time to get off the "boutique" sneaker bus. Again, really this shit is over anyways. When your dorky older cousin comes over with two-tone dunks or Agassi joints you know it's time to reconsider your shoe collection. To keep that originality while still saving $$ - think about buying different color laces instead. You can make a wierd old pair form a thrift store look brand new!

[skra75]

So......eat nothing?


Like I said, unrealistic. But my P'paw used to say he got by back in the dayon just Baked Beans. Beans give protien, but you should treat yourself to meat for sure. But treat it like a treat don't buy choice cuts or fancy sausage or anything. Deli is the enemy! Too spensive!

[Dorothy Wood]

I'm already poor, so I'll survive. I do need to start bringing my lunch to work instead of spending 5-10 bucks a day on carry out.

here are my poor person tips:

try to be conscious of what you spend every day. I personally try to stay under $10 a day, because that adds up to $300 a month. when you think about it that way, it's not as easy to spend. I also try to go a day or two or three in the month without spending any money at all (besides transportation if needed).

eggs are cheap and filling

only buy things that you're positive you need. yeah, those shoes are only $20, but are you really going to wear them?

go through your clothes and see if you have anything you can sell through consignment or sell to a place like buffalo exchange. I sold a few things the other day that were just sitting in my closet and made $21!

target has good prices on groceries. buy frozen things so they won't go bad. buy a bag of apples instead of individually, but remember to eat them before they go bad. when you buy bread, if you think it's gonna go moldy before you can eat it all, put half the loaf in the freezer and defrost when the other half is eaten.

scott toilet paper

get rid of your car

!

[skra75]

Don't go out to bars. If you do, save up for the trip, like it's some kind of goddamn vacation. For real!

Beers at the club or at the pub are pricey! Instead, save the money and invite your pals over and treat them with beers from your fridge. Unless your friends are mooches, they'll reciprocate and buy beers on the next time. Plus - there's no closing time.

If you are on the hunt for chicas, I don't know what to tell you. Being singl eis a money vaccuum as you have to convey the illusion of wealth even if you are cold-broke. I wish I had advice for you single folks. I used to just buy cheap beers when I went out, but then every hipster loser on the east coast starting doing the same thing. So yeah, I'm stumped.

[Fern]

Pick up a part time job in an industry that generally thrives in time of recession, such as bartender or bar-back. People are still inclined to go out regardless of economic situations.

Purchase coffee, tea, etc. It is very easy to stop at a Starbucks or a 7-11, but that cost adds up. If you purchase coffee or tea bags and keep them in your desk, you are really ust adding hot water, which in most cases is free. And if you're really broke. You can use those bags twice.

Along the lines of drinks, powered drink mixes are a cost effective replacement of Ice-t's and gatorades and stuff, but water is the cheapest.

When all else fails; sell drugs.

[skra75]

Ibut remember to eat them before they go bad. when you buy bread, if you think it's gonna go moldy before you can eat it all, put half the loaf in the freezer and defrost when the other half is eaten.

(y) Good advice! don't get suckered into getting the humungus sized bag of rolls for "cheap". Try to keep you weekly budget low - just buy exactly what you will eat for the week - plan on making your fridge and pantry empty by weeks end.

[skra75]

Cancel Cable. Now, that was easy!
Seriously, cable is useless unless you have kids. Buy a cheap DVD player and get those 1$ movies from the grocery store machine or sign up for netflix (4.99$)

[skra75]

Pick up a part time job in an industry that generally thrives in time of recession, such as bartender or bar-back. People are still inclined to go out regardless of economic situations.

Good idea. People historically drink more during Great Depression situations.

[Fern]

Cancel Cable. Now, that was easy!
Seriously, cable is useless unless you have kids. Buy a cheap DVD player and get those 1$ movies from the grocery store machine or sign up for netflix (4.99$)

See, I "invested" in the premium hockey package for the exact oppisite reason; my favorite team is out of my market, so when they are on, i stay in to watch it, thus saving $$.

[skra75]

Try not to drive anywhere.
Ideally no car is best, but those of us that don't live in the city it's kinda tough.
But, treat it like you are buying bus-fare every time you pump gas.
Don't make arbitrary trips searching for stuff to do - leave your place with a concrete destination, or get your buddies to cough up gas $$.
Or walk, supporting local business (even that crappy corner store or CVS) is good for the economy.

[skra75]

Stop smoking.
It's too expensive - chew gum instead. and your breath will be FRESSSSSSSHHHH.

[roosta]

Don't go out to bars. If you do, save up for the trip, like it's some kind of goddamn vacation. For real!


Are you serious? Ye have to still have fun people! Jeepers. I dunno, maybe its just Ireland, but we're in recession now and you wouldn't really know it in pubs! Ya gotta still have your weekends.

[skra75]

Are you serious? Ye have to still have fun people! Jeepers. I dunno, maybe its just Ireland, but we're in recession now and you wouldn't really know it in pubs! Ya gotta still have your weekends.

True - also I know people in the UK feel this is a cultural big-deal. Us Americans are content with drinking around a burning trash can in our back yard.

I'm just saying - set a budget. if you budget to spend 70£ stick to it and don't get cajoled into spending more unless you are trying for Booty.

[Adam]

I think supermarkets are bad ideas. I hardly ever use them unless need to host a party or something. My corner shop although a chain has offers on a lot and I only tend to buy a couple of things to last me a few days. When I go to the supermarket I spend about £30 and come back with snacks - all cheap individual but add up and last me two days also. If I don't bother with food shopping I manage to use up what I have in my freezer instead.


BUT IF YOU HAVE TO USE 'EM
I changed my tactic not too long ago - I made a list and got nothing else other than the things on the list. Saves a lot.

Also, many supermarkets deliver. If you do a check out thing and then see the price at the end, you think wtf and get rid of stuff. Plus you can also notice price errors and take advantage of them. Check the web for free delivery codes to and stuff like £5 off a £30 shop.

sites like moneysavingexpert.com and hotukdeals.com are great.

[HEIRESS]

if you start walking instead of driving everywhere you will get a double bonus.
not only will you save gas $ but that booty of yours will get so toned that the ladies will be standing in line to get a crack at that nice badonk of yours.

[camo]

Instead of having the heating on full blast buy a hot water bottle and a blanket and cuddle with your better half whilst watching tv on the couch. Both money saving and romantic (y)

[b i o n i c]

Last, it's time to get off the "boutique" sneaker bus. Again, really this shit is over anyways. When your dorky older cousin comes over with two-tone dunks or Agassi joints you know it's time to reconsider your shoe collection. To keep that originality while still saving $$ - think about buying different color laces instead. You can make a wierd old pair form a thrift store look brand new!


awwww hells naw! funky abc second-hand sneakers/shoes?! *PUKE* those are for tying together and throwing into telephone lines. in terms of thrift stoes, EXCELLENT place to get blazers though.. sometimes you can find some pants/jeans there too.

getting a few really good pairs of shoes/sneaks, sometimes spending a little extra dough, often just finding good deals - always a great investment. your shoes take the more of a beating than any of your clothes - they'll last you longer. also you won't spend a lot of money/time on flappy running shoe glue and foot mushroom killers

[Randetica]

if i could use it more than once then i would buy a suicidal gun

[b i o n i c]

you should volunteer for the local suicidical gun hotline. guns are people too.

[Freebasser]

I almost didn't have enough money for a can of cherry coke today, but I checked my other pocket and found that much needed 10p.

What credit crunch?

[Audio.]

deleted.

[jabumbo]

i'm going to buy a house. is that a good idea?

[Bob]

buy a big bag of rice (a big one!) and keep it in the pantry so that in case you ever have nothing else to eat, you always have the big bag of rice. that shit lasts forever

[Dorothy Wood]

i'm going to buy a house. is that a good idea?


I'd wait until things really get bad and people are giving them away. or if you have enough money for a substantial down payment and good credit and a good secure job. that should be how people always buy houses though.

[Adam]

I have my mums house for sale - wanna buy it? Down from £250k to £200k!

I would buy my mums house if I could afford it - but the outstanding mortgage needs to be paid some how and that means selling.

I am wanting to buy a house to. The money raised from my mums house sale will be split between her 4 kids - obviously me being one of them. So I'll have some cash after paying off her debts - keeping it in a savings account I need to make sure it is above 5% because that is what inflation is likely to be - otherwise I'll be losing money in real terms. Buying a house on the cheap interest rates there is atm is a good deal in the long run (10+ years) but I think the housing market will continue down until mid next year for the first run on the ladder and then it'll stay pretty much within inflation terms of what it is worth - so no major gains for first few years. I think those who maybe down sizing, its already starting to level out - ie those who can afford a 25% loan to value on a mortgage.

Top end houses I think will continue down with bottom end ones - maybe longer. So in other words, if you are buying a house for less than £100k or more than £1m then I think the next 12 months is a good time to buy. If you are buying a house between that, now is a good time to buy.

Again, I'm just guessing on all this, I'm not a financial advisor - I'm pretty typical Brit who is obsessed with house prices, predictions etc. I also used to work in mortgages.

[na§tee]

with bob's big bag of rice and my big bag of pasta, you should never go hungry!

[Pres Zount]

Buy a big bag of sugar and just eat that instead of sleeping. Then, instead of sleeping, you can get another job.

[hellojello]

Instead of buying my fresh produce from the supermarket, I buy it from the fresh fruit market/ green grocer. If I ate meat often I'd go to the butchers instead of the supermarket.

I dont know about everywhere else but here, the cost of fresh produce in supermarkets is highly inflated I save at least 40% shopping at the green grocers.

And although someone said before, shop for the week, I'm all for the others that said buy in bulk! it might cost more initially but in the long run you're making big savings. Especially on the staples. Stop buying all that shit that comes in 'convenient' 'meal size' or 'snack size' packages. Buy yourself some zip lock bags and make your own convenient size. It's really not that much time or effort.

Turn off all your appliances at the powerpoint and don't leave in standby mode. Also, the obvious, turn out a light if you're not in the room.

Stop buying magazines. I don't but have a friend that once admitted she spent at least $10 a week on them, which honestly, seems outragous to me. Sure it's disposable income, but as far as I'm concerned there's far better ways to dispose of your income.
They're mostly ads anyways, so really they just end up costing you even more. The satisfaction of your life is not dependent on how much crap you own. you know.

[mikizee]

wank instead of visiting brothels

[rirv]

DW's tip of having a target maximum spend every day (eg £10) is my favourite, it's something I've always done when times are tough. When you go two or three days in a row having not spent anything you feel rich beyond your wildest dreams!

[Kid Presentable]

To be honest we've survived the last 3 years on one and a half wages (with me studying full-time), so we've worked out the best ways to save money. And yeah, they're really just don't spend your money on dumb shit, buy stuff you can afford, and budget right down to the day if you have to.

[Loppfessor]

Pasta is where it's at...I usually make a big pot of spaghetti on Monday or Tuesday and it will feed me for the next 3 days muuhahaha

[jabumbo]

snack pack shit really bugs me off. firstly, one is too small and two is too much for a person who likes to eat. secondly, the convenience factor is so small that its hardly worth it!

not to mention they taste like trash

[marsdaddy]

Buy low....



Sell high.

[Randetica]

some of us would rather eat shit for months before selling our computers

*guilty*

[skra75]

ALSO
Drink Coffee or simple tea instead of Soda or otherwise.
Coffee is always cheaper than anything else, except maybe tap water.
Plus Soda makes you chubby son!

[ET]

Do the Lopp and make your meals in bulk. Freeze the leftovers and take them to work for lunch. (If your microwave isn't broken. :mad:) Homemade chili isn't the cheapest thing ever but it freezes well and sure as hell beats Quizno's 5 days a week.

Also, condoms are a waste. Just pull out. It's good for the environment too.

[Lex Diamonds]

Stop buying so much red meat. Look, I love red meat. I love Hamburgers and Carnitas and Stew and all that. But red meat is expensive. Very expensive compared to chicken and ground-turkey.

Don't buy as much Cheese. Cheese is also expensive. If you must have cheese, wait for promotions and such - and buy that kind of cheese. Let go of your love of expensive Gouda etc, you big hippie. You Liberal Elite.

So, when at the supermarket, cut back on that red meat and cheese and you'll save a few bucks. Really, no meat at all is the way to go - but beware! Meat Alternatives are even more expensive than actual meat. Honestly: you gotta eat meat unless you are some sort of monk and don't mind eating beans every single meal.
This is the worst advice I've ever heard. I'd rather die than not eat cheese or meat.

[kaiser soze]

Welfare!!!!

Hey, if the corporations can do it...why can't I ?!

BAIL ME OUT!

[ToucanSpam]

Welfare!!!!

Hey, if the corporations can do it...why can't I ?!

BAIL ME OUT!

You're obviously not as important to the government as the corporate bosses.:rolleyes:


ROT IN HELL, WORKING CLASS! Bwahahahahahaha.



:(