April 9, 2007 - 7:34pm — vistajosh
Living Large, Earning Small...life on a tight budget
I made the choice to become an Americorps Vista in December of last year. I knew it meant my spending habits would have to change, and I have been surprised how much my lifestyle has been impacted as a result.
While studying abroad in London, I lived on 30 Pounds (about $50 at the time) a week to cover food, personal items, and anything else I might need in one of the world's most expensive cities. London's prices made Manhattan (the second most expensive municipality in the USA) look like Walmart having a huge sale. Needless to say, I had to get creative with my spending habits. While some other students had large savings accounts to support a more expensive lifestyle, I did not. Every week I bought a loaf of bread, a 5 dollar jar of peanut butter, jelly, and a bag of salt and vinegar chips (crisps in London). I ate this everyday for lunch during my time in London. I bought the cheapest 1 pound bag of pasta and a 3 dollar jar of tomato sauce. I ate pasta with toast 6 nights a week. With the remainder of my weekly stipend, I went out to dinner once a week, and out with friends one other night a week. I managed to have enough money to buy a few souvenirs each week as well.
After I left London, I was thrilled I no longer had to live on such a small amount of money. However, once again I find myself--by choice mind you--on a budget almost as strict as the one described above. I have become much more aware of my spending habits. For example, I no longer use my credit card because I know I won't be able to sustain living above my means for very long. I take out forty dollars a week from the ATM and try to make it last the whole week. I use a Safeway gift card to buy food, but allow myself to go out to dinner once a week and out with friends one other night a week--sometimes more if I've been particularly vigilant about my spending habits.
I'm writing this post because I want us as Vistas, college students, or anyone on a strict budget to share tips and strategies for living on a small amount of money while still being able to act like the young people we are and have fun with friends. Any thoughts?