Just kidding.
Thats a really great topic to talk about girls
Like you've said before, practically everyone faces budget issues now. As for me, i've seen really different lifestyles, when i was a kid, the money was really tough. I've seen really different lifestyles, some results of the civil war, saw people really hardly making it. We were living in Georgia (not a state in the US, but a country), it was really tough, we were used to have no electricity, and to have hot water my grandparents used to have a small gas tank in the bathroom. Only later my grandma told me it could explode any day. Then, when we moved, we didnt have much money aswell. We survived only thanks to my Mom. Seriously, she was working so hard to make a living. We tried to save up as much as possible, for example buying some apples, and after eating them making some compote from the left pelt. Also, at my Mom's jobs they were giving away some tickets to the circus or theatre, is was free, and really good places, i loved it. But we had no money to buy food there in a brake (wow, things there are really expensive even now, small Lays for 4$ - how cool is that), so she always took a snack for me from home.
But see, the one most important thing - i swear, i see my childhood as a completely awesome time. I love it. I never ever felt lack in anything. Now, when i grew up we talked with Mom about it. Yeah, we were really broke, the was a finacial crysis in the country, a lot of people were aswell. But i never ever felt broke or poor. Kids are extremely sensitive. But what i remember from those times, are only good things. I swear. Thats all thanks to my awesome parents, and Mom especially. I never had that feeling like "some kids have that and i dont". Money situation is really just how you see it. I know people, for who 1000$ a week wont be enough, as they can't afford new designer jeans/bags every month. Really, the only way to be happy is to be happy with what you have. "the happy person is not that one who has a lot, but the one who has enough", they say.
But back to the subject - yeah, what if we don't have even "enough". Now i live together with Mom. Finacial situation changed since those times, we are ok. She pays the bills, buys food, gives me some allowance etc. But some time ago i started to worry about finances myself. My Mom gives me all i need, and even more. Still, i'm not spoiled at all, i wont feel good at all asking her to buy me a new MAC lipstick or a new shade of grey. Here things are way more expensive, due to shipping shadow will be about 23$ :/ So i was always saving up for such things. I was also saving up to buy my family presents, but yeah, this things are not that much. Some time ago i started to thing about travelling. My Mom sponsors my travels to the seaside/Europe, but i wanna go more far away, and thats really pricy. I need about 1800$ just for a ticket. I will never ever ask my parents to buy me one, So i started saving up for such things.
Things here are expensive really. BUt i've noticed that even if you can't save up on something big, reducing your expenses in daily life helps a lot. I don't own a car. To go to my college, i need to get to the subway station first. I can go by public bus, ot pay 1$ and go in a litte van, it goes by the same route. I was always taking it, well, thats more comfortable really, you sit there the whole way. But its 2$ a day. 14 $ a week, as i study 7 days a week. In another words, i can buy a lipgloss just giving this thing up. So i did. Also, i try not to buy any sneaks on my way. Chips or those choco bars only make me fatter, i'd rather eat at home as i get back - thats the economy of another 2$ a day. I go to the cinemas/out less, its good aswell, cause i have to study hard these days. When we have break in the timetable, me and my girls (they have money issues aswell, who doesnt really) try not to go to the Fridays, which is next to my college (thats a seduction really), or to drink coffe, but to eat in our college canteen. Thats 1-2$ a meal. And thats tasty.
Another great decision was selling my old stuff. I have lots of clothes/shoes i dont wear at all. I bought them in a rush, i even have shoes which are way too big for me, but i bought them anyways. In a local forum we have a thread about swaping/selling goodies, so i put pics of them there, i dont ask much for them, really, regarding how much i paid for it, thats almost free. Still, it helps me to float a little. I dont wear that anyways. I studu all day long, but get a temporary job any time i can. I work as a translator on international conferences, or just as an assistant. This doesnt make me much money here, but i'm happy about it.
And the last thing - sometimes this 24/7 saving up makes you feel completely poor and miserable. So i would say think twice before buying something, but still, make yourself little presents. Sometimes that new MAC lipgloss or w/e makes you feel better than anything. Also, if you see something for cheap, i think its better to get that, as long as you need it really.
This things in my childhood I was talking about have taught me SO MUCH. I grew up not spoiled at all. I love it. I hang with some people here, who's only goal in life is showing off a new ride or new clothes. I think thats just being a hollow soul. Lets just value what we have, and be happy with our lives.
I'm sending good vibes to all of you, girls. I've read the whole topic as it really touches me.
Obreathemykiss, i'm really sorry to hear what happened with your dog, well, thats good everything is fine now.
KikiB, i get you, good luck in everything.
SparklingWaves, thanks for craeting this thread first of all, good luck in saving up, and really, you should go to the doctor. Its like going to the dentist - its pricy, but its not a thing which can get better by itself. Best wishes for all of you girls, sorry if i didnt mention anyone, i paid attention to all the posts.
I'm
sooooo sorry for such a huge post
. It's up to you either to read it or not, i just felt like sharing. Good luck in saving up for all of you, and lets value what we have already. *positive vibes*
