Benefits of being broke

It seems sideways, but lately I have realized that barely getting by financially has a green upside.  You see, I've HAD to re-use things for years 'cause I couldn't afford to replace them.  I've HAD to use “real” plates because I couldn't afford paper.

Okay, so for a while this bothered me…but not so much anymore.  I'm coming to enjoy coming up with new ways to re-purpose things.  A holey sheet has become handkerchiefs, dish rags and hand towels.  The same goes for worn out T-shirts.  Almost any waste cardboard becomes a toy for my pet gerbil.

Reusing things aside, my tight budget will not allow for a car just now.  Again, this bugged me…but not so much anymore.  I live near a bus stop and can walk to two different grocery stores.

Frankly, bus fare costs less than gas right now.  So I can get almost anywhere in my hometown on public transit for less than I'd pay to drive that far…and get some exercise in to boot!

Re: Benefits of being broke

Hi Skye, good for you !  I am on a pension so have to watch my budget too, You are right, there are many advantages, recently a table was broken, I went to a boot sale and bought a nest of three beautiful solid cherry wood tables in perfect condition for £40. I had looked in the stores and rejected the cheaper though fashionable ones as too expensive, composite not real wood and they looked cheap, and one table was sixty pounds, I got three much better ones far cheaper.  Food too, nothing is wasted, stale bread becomes stuffing or crumbs or bread pudding, left over veg is blitzed into soup or becomes bubble and squeak, overipe fruit,a smoothy, sour milk makes lovely scones or soda bread.
In the garden, recycling too, the cardboard centre in loo rolls becomes root trainers, large pickle jars or old goldfish bowls mini greenhouses, an old sack a vertical planter for potatoes, any old container holds plants, just drill holes in the bottom or if it's wicker line with plasticl eaving some drainage holes in the bottom. I gave up my car for eco reasons, and find i am eligable for a free bus pass, or friends give me a lift and it's more fun with company, I treat them to coffee or lunch in return. Like you I have a fabulous local independent supermarket, that supports local producers and farmers, and the walk keeps me fit. Yes so many advantages

Re: Benefits of being broke

both beautiful reads… this has been a treasure to read.