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Sunday, August 16, 2009

Thrifty Living


People sometimes wonder how a housewife can avoid having to work a paying job and live within one income. The most important thing is the ability to live on very little and still be content- an ability that comes from hearing about and chanting the holy name of Lord Sri Krishna. Also what helps is really good scrounging skills. Thrifty doesn't mean, however, being always tight with money. Money saved can be spent in Krishna's service. Here's some ways to save money for this purpose:

First of all, don’t throw anything away without thinking about how it may be reused, restored, upcycled, repaired, saved for a rainy day or passed on to someone in need. Before tossing, therefore, it helps to leave a thing out for awhile within view to let the subconscious work on it. If something has been hanging around unused for too long, however, one can make a decision to use it within the next 24 hrs or lose it.

Often, one can try to fix something that needs repair even if it just ends up being a learning experience.  At the same time,  make sure something is worth the time and effort to clean, repair and reuse. For example, instead of collecting empty containers for no reason, remember how they take time and water and soap and so on to clean and store and shuffle around; save only what is useful.

STAYING HOME
Fortunate is the lady who loves to stay home, because doing so is a major way to save money. This includes doing your own housework, cooking from scratch instead of eating out, caring for your own children instead of paying someone to do it for you, and not having to pay for work clothes or accessories or convenience foods or an extra vehicle and gas, maid service and so on to get to a job each day. Besides, isn't it much more fun to spend 10 hrs a day making a home for the people you love and care for rather than 10 hr a day at some work place? Many women I know believe this is so, but without frugality in today's world, they're practically forced to work outside the home.

To do this most successfully, however, it helps to stay close to extended Vaisnava family. They are a very important way to save money and your sanity. Child care, cooking and so on can be shared.  Another recourse is to trade services with neighbors who are trusted friends. Of course, this is not always the case in the western world today. People are moved around a lot and families separated. In that case, support must be found in other ways.

NATURAL BEAUTY
By keeping long hair rather than fancy hair cuts, money is saved (or used for hair ornaments). Men and boys can shave up rather than hair cuts. It doesn't require a barber to do that (although in India, the barber is easily and inexpensively available for expert care and even a massage, as well as a way to keep an honest profession alive).

Unless one is really dependent upon it, skin is better off without makeup. However, for special celebrations it adds a nice touch. 

Along with common sense in regards to health, rising early for mangala artik every morning and plenty of exercise throughout the day are recommended for developing poise, a supernatural vibrancy and a radiant complexion .

HOMEMADE FUN
Walking, bike riding, going camping or swimming and visiting Vaisnava family and friends doesn't have to cost much. Arts and crafts materials and outdoor play equipment go a long way, too, in keeping children engaged.

PRACTICAL SKILLS:
The man of the house can save money by doing his own carpentry and woodwork, plumbing, electric and other household maintenance and repair. Such skills will make him invaluable wherever he goes. It's also a good idea to know about maintaining a car- or to be blessed to have a friend who does.

The lady of the house can take care of all her household cleaning tools and appliances. She can read the manuals that come with them and file them for future reference. Or one may like learning to do without them whenever possible, finding simpler alternatives that can save money and give good exercise.

INSURANCE
Dental insurance - As a family, healthy eating and proper tooth care makes it possible to keep dental costs minimal. Mouth washing after every meal is imperative for everyone, starting the children as soon as they can spit water. 

A small amount of money can be set aside each month for checkups and so on. Once a year checkups may be sufficient for family members who meet this criteria, even though nowadays dentists are pushing people to go twice a year instead.

Medical insurance- Similar to the tooth care plan. Again, this works for persons with enough self control to eat well, get fresh air and sunshine and exercise, drink enough water, keep very clean, and get enough rest and relaxation etc.

Extended family is another type of important insurance we should all strive to get back to. Large, locally established family is great for not only sharing in wealth, property, goods, labor and knowledge, but also provide a natural social security for the aging.

And of course, the very best insurance is to depend on Krishna always, taking shelter of His lotus feet.

MORE
There are many materials available online regarding thrifty living and thrifty tips, especially online. More of my own can be found in other posts.