Unemployed: spending cuts

A new year, a new blog.

Shall I introduce myself? I'm 25, and unemployed. I have an undergraduate degree in animal science. I just dropped out of grad school, after making the decision that science was good, but art is my life.

I heard a theory once that the quarter-life crisis is every bit as bad as the mid-life crisis. Well, I suppose I'm living proof... but life for me, so far, isn't bad.

With a little money in my pocket, and a few temporary prospects of income (teaching swing dancing at workshops), I'm hoping to stave off the job-hunt until April. So how do I stretch my money?

1. Turn off the heat. It's beautiful weather in Georgia right now.
2. Go outside! No need to use lightbulbs, tv, or radio. Besides- now is a really good time to stay in good health, and excersize is one of the sure ways to take care of your body.
3. Absolutely no restaurant food. When you're going from bed to job to evening activities, it's hard to find time to cook. When you're sitting at home all day, no such excuse will hold water. Cheap but tasty meals include:
Pasta and sauce. The various"plus" types have a lot of protein. They're more expensive, but they're good for you.
Red beans and rice. A little sausage goes a long way towards flavor, and this dish is easy to make, cheap, and very nutritious. Plus, you can make a big batch and refrigerator for later.
Spinach salad with tuna, sunflower seeds, crutons, raisins, carrots, and grape tomatoes.
4. No entrance fees. This could be clubs or movies for you- for me, it means not going to dance events that have cover charges. If I have a free pass, or it's a free event, great! Otherwise, I'll have to do without for a while. There are plenty of free events in the city. Pick up an arts newspaper and check some out.
5. Carpool, walk, or drive like a granny. The first two are self-explanatory- gas is expensive. But did you know that you can make a huge difference in your fuel economy by the way you drive? Cars are much more efficient at 55 than at 80. If you don't believe me, check your gas mileage on your next road trip. My car gets 30mpg in the city, 34 at high speeds on the interstate, and 40 at low speeds on the interstate. That adds up fast over several hundered miles each way. The same applies to city driving. Do you accelerate towards a redlight? Why? It's a habit. Take your foot off the gas and coast if you know you're approaching another car or a red light. Be content. (But that's a topic for another post).
6. Get a library card. How does that save you money? When you're bored, you're tempted. Getting a book from the library is free, and will give you something to do when you're itching to so shopping. Plus, you might just learn something.