In the face of life’s unexpected challenges and potential financial unrest, there’s no need for despair. A collection of ingenious strategies awaits, poised to turn the tide and leave wallets fuller and worries lighter. Embracing the words of a forum member’s inquiry, “People who grew up poor, what was your best ‘poor’ hack?” a plethora of insightful answers poured forth. Amid this wealth of responses, a curated selection of captivating hacks emerges, promising to alter perspectives on scarcity and financial constraints.
Art Openings
A contributor recalled, “When I was poor and young, I would go to art openings for the snacks and free wine.”
Another commenter recounted, “That’s a good hack for newly opened stores. I did an art show when I got out of college at my local library, and some dude got HAMMERED from the wine I got. It was really awkward.”
And the unspoken strategy? Confidence. Approaching an art opening with an air of ownership is the gateway to the snack treasure trove. One can effortlessly attract the free goodies by exuding belonging and engaging with the art crowd.
Family Planning
Family planning transcends a mere rejection of parenthood; it entails determining the optimal “when” and “how” to tailor it to your circumstances.
A contributor revealed, “Watch your parents and learn that the only way to thrive is not to have kids or get married and at the same time stop the generational trauma that’s been inflicted upon your forefathers all the way down to you.”
In resonance, another individual acknowledged, “I felt this deep. I’ve never had kids or married and think a lot of this is my deep-seated issues of growing up in poverty and not wanting to end up in that as an adult.”
Water
An astute observer shared, “The best advice I can give for that is to drink a lot of water. It fills up your stomach for a while.”
Another individual cautioned, “Always put salt and sugar in the water if you do this. I would never recommend the abovementioned advice, but if you don’t add these two, you can die from drinking tons of water while starving.”
Consider the economics, too – water is essentially cost-free. It doesn’t get more pocket-friendly than that. Disregard those exotic beverages with unpronounceable names. Water is the original zero-expense champion, accessible around the clock, regardless of the weather.
Foiling
A contributor offered, “Foil over your windows if you don’t have air conditioning to keep the heat out.”
In agreement, another individual pointed out, “A layer of plastic sheeting that they sell to seal windows for cold insulation will also increase the ability to ‘keep cold in.’ That is a bad physics explanation, but consider the reflective foil and extra insulation for maximum help. Even better, fewer windows, although that sucks.”
Echoing a similar sentiment, another person recollected, “God, I almost forgot I had done that in my student days… It actually works amazingly well.”
But wait, there’s more to this foil frenzy. It’s not solely about repelling heat; it involves fashioning a personal shady haven. Through this, you’re metamorphosing your room into a refreshing sanctuary, shielding you from the blistering outdoor temperatures.
Calorie Per Dollar
The correlation between money and calories extends beyond mere snacks; it permeates every meal and food decision. This principle is a compass for adeptly maneuvering through grocery store aisles, sidestepping financial pitfalls, and seeking to coax excessive expenditure.
One contributor emphasized, “Look for money/calorie ratio to avoid overspending.”
A reminiscence followed from another participant, evoking, “That reminds me of when I was a poor student and knew exactly what the cheapest ml of alcohol was. It was some cheap vodka that sold for 3.5€ a bottle.”
Sleep
During the essential slumber, the body orchestrates clandestine maneuvers for rejuvenation and restoration. Consequently, the brain’s attention is diverted from relaying hunger cues.
One individual commented, “Sleeping can help you forget that you’re starving.”
Another contributor said, “Especially if you sleep on your stomach or lay on a pillow.”
Safety Razor
An insightful member remarked, “In terms of shaving, buying a safety razor with a brush will pay for itself in a few months compared to insane blade refills. Shaving soap and razors are super cheap(if you don’t get the way marked-up stuff with the ‘manly’ branding). I get razors that cost like $8 for a hundred off Amazon. One blade will last me a few shaves.”
Supporting this perspective, another user pointed out, “Cartridge shaving is a scam. Safety razors with a good blade are much cheaper and a better shave.”
Echoing these sentiments, a contributor added, “Yesss!!! Also, get yourself a safety razor. The handles can be found pretty cheap on Amazon. Then, you’ll only spend 5 bucks on a pack of blades. There’s a learning curve to using them, but once you get it, the shave is just as good or even better than a Mach 5.”
Beyond immediate advantages, adopting a safety razor isn’t solely about achieving a flawless shave; it’s about wholeheartedly embracing sustainability like a seasoned professional.
Clothes
Initially, let’s deconstruct the concept – secondhand attire isn’t merely a fabric; it’s a sartorial time-travel mechanism, propelling individuals through epochs without the extravagant price tag. Fancy donning that iconic ’80s windbreaker or the unmistakable ’90s overalls reminiscent of the “Fresh Prince”? Consider it accomplished.
As one individual aptly said, “Pick up some cheap thrift store sweaters, coats, hats, and gloves. They don’t need to look great; wear them inside to save on heating bills. If you’re freezing, just keep layering on more clothes. Summer clothes, winter clothes, all of it.”
Echoing a parallel sentiment, another contributor noted, “I’ve gone to thrift stores all over the country, and they’re still very… VERY cheap compared to new. Jeans for less than 10 bucks, where new they’d be 80.”
Remember the Prices
Picture this: you’re at the checkout, items aligned, and the cashier scans the cereal box with a price that raises your eyebrows. But wait, before succumbing to that price, your memory muscle triggers—recalling the correct amount you noted on the shelf!
One contributor advised, “Remember how much a price is supposed to be and politely point out when it rings up wrong.
Storytime: My mom sent me to the store to buy dish soap. I got to the cashier, and it rang up different from the shelf price. The manager checked; sure enough, it rang up wrong, and I got it free. I took the money my mom gave me and rented a movie my family wanted to see.
I gave my mom the movie first, and while she was freaking out, handed her the soap and explained what happened.”
Expanding on this fortunate occurrence, another participant recounted, “We got lucky one time, bought a can of tuna, it didn’t ring up at all, we were like ‘There wasn’t a price on the shelf, but the other types were this price’ and the cashier was just like ‘You know what, if they can’t be bothered to make sure this stuff rings up at a price and put a price up I’m not gonna be bothered to call a manager to deal with it, you can just have it.'”
Library
A participant highlighted, “THE LIBRARY. Growing up, my father had three failed businesses, and a household of 7 lived off my mom’s single income. The library was everything: books, movies, stories on tape; later, it was the source for very low-cost dial-up internet access.”
Echoing this sentiment, another contributor added, “If you have a bunch of roommates, libraries can be nice, free, quiet, climate-controlled places to get downtime.”
Yet, there’s an additional layer to this library appreciation. It’s not solely about accessible resources; it’s about cultivating a sense of community and belonging. Beyond borrowing books, you’re woven into a space where learning, creativity, and connection flourish.
Cleaning
A perceptive online user remarked, “You can use vinegar, baking soda, or dish soap to clean almost everything; you don’t need to spend money on a bunch of specialty cleaning products. Also, don’t throw away torn/stained clothing or towels. These are your new cleaning rags. Now, you don’t need paper towels.”
In agreement, another user added, “I agree wholeheartedly with the cleaning advice. White vinegar, bleach, rubbing alcohol, and/or dawn can clean almost everything. **Side note: Do not ever mix vinegar & bleach.”
Introducing Vinegar, the unsung hero of the cleaning realm, adept at conquering soap scum, stubborn odors, and persistent water stains. A mixture with water in a spray bottle yields a DIY cleaner that rivals costly sprays in efficacy and value.
Coax Cable
A contributor shared, “If you have a coax cable lying around from some type of electronic, you can connect one side to the back of your TV and cut the other and expose the wires on the inside. Bend them so it’s shaped like a ‘Y’ and wrap the point of the ‘Y’ with a flat piece of tin foil a couple of times, and it will work as an antenna so you can watch Judge Judy.”
Building upon this, another participant added, “You can also shove a paper clip in the coax port, and it’ll work as an antenna. It won’t work well, but it’ll work.”
The intriguing facet is that accomplishing this is more straightforward than achieving that high score in your cherished video game. Seriously, just plug that coax cable into your TV’s antenna input, give it a tweak or two, and voilà—you’re tapping into TV heaven.
Fishing License
Possessing a fishing license unlocks numerous captivating escapades. More than reeling in fish, it’s about seizing moments, forging camaraderie, and etching narratives to plaster a grin across faces.
An online user reflected, “Fishing license. I had almost nothing as a kid, but I remember long and great days spent fishing for the cost of a fishing license (I’d save over the winter). I used to dig worms under leaf piles, had a super basic pole, and leftover line people would throw out. Just a nice way to spend a day outside and have food without paying for it.”
Expanding on this sentiment, another contributor recounted, “To expand on this a bit, when I was 16 and had to get my first fishing license, my dad insisted that I spend what was at the time a whole week’s paycheck and buy a lifetime resident’s license. It was around $150 back in 1987. I have no idea what they are now, but even if they’d averaged $10/year, I’ve saved over $200.”
Soap
A participant on the platform advised, “When soap runs out, fill the bottle up with water a little bit.”
Expanding on this tip, another individual shared, “Even better, rather than topping up at the end where you have a tiny bit of soap in quite a bit of water, keep topping up with water periodically while you’re using the soap. Keeps the soap-to-water ratio higher, and you can eke it out much further.”
Despite dilution, the soap remains efficient, lathering and cleansing effectively. It’s not about compromising cleanliness for thriftiness; it’s about making a savvy decision that preserves your fresh and fabulous feeling while safeguarding your wallet.
Food Bank
The food bank stands as irrefutable evidence that one can savor delectable meals without resorting to credit cards.
An advocate affirmed, “Find the nearest food bank and get some food. There’s no shame in that. In my experience, they never gave you any expired/government-type food; it was all good quality. I remember I got a whole chicken once. It fed me and my roommate for about a week; the rest of the food lasted through the month.”
Parallel sentiments were expressed by another individual, adding, “I volunteer for a food bank, and you’d be surprised at the amount of fresh produce/baked goods we throw out because not enough people come!!! If anyone reads this, absolutely no one is judging; we want people to visit!!”
Fuel
Opting for a bicycle is a direct blow to gas expenses. Those valuable dollars that could vanish into fumes are preserved as you pedal toward fiscal liberation, creating a budgetary triumph that sets your wallet in motion for a happy dance.
A contributor emphasized, “Use a bicycle whenever you can and save gas money.”
Concurring, another individual elaborated, “My husband has a bike he put a gas engine on. Half a gallon gets up to 200 miles. He uses it for work whenever the weather permits. Saves us probably $200+ a month on gas.”
Share
Generosity surpasses mere sharing of snacks or change; it’s about fostering a network that stands firm in adversity.
A perceptive commenter noted, “Share what you have with the right people, and they’ll share what they have with you.”
In concurrence, another individual shared a personal experience, “This one came around for me big time. Back when life was still good, I would occasionally give my neighbors a little pot of what I was cooking because I always ended up making too much. Then, one day, a neighbor came over unannounced and saw that I was eating a bowl of plain rice for dinner, and immediately she could tell I was hitting on some hard times.”
The story unfolded as the narrator’s life took a turn during the pandemic, and the unexpected support from neighbors emerged, reshaping their perspective on asking for help and providing it. Ultimately, kindness proved a rewarding investment during tough times.
Beans and Rice
The sight of an empty refrigerator resembles a blank canvas, met with a seemingly mocking grin from one’s wallet. Yet, before plunging into panic mode, the potential of the dynamic duo, beans and rice, must not be overlooked.
A contributor affirmed, “Beans and rice are actually quite nutritious.”
Building upon this, another user elaborated, “Red or black beans and rice combined have 11 amino acids, which make a complete protein. Fiber, carbs, protein, vitamins… Combine with ground sausage, onions, and peppers, sprinkle with Frank’s red hot (remember, on a budget) is near delectable.”
Saving Up from Restaurants
A contributor shared, “Stock up on napkins, sauces, utensils, whatever you can while grabbing something off the value menu at whatever fast food you choose. Most employees don’t gaf. I’ve never paid for red pepper flakes in my life, thanks to cheap pizza. Most of the freebies you can use with cheaper regular dinners like ramen or potatoes.”
Another individual chimed in, “This has become harder. Fast food is stingy AF with ketchup & napkins. However, more pricey, Chipotle is the only place I can think of that still has stacks of napkins available – unlike places like Subway where you have to take 1 napkin at a time.”
The most enticing aspect? It’s virtually cost-free. Yes, you heard right. These napkins, sauces, and utensils are frugal mementos from your dining escapades!
Do-it-Yourself
We’ve all encountered typical scenarios: malfunctioning chairs, dripping faucets, and stubbornly non-functional devices. However, the revelation is this—engaging with tutorials and tackling repairs personally translates to substantial savings.
A contributor highlighted this by stating, “Before you pay to repair something, watch YouTube and see if you can fix it yourself. Try to borrow the tools to do the job. Clean the tools before returning them promptly, and they’ll likely lend them to you again.”
In harmony with this sentiment, another individual concurred, emphasizing, “You can save thousands of dollars by repairing household items by watching YouTube tutorials.”
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