Surviving the cost of living crisis: Practical ideas for challenging times.
Times are tough when it comes to the cost of living, and it’s time to help each other survive. Let’s face it, the government ain’t going to do it for us.
There’s no magic wand but there’s a few ways to begin fighting back. These ideas are more for home-owners or renters but you can adapt them to suit a slow-travelling mobile lifestyle.
Survive!
Grow your own food.
Start small. Even if you’re tight on space, herbs can flourish on windowsills. For those with a bit more room, try growing tomatoes, lettuce, onions or silver beet.
If you don’t like getting your hands dirty, try hydroponics – it’s easy and fun to learn and a very productive way of growing your own. YouTube is your friend. Embrace your green thumb and watch your savings grow along with your veggies.
Community involvement.
Join or start a community garden. Print out a brief flyer asking if anyone would like to be involved and letterbox-drop your immediate neighbourhood.
You can also bulk-buy certain items and resell to others and enjoy sharing the discount. Not only will you share knowledge and resources with others, but you’ll also build a network of support that can help you through tough times.
Grow too many veggies? Organize a food swap with your friends and neighbours. You’ll end up with a diverse array of goodies without having to shell out extra cash. It’s a win-win for your stomach and your sense of community.
Bartering and Sharing.
In times of economic stress, traditional currency isn’t your only means of exchange. We need to get smart. Bartering and sharing resources can help you get what you need without emptying your wallet.
Everyone has skills – maybe you’re an ace at fixing bikes, while your neighbour is a sewing whiz. Trade your skills for theirs. It’s a fantastic way to get things done without spending a dollar.
Energy-Efficient Living.
With bills on the rise, it’s time to give your home an energy-efficient makeover. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also help out Mother Earth.
Unplug and Conserve: Make it a habit to unplug appliances and chargers when they’re not in use. Switch to energy-efficient LED light bulbs and turn off lights when you leave a room. It gets easier with practice.
Weatherproofing: Seal up drafts around windows and doors to keep your home cosy without cranking up the heater or the air conditioner. It’s a simple fix that can make a big difference.
Get water-wise.
Water is precious, and being mindful of your water usage can save you some serious cash. Collect rainwater: set up some rain catcher containers to collect water for your garden.
You can get cheap water divertor devices to rescue water from your downpipes. Why let it go to waste?
Fix leaks. A dripping faucet might not seem like much, but those drops can add up over time. Fix leaks promptly to prevent wastage.
Homemade Household Products.
Cleaning supplies can be pricey. Whip up your own with just a few basic ingredients.
All-Purpose Cleaner. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Add a few drops of your favourite essential oil for a pleasant scent. Use it to clean surfaces all around your home.
Try some of these ideas for a start and gather others for yourself. Remember to share!
