What Do You Really Need?
I read a book by Charles Long (A Canadian!!!), "How to Survive Without a Salary" Warwick Publishing copyright 2003.
It is an interesting read and I recommend it for some excellent (and often unique) advice on living waaaaaaay below ones means, or even giving up a regular paycheque for a simpler living.
My favourite part of this book "Examining Needs"
Mr. Long suggests that people look at their base needs ask "What will perform the function?" rather than "What should I buy?" He gives an example of purchasing a new mattress, but deciding to go with a plywood "platform" rather than pay in excess of $200 for a box spring. The function was to provide support for the mattress. He choose the less expensive solution.
He asks a series of questions:
1. What is the problem.
In the aforementioned example, the problem was needing support for the mattress.
In an example from my own life - my problem was getting across town to work. I didn't "need a new car" I settled for a bus pass and a decent pair of walking shoes. Gets me to work on time and back home again in reasonable time for reasonable price. As a bonus, I get to read on the bus and get a little exercise via walking. :)
2. Who Needs It?
Whose problem is it anyway? Do we really need it or are we filling the needs of the "Jones'" Mr Long suggests ignoring articificial needs, created by fashion and desire to emulate and suggests that these are "strawmen" created by advertisers.
3. What would Change the Need?
Mr. Long gives examples such as 'would the need for a lawnmower be changed if one planted veggies or a groundcovering instead of maintaining a lawn.
4. How Long will it Last?
Mr. Long suggests that we best look at "what" we need, as well as "when" and "how long".
He gives the example of a woman driving an older car and needing a new battery. A new battery would last longer than the car! She filled her temporary need by purchasing a used battery from a wreck. The battery would last as long as she personally needed it.
5. What are the alternatives?
This is a fun part. Mr. Long suggests brainstorming and being creative.
In my own life - I wanted to have some candlelight on my patio. I am to much have a frugal cougar to buy candles. I ended up making my own "candles" out of a hollowed out navel orange peel and Canola oil!! Filled the need, was environmentally friendly and costs nothing (I even found the orange on the ground near a school yard. And, NO, I didn't eat the oranage, that-you-for-asking :)
6. What are the costs?
A good example of this is the purchase of a car. There is the outright purchase of the car, insurance, maintenance, gas, parking. These costs add up. There is the environmental cost as well. If one lives in the city, taking the bus, biking, walking or belonging to a car co-op might be a viable and affordable alternative.
I started using this thought process when considering all my needs. This has helped me reduce costs and rethink many potential purchases. It is a logical, frugal mindset.
For other great ideas and philosophy from Charles Long - have a look at his book. It is available at the Vancouver Public Library. Reasonably priced, used copies are also available at www.amazon.ca
http://www.amazon.ca/How-survive-without-salary-conserver/dp/1895629683
http://vpl.bibliocommons.com/item/show/1179227038_how_to_survive_without_a_salary
Wednesday, July 9, 2014
Thursday, July 3, 2014
Is it Hot in Here or Is it Just Me?
I'm a cougar who enjoys the temperate climate of the West Coast of British Columbia. I like things cool. As a Frugal Cougar, I don't own an air conditioning - fully aware of how their high up-front cost and how much electricity they use.
So, let's look at frugal ways to keep your home cool in the hot days of summer.
First things first. The Sun. Good old Sol, the center of our star system. That's where all our heat comes from (ultimately). To keep your home cool in the summer, keep our friend, the Sun, OUT!
This can be accomplished a number of ways:
Outside the house - plant foliage trees (or if choosing a new home to move to - chose a home with ample foliage on the south side). Leafy, green trees block much of the sun as the verdant branches filter it out. In addition to helping keep the home cool - it's relaxing to look at and, generally, good for the air quality around your home.
In addition (or instead, in case trees are somehow out of the question) - try an awning, a shelter or patio umbrella. Like the trees - these can be effective sunblocks so that the Sun's rays don't heat up your living room.
Inside the house - use your drapes and/or hanging, leafy, green houseplants. Use the macrame plant hangers that your grandma used to make or hang planters from hooks above the windows. The drapes should be thick enough to block light (get the "blackout drapes" as they will keep heat/light out during the summer days and, in winter, they will help keep the cold out and the heat in during the night). In summer months - keep them closed to keep the blazing sun out.
If you are not going to be at home anyway - some cheapskate sites suggest using high density insulation foam. Cut some of this (available at hardware stores) into a size that fits a window. Place it there during the day (when you're not at home) and this will keep the light and heat out - helping to keep the place cooler.
Now that we have the Sun under control (or as much control as mere mortals can have over the Sun) let's move on to other sources of heat...
Most frugal kitties out there will already use high effeciency/low heat light bulbs. Some lamps still use heat producing incandescent bulbs. Keep these turned off unless really needed (i.e. for reading).
Other sources of electric heat are electronics. Computers, DVD Players, Televisions, Video Game Consoles, Smart Phones, Tablet Computers, Laptops - when plugged in - they all produce heat (and waste electricity). Once charged - unplug. When not in use - unplug. Feel the back of the computer that you are reading this on - warm eh? Keep these electronics cold when not in use.
In the hot summer - try cooking outdoors. Use the BBQ for grilling/roasting. Take the toaster oven outside onto your balcony or patio - as long as there is an outlet for it - it works out there. Same with the slow cooker (crock pot). If you have a hot plate (i.e. a portable stove element) - take that outside too. Let the heat from these appliances join the heat from the Sun, let their combined heat frolic in the backyard, away from your indoor living space.
As a Frugal Cougar - I already only launder in cold water (for spot stains requiring hot water - I spot clean those and then use cold water wash). No sense wasting hot water and heating up the house from a hot water wash.
Once those cold clothes are clean, go visit our friend, the Sun, outside. Hang your damp laundry on a dryer rack (you can use the indoor one, just put it on the patio or balcony) or lay it over your patio furniture. The hot sun will have those clothes dried in no time. The dryer creates a lot of heat and uses a lot of electricity. Let our buddy, the Sun, do the drying for free outside.
In the washrooms - run the fan on low. This will suck up and vent out the hot air. Turn on some floor fans when you are at home. Circulating air is cooling.
Keep all interior doors (to bedrooms/dens) CLOSED, especially those on the south side of your home. This helps keep the hot air (which comes through the windows/walls) out of the main living areas of your home. In the cooler evening - you can retire to these rooms, even open a window (as long as the air is cooler outside than inside).
If it is really getting hot in there, despite all the above tips - bring out the big guns. Freeze water in old milk cartons/jugs, recycled pop bottles or recycled sour cream containers. Place these water-filled, frozen containers in front of a blowing fan. The air will pick up the cold and you can just relax in the chilled breeze.
Finally - when you are ready to go to bed - find the coolest place in your home. I know folks who use their basements during the hottest days of the summer - like camping in their own home. If you don't have a basement or need the sleep hygiene of being in your regular bed - close the bedroom door. Have a table or floor fan in your bedroom. Grab another block of ice from the freezer and crack the window open to let the cool night air in. Wear cotton jammies (or be like this Frugal Cougar and just sleep in panties and a cotton tank top). You will get a good nights sleep and not have to endure so much summer heat.
Oh, one more thing - for my fellow cougars who are having hot flashes (or "power surges" as I like to call 'em) - use those camping ice packs in your bed. Really. I know a few cougars who have tried this and they all swear by it. These packs can be picked up a Canadian Tire or even Dollar Stores.
Happy Summer. Til next time.
I'm a cougar who enjoys the temperate climate of the West Coast of British Columbia. I like things cool. As a Frugal Cougar, I don't own an air conditioning - fully aware of how their high up-front cost and how much electricity they use.
So, let's look at frugal ways to keep your home cool in the hot days of summer.
First things first. The Sun. Good old Sol, the center of our star system. That's where all our heat comes from (ultimately). To keep your home cool in the summer, keep our friend, the Sun, OUT!
This can be accomplished a number of ways:
Outside the house - plant foliage trees (or if choosing a new home to move to - chose a home with ample foliage on the south side). Leafy, green trees block much of the sun as the verdant branches filter it out. In addition to helping keep the home cool - it's relaxing to look at and, generally, good for the air quality around your home.
In addition (or instead, in case trees are somehow out of the question) - try an awning, a shelter or patio umbrella. Like the trees - these can be effective sunblocks so that the Sun's rays don't heat up your living room.
Inside the house - use your drapes and/or hanging, leafy, green houseplants. Use the macrame plant hangers that your grandma used to make or hang planters from hooks above the windows. The drapes should be thick enough to block light (get the "blackout drapes" as they will keep heat/light out during the summer days and, in winter, they will help keep the cold out and the heat in during the night). In summer months - keep them closed to keep the blazing sun out.
If you are not going to be at home anyway - some cheapskate sites suggest using high density insulation foam. Cut some of this (available at hardware stores) into a size that fits a window. Place it there during the day (when you're not at home) and this will keep the light and heat out - helping to keep the place cooler.
Now that we have the Sun under control (or as much control as mere mortals can have over the Sun) let's move on to other sources of heat...
Most frugal kitties out there will already use high effeciency/low heat light bulbs. Some lamps still use heat producing incandescent bulbs. Keep these turned off unless really needed (i.e. for reading).
Other sources of electric heat are electronics. Computers, DVD Players, Televisions, Video Game Consoles, Smart Phones, Tablet Computers, Laptops - when plugged in - they all produce heat (and waste electricity). Once charged - unplug. When not in use - unplug. Feel the back of the computer that you are reading this on - warm eh? Keep these electronics cold when not in use.
In the hot summer - try cooking outdoors. Use the BBQ for grilling/roasting. Take the toaster oven outside onto your balcony or patio - as long as there is an outlet for it - it works out there. Same with the slow cooker (crock pot). If you have a hot plate (i.e. a portable stove element) - take that outside too. Let the heat from these appliances join the heat from the Sun, let their combined heat frolic in the backyard, away from your indoor living space.
As a Frugal Cougar - I already only launder in cold water (for spot stains requiring hot water - I spot clean those and then use cold water wash). No sense wasting hot water and heating up the house from a hot water wash.
Once those cold clothes are clean, go visit our friend, the Sun, outside. Hang your damp laundry on a dryer rack (you can use the indoor one, just put it on the patio or balcony) or lay it over your patio furniture. The hot sun will have those clothes dried in no time. The dryer creates a lot of heat and uses a lot of electricity. Let our buddy, the Sun, do the drying for free outside.
In the washrooms - run the fan on low. This will suck up and vent out the hot air. Turn on some floor fans when you are at home. Circulating air is cooling.
Keep all interior doors (to bedrooms/dens) CLOSED, especially those on the south side of your home. This helps keep the hot air (which comes through the windows/walls) out of the main living areas of your home. In the cooler evening - you can retire to these rooms, even open a window (as long as the air is cooler outside than inside).
If it is really getting hot in there, despite all the above tips - bring out the big guns. Freeze water in old milk cartons/jugs, recycled pop bottles or recycled sour cream containers. Place these water-filled, frozen containers in front of a blowing fan. The air will pick up the cold and you can just relax in the chilled breeze.
Finally - when you are ready to go to bed - find the coolest place in your home. I know folks who use their basements during the hottest days of the summer - like camping in their own home. If you don't have a basement or need the sleep hygiene of being in your regular bed - close the bedroom door. Have a table or floor fan in your bedroom. Grab another block of ice from the freezer and crack the window open to let the cool night air in. Wear cotton jammies (or be like this Frugal Cougar and just sleep in panties and a cotton tank top). You will get a good nights sleep and not have to endure so much summer heat.
Oh, one more thing - for my fellow cougars who are having hot flashes (or "power surges" as I like to call 'em) - use those camping ice packs in your bed. Really. I know a few cougars who have tried this and they all swear by it. These packs can be picked up a Canadian Tire or even Dollar Stores.
Happy Summer. Til next time.
Wednesday, July 2, 2014
Miss Chatelaine.
Unlike one of my favourite Canadian singers - kd lang - I am NOT "Miss Chatelaine" kd lang could not explain why she's "Miss Chatelaine." I am fully aware why I am not....
To tell the truth - I don't read most popular magazines. Not that I don't like reading. My favourite magazines are professional journals and Scientific American. It's just that I don't like reading a magazine that is almost all literally advertising. What is not literally advertising are articles and photo spreads that might as well be advertising.
I work full time outside the home. I commute almost an hour each way (on public transit of course :)) I have two young children, both in elementary school. I have a husband. I have a cat. I have a home to maintain. I don't have time to make a beautiful dinner (laid out on shabby chic plates). I don't have time (or money) to shop for the latest designer fashions and worry about the perfect hair colour and style for a a woman who is cougar aged. I am not interested in the sweetest little picture frames and candle holders to decorate my mantle. I have no desire to have an "outdoor room" of patio furniture which costs more than the couch in my living room.
Chatelaine, Good Housekeeping, Canadian Living, Family Circle, et al show the good life (with the purchase of all the good products) as a normal expectation.
It is little wonder that consumer debt is at an all time high. It is not surprising that we are all so stressed.
Close the magazine. Remember my first post - You don't need to be the fictional images seen in Women's Magazines to be fabulous.
As for meals, try this: It's a weekday. It's just the immediate family. You've worked 8 plus hours and want to spend some down time with the ones you love. The Frugal Cougar gives you permission to open a tin of No Name deep brown beans, make some rice (or make toast) and steam some veggies (or make a simple salad). Viola - protein, carbs and green stuff. Have an some apples and bananas for dessert. Don't worry - the Martha Stewart Police Squad will not raid your home and take over. It's okay to have simple, inexpensive food for a meal.
You don't need expensive take out. You also don't need to be a sous chef every single day. Relax. Be frugal and be content.
As for clothes and hair. Think about this: The Frugal Cougar is 43 years old. I've got a little gray hair. What colour is it suppose to be???? I'm middle aged. I've had a C-section for each of my children. I work at a high stress job. Yeah - I'm thinking I've earned a few grey hair. I refuse to dye it and I refuse to think that looking like I'm 30 (when I am a decade and a bit older) is normal.
I wear comfortable, clean clothes in good repair. I try on a pair of thrift store jeans and think - does my cougar ass look good? Are the jeans a timeless boot cut (no big flares and no pencil legs - these get dated quickly)? Are they well made and does the colour/style look good on me. If the answer to these is "yes" - then I buy the jeans. I don't care about the brand. I don't care about the trends. I go for classic and timeless. If I wanted trendy - I might try an accessory (on sale, of course). But I don't need "Chatelaine" telling me what to wear.
Wear what you like. Wear what looks good on you. Be tidy. If wearing clothes for work - be professional. Relax. Be comfortable in your own style choices.
As for decor. Let this sink in: Think of your grandparents home. They probably had the same couch for 40 years. They had pictures on the walls (probably a few of you!). They had some decorative items that they acquired over the years. They DIDN'T feel the need to completely change their decor every few years to keep up with so-called trends. Your grandparents were wise. Emulate them.
Find something better to read than glossy advertisements (in the form of women's magazines, catalogs, sales fliers, etc). I like suspense novels, science fiction, romance, essays, science writing, social economics/psychology, and local history. Go to the library. Avoid the magazines (except those that don't concentrate on massive advertising and fluff). Spend time browsing materials that give you information, entertainment, and insight without making you feel that you need to go out and buy something.
When you stop comparing yourself to "Miss Chatelaine" - you will be more comfortable and more satisfied with your life and your own way of doing things without the constant enticement of buying more and more.
BTW - the Frugal Cougar's dear husband enjoys photography. He advises that there is beauty in everything. If he was let loose in your home - he would photograph whatever it is that you have so that it would look like it graced the pages of a magazine. You are "Miss Chatelaine" already! :)
Unlike one of my favourite Canadian singers - kd lang - I am NOT "Miss Chatelaine" kd lang could not explain why she's "Miss Chatelaine." I am fully aware why I am not....
To tell the truth - I don't read most popular magazines. Not that I don't like reading. My favourite magazines are professional journals and Scientific American. It's just that I don't like reading a magazine that is almost all literally advertising. What is not literally advertising are articles and photo spreads that might as well be advertising.
I work full time outside the home. I commute almost an hour each way (on public transit of course :)) I have two young children, both in elementary school. I have a husband. I have a cat. I have a home to maintain. I don't have time to make a beautiful dinner (laid out on shabby chic plates). I don't have time (or money) to shop for the latest designer fashions and worry about the perfect hair colour and style for a a woman who is cougar aged. I am not interested in the sweetest little picture frames and candle holders to decorate my mantle. I have no desire to have an "outdoor room" of patio furniture which costs more than the couch in my living room.
Chatelaine, Good Housekeeping, Canadian Living, Family Circle, et al show the good life (with the purchase of all the good products) as a normal expectation.
It is little wonder that consumer debt is at an all time high. It is not surprising that we are all so stressed.
Close the magazine. Remember my first post - You don't need to be the fictional images seen in Women's Magazines to be fabulous.
As for meals, try this: It's a weekday. It's just the immediate family. You've worked 8 plus hours and want to spend some down time with the ones you love. The Frugal Cougar gives you permission to open a tin of No Name deep brown beans, make some rice (or make toast) and steam some veggies (or make a simple salad). Viola - protein, carbs and green stuff. Have an some apples and bananas for dessert. Don't worry - the Martha Stewart Police Squad will not raid your home and take over. It's okay to have simple, inexpensive food for a meal.
You don't need expensive take out. You also don't need to be a sous chef every single day. Relax. Be frugal and be content.
As for clothes and hair. Think about this: The Frugal Cougar is 43 years old. I've got a little gray hair. What colour is it suppose to be???? I'm middle aged. I've had a C-section for each of my children. I work at a high stress job. Yeah - I'm thinking I've earned a few grey hair. I refuse to dye it and I refuse to think that looking like I'm 30 (when I am a decade and a bit older) is normal.
I wear comfortable, clean clothes in good repair. I try on a pair of thrift store jeans and think - does my cougar ass look good? Are the jeans a timeless boot cut (no big flares and no pencil legs - these get dated quickly)? Are they well made and does the colour/style look good on me. If the answer to these is "yes" - then I buy the jeans. I don't care about the brand. I don't care about the trends. I go for classic and timeless. If I wanted trendy - I might try an accessory (on sale, of course). But I don't need "Chatelaine" telling me what to wear.
Wear what you like. Wear what looks good on you. Be tidy. If wearing clothes for work - be professional. Relax. Be comfortable in your own style choices.
As for decor. Let this sink in: Think of your grandparents home. They probably had the same couch for 40 years. They had pictures on the walls (probably a few of you!). They had some decorative items that they acquired over the years. They DIDN'T feel the need to completely change their decor every few years to keep up with so-called trends. Your grandparents were wise. Emulate them.
Find something better to read than glossy advertisements (in the form of women's magazines, catalogs, sales fliers, etc). I like suspense novels, science fiction, romance, essays, science writing, social economics/psychology, and local history. Go to the library. Avoid the magazines (except those that don't concentrate on massive advertising and fluff). Spend time browsing materials that give you information, entertainment, and insight without making you feel that you need to go out and buy something.
When you stop comparing yourself to "Miss Chatelaine" - you will be more comfortable and more satisfied with your life and your own way of doing things without the constant enticement of buying more and more.
BTW - the Frugal Cougar's dear husband enjoys photography. He advises that there is beauty in everything. If he was let loose in your home - he would photograph whatever it is that you have so that it would look like it graced the pages of a magazine. You are "Miss Chatelaine" already! :)
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