This is an interesting journey - I have more free time than I am used to - a lot more - but a ridiculously strict budget. There is not a lot of room there...in fact, there is almost none. Therefore, my friends, we need to be creative.
Have a business card. Vistaprint offers insanely low prices, and you can often obtain cards for free. If you use services like Snapfish.com., Shutterfly.com or Tiny Prints, you will receive discount codes for up to 50% off of prices. Be sure to include the type of job you're looking for (i.e. "seeking a position as a manager/director of marketing or marketing communications) and list some of your strongest qualities on the back - great time manager, handles multiple priorities without missing deadlines, strong public speaking skills - for easy reference when someone reviews the card later.
If you wear glasses, check out CoastalContacts.com and your first pair is free! Whether you wear glasses all the time or just occasionally, these trendy, attractive frames will make you look and feel your best - and they won't cost a penny! When you're out of work and you can't purchase many extras, this is a wonderful way to update your look and feel attractive - without spending!
I used to breeze into the nearest grocery store and buy whatever struck my fancy, getting in and out as quickly as possible, I now peruse websites for every store in my area, making lists and clipping coupons. This isn't the quickest way to shop, but it sure saves me money! I plan meals and drive up to stores like "Aldis" where the choices are limited but the prices are great!
I use the library regularly. And, when I say regularly, I mean ALL THE TIME! I always have a book or two going - it's a great distraction when things get stressful - and I have thousands to choose from when I am there. I also think that it is a wonderful thing to for my son to see me pick up a book rather than turn on the TV or fly around Facebook. Of course, much of the reading I do is to learn more for YOU - so that I can share my knowledge and be a resource. This journey, for me, is as much about helping others as it is about getting to the right destination.
Did you know that your local library has discounted passes to local attractions? Science Museums, literary museums, aquariums and zoos offer passes to libraries for patrons to use. I have gone all over Connecticut and Western Massachusetts, spending almost nothing in entrance fees, utilizing the library passes.
I attend association meetings for free, or for the nonproft rate. When you call to RSVP to an event, please don't be embarrassed to tell the person registering you that you're not working. They are often willing to allow you to attend the event for a free or significantly discounted rate. This allows you to expand your knowledge and meet new people; don't forget to bring a business card and have your elevator speech ready!
Do you have a computer or a Kindle? My wonderful boyfriend and family teamed up last year to buy me the Kindle Fire, and I love it! That said, you can simply go to Amazon.com and download a free application for ebooks. Then the fun begins. Subscribe to sites like Pixel of Ink, Pixel of Ink for Young People or Inspired Reads (Christian books). You will have the opportunity, every day, to download free books of all varieties - fiction and nonfiction. I have more than 250 free books downloaded to my Fire today - and I haven't made a dent in the memory yet! These sites have exposed me to books and authors that I would never have been introduced to otherwise, and some of them are wonderful! Besides, for the price, there is no guilt! If you don't like the book - DELETE it!
I have lots of tips like this, and will share more over the coming weeks. We need to indulge our minds and take care of ourselves on this journey!
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