Can someone explain how to survive doing cna work

blackandyellow · Apr 14, 2011

I understand the feeling I have been budgeting for years. I have a set amount for everything I do. I buy my scrubs and shoes whenever there is a sale. I have paid for school by applying for scholarships and tuition payment plans. I drove an old car until it broke and have a new car that I managed to get a bargain on. I dont go out to eat often and if I do I have saved for it. But I also save as much as I can. I am the queen of coupons, groupons, clearance, and bargaining.

Poi Dog · Apr 14, 2011

I got a somewhat wrecked car from the family of a deceased elderly gentleman for cheap, but I own it outright (and it unfortunately is getting more and more difficult to start these days).
I don't have the nicest, "hippest" clothes. I shop at thrift stores whenever possible. I'm easy on my scrubs and have had the same ones for years.
I don't always get exactly what I want at the grocery store. I buy what is on sale and make it into a healthy dish. (Don't buy junk food, it eats up your money!) I rarely eat out.
I get books, music and movies from the library for free instead of buying them (unless it's something I *really* like).
I don't have a ton of extra features on my cell phone plan.
Not a glamorous lifestyle, but I'm content.

Another thrift store shopper in the house!

:redbeathe

mamayogibear · Apr 17, 2011

Well since I am all ready an expert at frugal and crunchy living I think working as CNA is the next best step for me:)

NiquiCNA · Apr 17, 2011

BUDGET... and know where every penny goes. No way will you be able to have that rent. I will have my house paid off before I'm 30, I have two vehicles, and money in the bank. I know how to save, I klnow how to scrimp.. and sacrifices are what it takes.

KNITRO · Apr 18, 2011

BEEN THERE!

-roommates.com

-financial aid (banks love healthcare)

bhanson · Apr 18, 2011

Things to get:

- Roommates!

Things to get rid of:

- Cable

- Car

- Eating out

I worked as a CNA for 2 years and I saved enough to be able to not have to work for my entire duration of nursing school and can graduate with zero debt (although I am still working because I want to).

I did this by living as cheaply as possible.

I moved into an apartment close to school with a roommate.

Because I moved close to school I got rid of my car and pay $0 for gas, insurance, etc.

I eat on $100/month and do not eat out. I do this by preparing most of my own meals and buy stuff that is on sale (lots of pasta and beans!).

I got rid of my monthly cell phone bill and got a prepaid cell phone from T-mobile.

I do not own a television.

I would try to get someone to take over you lease and move into a place that is MUCH cheaper. All you need is a place to sleep and shower. As a CNA + Student + Loan Adverse person you should be the person renting the couch from someone else. A little bit of personal sacrifice now is well worth the benefits later.

allnurses Guide · Apr 18, 2011

Before I was married and lived alone...

*I was fortunate enough to live in a nice apartment that was dirt cheap (just got lucky on that!)... and it was within walking distance to work (not that gas was that expensive then!).

*I had a brand new Ford Escort I got a great deal on. It was a cute little car and I had it for 10 years (before I wrecked it on an icy hill). A cheap car is okay if you take care of it. I found it better to have cheap brand new and in good repair than cheap and used and in need on frequent repair.

*I used my credit card for emergencies only. If I got store credit, I got for the discount on my immediate purchase and never used it again. I never let any debt on the cards accumulate. Interest bites--hard.

*I bought clothes at thrift shops and took very good care of what I had. Starching and ironing can keep some things looking brand new (if you do it right). I even polished my nicer shoes.

*I did a lot of shopping at the bring-your-own-bag-and-bag-it-yourself grocery store (however, their fruit is no good, imo, so I did splurge at a better grocery store for fruit).

*House hold cleaners: bleach, ammonia, vinegar, cheap dish liquid. I swear that's all you need. A lot of those commercially prepared Big Name cleaners are expensive when you are on a tight budget.

*Garage sales, estate sales and thrift shops are your best friends. My furniture was high quality and beautiful. I did not pay more than $40 for any piece of it. I looked for sales in which little old ladies were selling their belongings. They always had really nice furniture that they had taken excellent care of.

I lived very comfortably... mainly because I don't ask for much materially (I essentially grew up with nothing and I expect nothing). Allow me the occasional treat here or there and I'm fine.

OH YEAH... almost forgot... save pennies. I mean it. I look for lost change in parking lots, under vending machines and will not pass so much as a penny by. Sounds crazy? Loose change buys me and the kids a lunch at a decent restaurant and has provided spending money for the kids when we take a trip. It doesn't take that long to save up a reasonable amount to change in.

Cheers!

Poi Dog · Apr 19, 2011

Before I was married and lived alone...
*I was fortunate enough to live in a nice apartment that was dirt cheap (just got lucky on that!)... and it was within walking distance to work (not that gas was that expensive then!).
*I had a brand new Ford Escort I got a great deal on. It was a cute little car and I had it for 10 years (before I wrecked it on an icy hill). A cheap car is okay if you take care of it. I found it better to have cheap brand new and in good repair than cheap and used and in need on frequent repair.
*I used my credit card for emergencies only. If I got store credit, I got for the discount on my immediate purchase and never used it again. I never let any debt on the cards accumulate. Interest bites--hard.
*I bought clothes at thrift shops and took very good care of what I had. Starching and ironing can keep some things looking brand new (if you do it right). I even polished my nicer shoes.
*I did a lot of shopping at the bring-your-own-bag-and-bag-it-yourself grocery store (however, their fruit is no good, imo, so I did splurge at a better grocery store for fruit).
*House hold cleaners: bleach, ammonia, vinegar, cheap dish liquid. I swear that's all you need. A lot of those commercially prepared Big Name cleaners are expensive when you are on a tight budget.
*Garage sales, estate sales and thrift shops are your best friends. My furniture was high quality and beautiful. I did not pay more than $40 for any piece of it. I looked for sales in which little old ladies were selling their belongings. They always had really nice furniture that they had taken excellent care of.
I lived very comfortably... mainly because I don't ask for much materially (I essentially grew up with nothing and I expect nothing). Allow me the occasional treat here or there and I'm fine.
OH YEAH... almost forgot... save pennies. I mean it. I look for lost change in parking lots, under vending machines and will not pass so much as a penny by. Sounds crazy? Loose change buys me and the kids a lunch at a decent restaurant and has provided spending money for the kids when we take a trip. It doesn't take that long to save up a reasonable amount to change in.
Cheers!

Awesome tips! I just used my collected change to buy gas because I am broke and payday is this coming Wednesday. I have no shame picking up coins off of the ground/floor. Money is money, yes?

allnurses Guide · Apr 19, 2011

Awesome tips! I just used my collected change to buy gas because I am broke and payday is this coming Wednesday. I have no shame picking up coins off of the ground/floor. Money is money, yes?

Yes, siree!

My coworkers once took a picture of me with my butt in the air while swiping under the vending machine for a couple of quarters

I usually found enough for a Snickers.

Hey, if you don't want it... I'll take it!