I want to gear down now, work less, live on less. My dear departed Mom used to say "A penny saved is a penny earned ". That came from Poor Richard's Almanac she told me, Ben Franklin's collection of wisdom.
Many nurses are caught on the hamster wheel, working a lot and living high on the hog. They buy expensive cars, houses, boats, RVS on credit, go on pricy trips, and work like dogs to pay for it, one illness or accident away from financial distress.
You read on this site how many of us are burnt out. In real life I see that as well, and know more about my coworker's lives. I see a lot of expensive and wasteful habits out there.
This thread is for those interested in a simpler, less consumerist lifestyle. How can we enjoy life more, with more free time but less money? Spending less time at the nursing grindstone might relieve stress too!
I also pack my lunch and very rarely eat out. Cook at home and freeze meals for later. I sew my scrubs. (And my daughters). Susie Orman gives great, practical, and easy to comprehend advice. Put my daughter through college debt free with a 529 that was started when She was born. I have also made investing my 'hobby'. Started as a curiousity and has paid off very well after 35 years. Being a nurse is a very worthwhile occupation, both emotionally and financially. I'm still working!!But being financially astute is a skill needed for life. 'Investigate before you invest'is my motto.
I have jumped on the "frugal" bandwagon as well. A few years ago I switched to home care nursing to drastically reduce stress. I'd spent 26 years in ICUs, recovery rooms, and cardiac step down units. I now earn about half of my hospital salary. I don't buy anything I don't really need, like more clothes. I shop at thrift stores. I buy generic brand foods, and much less processed foods. I cook in larger quantities so I have leftovers for work. I use coupons and shop different grocery stores for sales. If I find a great deal on essentials, like TP and paper towels, I buy in bulk. All this effort for less stress is definitely worth it!!!
OHNBJL
59 Posts
I also pack my lunch and very rarely eat out. Cook at home and freeze meals for later. I sew my scrubs. (And my daughters). Susie Orman gives great, practical, and easy to comprehend advice. Put my daughter through college debt free with a 529 that was started when She was born. I have also made investing my 'hobby'. Started as a curiousity and has paid off very well after 35 years. Being a nurse is a very worthwhile occupation, both emotionally and financially. I'm still working!!But being financially astute is a skill needed for life. 'Investigate before you invest'is my motto.