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 am horrible at saving money so I started using Digit, which you link your checking account to, it analyzes your "trends" with your spending and income, and then squirrels away little increments to a savings account. It usually takes $2-$6 increments from mine. It notifies you completely through text of how much money is in your checking, how much it just took, what you have in your savings, etc.
It's completely free. The only money they make off of it is any interest generated by the account. I don't mind them keeping that as interest rates for savings are pretty low anyway.
We used to have hockey tickets for the Islanders...
Far,
That's the problem right there, fishstick tix. Let's Go Rangers!!!
And staying on topic, we don't go to the garden for games as Rangers tix are way overpriced. We built a Rangerstown den with a big screen, surround sound & comfy seating for the price of 3 games.
That's the problem right there, fishstick tix. Let's Go Rangers!!!
And staying on topic, we don't go to the garden for games as Rangers tix are way overpriced. We built a Rangerstown den with a big screen, surround sound & comfy seating for the price of 3 games.
I'm watching you, Joisey.
The sporting events are a real wallet killer, I agree.
The sporting events are a real wallet killer, I agree.
And concerts/theater performances. You guys don't even want to know what my family paid for third-row Lion King tickets when the traveling Broadway tour came our way a couple of years back... oh boy. That was a once in a lifetime experience and it was worth every penny, though. :)
Most of us can't have it all, so people have to prioritize. For me, I want to travel, retire young and see movies/festivals/shows. That means...
Graduating undergrad debt free (took two jobs and 5.5 years, but I did it!)
No new or expensive cars. I know a nurse who works crazy amounts of overtime and has boasted about having a 70k car and blows money like it is water. I have a six year old car with over 105k miles on it. I plan on keeping it until it breaks down. I estimate that won't happen for another six to eight years.
Picking up cheap hobbies. I like going to the movies, crocheting, reading and writing personally.
Not having so many kids or pets. I am not an animal person, so the amount I see people spend on their pets is insane to me. Also, I hate to say this, but kids are expensive and having four, five, six...could break the bank on even the most frugal couple.
Packing your lunch. I see so many nurses and techs order out on a repeated basis. That adds up quickly. When someone asks me what I want for birthdays and Xmas, I say gift cards to my favorite eat out joints.
Alcohol and smoking. It amazes me when I hear people say they are having a hard time feeding themselves but go out always have money for packs and kegs. Makes no sense!
Getting a job with great benefits and health insurance. Easier said than done, I know. The private hospitals in my area typically pay more but after factoring in my state employer's amazing health insurance, pension plan and vacation, I come out ahead nurses at private hospitals with more years of experience.
Also, nurses don't need lots of shoes and a crazy big wardrobe if they spend three days a week in scrubs. I admit, I like my jewelry. But I have since significantly cut down on clothing expenses. I don't get mani or pedis. My mom relaxes my hair at home (saves LOTS of time and money) and I only go to the spa once or twice a year.
And choose your spouses carefully. Who you choose to marry and procreate with is probably the most important decision you will ever make in your life...make it a good one.
Yes, we all know that struggle buolds character, but I know how poverty feels, and I NEVER want to experience that again. It's not even about the money, it's about the peace of mind and the stability. It's part of a big reason why I went into nursing. Yeah, I know, you can't become rich working as a nurse, but if you don't abuse your finances and you make good decisions, you can make a GREAT living. Thanks for all the great posts and advice, everyone :)
WHen I started living on my own - cut from the Bank of Mom&Dad, I paid for everything cash. I kept my monthly budget in an envelop and I drew my expenses from it. It gave me a good vusualization of how much of my money is going away and how much is left because I could see the envelop getting thinner :-). That way, I disciplined myself to pay for the food and shelter first before anything else. I converted back to credit card when I knew I have developed a good spending habit.
guestng82
86 Posts
I am horrible at saving money so I started using Digit, which you link your checking account to, it analyzes your "trends" with your spending and income, and then squirrels away little increments to a savings account. It usually takes $2-$6 increments from mine. It notifies you completely through text of how much money is in your checking, how much it just took, what you have in your savings, etc.
It's completely free. The only money they make off of it is any interest generated by the account. I don't mind them keeping that as interest rates for savings are pretty low anyway.
Their website:
https://digit.co/about/how-it-works