Money advice from my mom, a person who has lived through dire poverty, homelessness, and has still managed to raise two kids to adulthood.
Overpay your bills when you can. Ideally try and pay them two months ahead. This gives you better credit, and, if you lose your job or can’t afford it next month it’s one less thing to worry about
Health food stores don’t cover their dumpsters in bleach the same way big stores do. They have more organic food, so the stuff that’s being thrown out is more likely to be moldy, but bags of corn chips and other snacks are more likely to have a longer shelf life
Food support is easier to come by than shelter support. Always put your money towards rent. You can go to the food bank or go by cafes for the pastry case leftovers. This does not exist for housing. Hold onto your house for as long as you can.
Protein is harder to come by than carbs. Food banks are usually full of processed carbs which are good filler foods. Spend the money you can on good protein sources like bags of beans and lentils. Vegetarian protein is cheaper, but keep an eye out for sales.
Go shopping at the end of the night. Cab prices are cheaper for big shops (or if you have a car, less money on idling at streetlights) and everything that’s going to be reduced is marked down at the end of the night. And, if you’ve got little kids there’s a lot less stimulation for them during the quiet hours.
Big bottles of white vinegar are good for cooking and cleaning. And, it’s cheaper than a lot of cleaning supplies.
You can turn the heat off and do a lot of baking in the winter months to save on heating costs, and you have delicious homemade snacks.
Libraries for cookbooks, gardening help, and somewhere fun to take the kids that doesn’t cost money
French onion soup
