Desperate times call for desperate measures and nothing brings out desperation like debt so if all of your pay is keeping your possessions from re-possession, maybe a few tips on how to legally be as desperate as you can be. I won’t advocate stealing or fixing sports games but sometimes you have to be inventive about saving and making money to push your dollar as far as it can possibly go. Don’t read on if you value your dignity above your financial status.
Dine and Dash
Oh yes, it’s deplorable but I’ve been to restaurants that don’t have prices on the menus, they have a relaxed vibe and average food so you assume the bill will be manageable. When it’s not you wish you could just leave because it wasn’t worth coming out. The dine and dash is an art form however and should not be performed lazily. Waiters are trained to catch people slinking away from the check so make it untouchable.
Tip: Start a loud and emotional fight, about anything, sex, marriage, and money are the most popular among the people I’ve seen act this out. The lady storms moodily from the restaurant and her dining partner desperately follows her, both sprint when they hit the street. Don’t ever do it at the same restaurant, and if your friends want to give it a go, give the restaurant a break for at least three months and change the routine. The flaw of this plan is that staff don’t forget it.
You should always be prepared to pay full price and a tip, in case you can’t pull it off.
Verge Collecting
What people throw out for trash collection constantly surprises me, and I’m guilty of a sharp brake to pop out and load up my car with a real beauty. The best thing about these things is you don’t stress if they break or get drawn all over by the kids. I’ve known people who live only on things other people throw out and with the rich upgrading there’s no reason the more cash-strapped can’t benefit from last year’s models that are cast aside.
Tip: Grab the ugly clothes and damaged chairs, make seat covers from the dresses. Other people’s trash can be your DIY triumph and the best cubby that the kids will ever have.
