(Quick) Changes I’ve Made Since Getting Laid-Off
Action may not always bring happiness; but there is no happiness without action. Benjamin Disraeli
I’m the kind of person who doesn’t feel (at all) guilty about eating bon-bons while soaking in the tub, literary posh in one hand and Chianti in the other. Laziness, in my opinion, is required for a life worth living. But the day I was laid-off was not an appropriate time for bubbles and chocolate. Despite the four-month warning I’d been given, despite how emotionally drained I was, and despite having no idea what my Plan of Action would be, I made immediate changes to my finances. And to habits that require money.
Although my lifestyle and priorities are different from yours, I wanted to share these changes anyway. And if you have ideas for living on the cheap, don’t hesitate in sharing them with me! I’m determined to become Madam Sunny ~ Master of living elegantly & happily on barely any moolah.
1. I put Netflix on hold. This was tough because I have an emotional attachment to my queue list, but instead of canceling it outright, I used their option of placing my account “on hold”, which can be done for a maximum of 3 months.
2. I visited my barista and told her she wouldn’t be seeing me for a while. I love my barista. Her personality is a better wake-up device than espresso. I stopped by and let her know that I wasn’t abandoning her, but wouldn’t be around as often. I’ve since cut out fancy coffees during the week. I’ve found an excellent substitute (Sunny can live without fancy coffee, but not without any coffee!) for my summertime iced coffees. I use a Melitta single-serve coffee maker – it’s RED, which further sweetens the setup. It sits on top of my 16 ounce mug, which I fill half-way with double-strength coffee. I allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes as the heat blows off, and then fill the rest of the cup with ice. Perfecto!
3. I reset my A/C and purchased a box fax. I love A/C. It’s one of those luxuries that I consider a necessity. My tolerance for heat has lessened after my years in Florida, but even so I increased the temperature in my apartment and purchased a box fan for $10. I’m still chillin’, just at a lower cost.
4. I researched good wines under $8. The soon-to-be unemployed need the luxury of intoxication. I’ve got a list of wines under $8 that are reportedly decent. I’ve already found an ally in Barefoot’s $6 red zin.
5. I made a list of extremely cheap eats to make at home. Since I don’t cook, it’s not a complicated list. On it I have different forms of the peanut butter sandwich, pita pizzas, chips & salsa.
6. I electronically bookmarked the weekly ad for my grocery store, so I can plan ahead on how I’m going to feed myself with only a little bit o’ money.
7. I filled out an application for refinancing my car at the credit union, where the rates are cheaper. Hopefully it’ll save me on my monthly car payment.
8. I paid the remaining balance on my car insurance. There wasn’t a large amount left and paying it now saved me $15 in transaction fees that are normally added in with the smaller monthly payments.
9. I needed an oil change for Eddie. I found an online coupon at the dealership that reduces the cost to less than the Quickie Lube.
10. I listed my digital camera, hiking gear, and a few other valuables on eBay. Although not entirely necessary at this point, I feel better liquidating stuff sooner rather than later. And it’s not as awful as it sounds. I have a 8 MP digital camera in my Android phone, and I still have the ability to go hiking. Life hasn’t lost its meaning, just some of its accessories 
.
11. Using yelp.com, I created a list of cafes that are located within 5 miles of my apartment. I can drink my Saturday & Sunday cappuccinos while using free Wi-Fi, but burn less gas (a.k.a. money) doing so. I tend to drive around like a gypsy (perhaps my worst remaining complication to my otherwise minimalist existence) and need to chop down my gas expenditures.
12. I created a list of cheaper living arrangements if I should need to move before my lease is over, either because it’s too expensive for my next income level or too far a commute. I can break my lease for the tune of $1,500 + 30 days’ notice. It’s impossible to know which will be better - to stay or to go – but I’ve already got some ideas ready. There are roommate and sublet options listed on craigslist and inexpensive studios downtown.
As a minimalist these past three years, I’d already simplified my finances. No cable TV or Internet. No gym membership. No contracts that require sweating over, except my apartment lease. When I sat down with my monthly budget, I wasn’t nearly as overwhelmed as I expected. No difficult phone calls to make or panic buttons to press. For now I’m doing all that I can do. I’m cutting back and changing my expectations. I’m having fun, too, as I learn to blend frugality with contentment.
What a great list! Thanks for sharing~sarah
sarah
August 8, 2011 at 9:59 am
@ Sarah – You’re welcome!
SimplicityBySunny
August 11, 2011 at 8:53 am
It seems like you are off to a great start! I have learned that cutting a bunch of small expenses (ie your barrista visits) adds up to more and sometimes quicker than trying to cut a big expense (ie rent: because it sometimes costs even more at least initially – moving costs etc.). Hang in there!
Pam
August 8, 2011 at 10:13 am
@ Pam – I completely agree. The little expenditures that I normally don’t give much thought to have already provided a nice little cushion. Which makes me sad to think of how much I’ve spent on lattes through my life… But, c’est la vie!
Regarding the apartment, you’re also right. I wouldn’t have to move furniture (crazy minimalist that I am) but there’s the break lease fee, the deposit on whatever new apartment I move into, etc. At this point, I’m just hanging in there until I have a better idea of what will happen next. Thanks for the great comment!
SimplicityBySunny
August 11, 2011 at 9:05 am
Sunny!!!
New post…you made my day (either you are awesome or I need a life. All of the above is the most probable, hehe.)
That is a wonderful list, because we seem to both have a weakness for coffee and wine. I like how you are keeping these things, just changed them up a bit. Blending frugality with contentment, I like that
I’m not sure if you have ever visited this blog: http://annienygma.com/ She has some great ideas about cutting costs. Sounds like you already know what you are doing though!
izzy
August 8, 2011 at 11:25 am
@ izzy – Hm… I say I’m just awesome
Lives are meant to be lived via blogs a lil’ bit, at any rate.
I’m treating this lay-off as an education in many things. Blending frugality with contentment is one lesson. If I can learn how to be exceptionally frugal AND content, this means I can save more money even when I’m earning a comfortable income again. I can save more, thus have more options and opportunities to persue the things that matter to me – like travel, writing, and hiking.
Thank you for Annie’s blog link! I do not know what I’m doing and I’m searching for ideas. I’ve already taken a peek at Annie’s site and like what I see. After all, she did write: “I insisted upon living below my means. / I reduced the amount of stuff I need to have around me. / I realized that stuff doesn’t buy happiness.”
SimplicityBySunny
August 11, 2011 at 9:11 am
Heya Sunny,
It also makes my day when I see a new post from you! Sorry to hear you lost your job; perhaps it will turn into an opportunity to work towards something you really enjoy?
As a fellow lover of wine, one “cheap” habit I’ve maintained since undergrad is purchasing wine by the box. It really isnt bad at all! Sure, you dont get the satisfaction of uncorking the bottle, but out here in PA atleast, I can get Barefoot Wine by the 3 liter at under $20 a box. Which, if my math is corrects, adds up to almost 12-6 oz glasses of wine. And honestly, I can’t taste the difference at all. It’s super eco-friendly, you can still share aplenty with your houseguests without feeling stressed about $$, and it’s like an endless supply of deliciousness! Which can be a good thing or bad thing, depending on your restraint
Allison
August 8, 2011 at 7:11 pm
@ Allison – I am, indeed, searching for meaning from this experience, including a new work/career path that will bring me greater satisfaction. The past four years, work-wise, has been stressful and frustrating. There’s a sense of relief in having to let it all go. It’s not easy, but the relief is appreciated.
YES!!!! Boxed wines are amazing. They’ve come a LONG way since they were first introduced. Last Christmas I received a box of shiraz – the label I can’t remember – and was impressed. Another advantage of these boxed wines is that they last much longer because they “seal” back up when you close the spout. The box I had lasted me over three weeks – and you can’t get that from a bottle. I recently found Big House Red in a 3L box for $18.49 (!). That was after I purchased (2) 1.5L of Barefoot Zin for $13.
I have no restraint…
SimplicityBySunny
August 11, 2011 at 9:18 am
Here is an easy recipe:
8 ounces of pasta (I prefer angle hair)
12 ounces of frozen veggies (brocolli, cauliflower, carrots)
Italian dressing (red pepper garlic or your fav)
Cook the pasta. Place the veggies in the colander. Drain the pasta over the veggies. Toss with dressing. Serve with a sprinkle of parmasen cheese.
There is plenty to share or for two meals.
I would also recommend Cafe Bustelo. If you can find it in your area, it is an excellent espresso, even as a drip. Rivals the corner offerings every day.
Thank you for sharing your process.
Zaftig Diva
August 9, 2011 at 2:25 am
@ Zaftig – Yum! This is actually something I’m capable of making – thanks so much for sharing it. I’ve not heard of Cafe Bustelo, but I’ve got it on my list of “things to look for & things to try”.
SimplicityBySunny
August 11, 2011 at 9:20 am
This sounds really yummy and easy! You could also drain a can of your favorite beans (mine’s black) and leave them in the strainer when you drain the pasta to warm them up. This adds protein and stretches the meal quite a bit.
I need to try this soon!
Best of luck to you, Sunny. I have been following your blog for a long time, but I don’t think I’ve ever commented. I love your writing style and your outlook on life. Looking forward to your book (once I get myself a Kindle, of course)!
Cath
October 20, 2011 at 7:38 pm
@ Cath – Excellent idea! Black beans are my favorite, too. Thank you for the compliment & I’m glad you finally commented
SimplicityBySunny
November 15, 2011 at 9:18 am
Can I offer that you take all the moola that you will be saving in the next 4 months with your cutbacks and put it into a savings account so you have an emergency fund, it will add an extra level of security. I like “frugalbabe.com” for more money saving tips and advise.
kimberly
August 9, 2011 at 12:32 pm
@ kimberly – Thanks for the advice! I’m stuffing everything away in savings right now, because I don’t know what’s ahead and I prefer to be safe rather than sorry. I like frugalbabe, too – great site.
SimplicityBySunny
August 11, 2011 at 9:21 am
You’re amazing. Great list already completed. I’m sure something awesome will come your way. Barefoot wine isn’t bad for the price. I like the Zin as well. Little Penguin is good too or for a light slightly bubbly white wine try Gazela Vino Verde. Its $7 here.
Bree
August 11, 2011 at 6:59 am
@ Bree – I’ve seen Little Penguin, but wasn’t sure if it was worth a try. Now I know that it is – thank you!
SimplicityBySunny
August 11, 2011 at 9:31 am
Sunny,
I read several blogs but yours is my favorite. You will survive this bump in the road. I have learned from personal experience that this is most certainly true. Your upbeat attitude makes all the difference.
Please keep writing your posts.
Nancy in northern Wisconsin
Nancy Swanson
August 13, 2011 at 9:32 am
@ Nancy – I only now realized that your comment was lost among my Comment folder. I’m so sorry! I’m so happy to have discovered a fellow Wisconsinite on my blog – you’ve made my day.
Bumps in the road make the ride MUCH more interesting. I’ll surely continue writing and hope that you’ll continue reading.
SimplicityBySunny
November 21, 2011 at 5:28 pm
Living in an apt., I don’t know if you have any control over your refrigerator, but not only is a/c a power hog, so are old refrigerators. I replaced our 30+ year old refrigerator last year with a new energy efficient model, and it has cut our electric bill by $20 a month. I never realized how much power the old one was sucking up. The new one will pay for itself within the next seven or eight months in energy savings alone.
Mike Zumhagen
August 13, 2011 at 9:41 am
@ Mike – I’m not able to change the actual appliances, but after reading your comment, I remembered to vacuum the coils and that seems to be helping. Thanks for the tip!
SimplicityBySunny
August 31, 2011 at 7:03 am
In line with Mike’s comment above about the frig—if springing for an efficient refrigerator isn’t in the budget (guessing it isn’t
)—here is something cheap that improves efficiency. Is your frig full? Not wall to wall top to bottom packed, but about 75-80% full, with some space around items for air circulation? If not, you can fill the space just be stashing containers of water. If the freezer is half empty, put a gallon jug, or two, of water in it.
Once the water chills/freezes, it makes it easier for the frig to maintain its temperature.
maloyo
August 14, 2011 at 9:46 am
@ maloyo – No, indeed my fridge is NEVER full! The only consistent thing in there is my Brita filter. I’ll have get some water jugs in there – excellent idea. You guys are so much smarter than me..
SimplicityBySunny
August 31, 2011 at 7:04 am
I was just thinking about you and wanted to see if you are okay…
Carolyn
August 24, 2011 at 5:52 pm
@ Carolyn – Thank you so much for thinking of me. Life here always seems like a crazy adventure, and there’s much for me to write about. Which I promise to do tomorrow or Friday. Three words to summarize the recent chaos: Mr. / Convertible / 3AM
But I’ve also had some less chaotic experiences recently that I’m excited about sharing.
Carolyn, I hope that you, too, are doing well and are experiencing some adventure.
SimplicityBySunny
August 24, 2011 at 8:24 pm
uh-oh, did you call mr convertable for that hug? that would be trouble! and hope you are still working on your book!
kimberly
August 26, 2011 at 11:45 am
@ kimberly – Technically, he called me, so I’m absolved of all guilt
.
SimplicityBySunny
August 31, 2011 at 6:54 am
Just don’t want to have you get your heart broken in addition to all the other pain and struggles going on in your life these days.
Wishing you the best.
Kimberly
kimberly
September 7, 2011 at 11:59 am
@ kimberly – I’m replying to you almost a month later – so sorry! But I happily announce that my heart is not broken, Mr. Convertible continues to drive solo and life is (not perfect), but it continues to amaze me. I can’t wait to update everyone on my recent experiences.
SimplicityBySunny
October 12, 2011 at 10:46 am
Thanks for mentioning the Netflix hold- I’ve been insanely busy recently and not in the mood for movies. Having the DVD staring at me was just one more thing I didn’t want to deal with.
Aurora
September 21, 2011 at 8:13 am
@ Aurora – Crazy, isn’t it, that the things that are supposed to relax us – make us melt into the couch with chocolate – becomes only another item on our “to do” list? I hope you had good luck with the Hold option. I actually cancelled my membership this month! Three months later I realized I didn’t “need” this luxury. (Mostly because I discovered the Amazon Unbox – beware of this technological temptress….)
SimplicityBySunny
October 12, 2011 at 10:08 am