I just finished talking to one of my best friends from home about how to cut her credit card debt. Being a graduate student has taught me valuable financial lessons that I'm incredibly grateful for.
My first diagnosis: Quit trying to live the life you were accustomed to at home (unless you plan on moving back home with your parents). Cut internet, cable, and car usage. Move to an apartment within walking distance of your job. Drink cheap beer. Go find a farmer's market. And God, please never go to Starbucks.
I think once young adults accept the fact that they are going to be poor for a length of time, everything else falls into place.
Oddly enough, I usually find that I end up spending considerably more at farmer's markets than I would have in a supermarket. Of course, the quality and freshness are much better at a Farmer's Market - but the prices aren't cheap.
Really? I always found a good combination between a farmer's market and Trader Joes worked out best...atleast when I was in California.
When I moved to Florida, we have a local joint called Wards which is incredible. It's pretty much a farmer's market but open all week. Dirt cheap too. Two weeks worth of groceries cost me about $40.00
I always thought alcohol would be one of the first items to go when trying to cut costs. Do young people generally consider it a necessity rather than a luxury?
How is this really related to the article though? Are you trying to say that the people moving to Portland/etc are burning through cash too quickly because they aren't living cheap enough?
My first diagnosis: Quit trying to live the life you were accustomed to at home (unless you plan on moving back home with your parents). Cut internet, cable, and car usage. Move to an apartment within walking distance of your job. Drink cheap beer. Go find a farmer's market. And God, please never go to Starbucks.
I think once young adults accept the fact that they are going to be poor for a length of time, everything else falls into place.