#might even check out Sweden as an option - but pay there is generally worse

[ifindus]

since you are no longer a student (or graduate soon, I believe?) what are your plans for the future

Yes, I graduated in early December! For now I’m just applying to jobs while trying to get a drivers licence ✌🏻 probably also taking some temporary small jobs in my hometown too while waiting on an offer. Aaaaaand might start doing commissions very soon ✨

[talestales-art]

Here’s a list of where you can get cheap options and second hand things, as well as some tips and tricks to survive.

• Local second hand shops (there’s usually multiple in the same area)

• “Last chance” “Clearance” bins/shelves

• Facebook marketplace

• Usually countries have multiple different National second hand websites, to find these Google something random like “Second hand bed” or “second hand white dress” and most of the websites will pop up, make a list. In Sweden there’s Plick, Blocket and Sellpy to name a few.

• If there’s a service to sign up for student/youth discounts, sign up immediately. You might never find something you can use or you may find multiple.

• If you use something often, like public transport, check if there’s different apps (prices may vary) or if there’s youth/student sales. Buying tickets online is cheaper than on the commute/station. Don’t jump/sneak on the commute if it’s not a busy day or rural, they will almost always check tickets.

• Become a member of grocery store sales and some clothing stores (usually you can do this in the stores and online) you will often find many very generous sales or few but massive sales only for members.

• There are apps that keep track of the country/region/state’s sales in stores so you can get the best possible deals. Usually in the “food and drink” option of apps.

• Sometimes there are organisations to reduce food waste that sell food that is still good for a cheap price (but it may expire sooner than it does when directly from stores)

• Lettuce and garnishes is super easy to grow from home, other people know this better than me so it’s best to look it up

• If you have bad object permanence/memory problems/procrastinate a lot/kitchen anxiety you’re usually better off buying something pre-made (like pasta sauce) than making it yourself. Yes “I can just make a lot at once to save money” but that will work three times. The cost of all the ingredients, many of which will probably expire before you realise it will end up being much more than you expect, and if you’re not good at cooking the result may be worse than store bought. Not to mention at 18 you’re probably a student, working/looking for work and you’re just recently started to take care of yourself alone, you won’t have as much time for food as you’d like.

• If you *need* caffeine it’s worth learning to like coffee

• When it comes to food brands, snacks and drinks never go for name brand unless it’s on sale, but especially never go for the fancy brands, they’re more expensive and the taste is usually acquired, it adds up quickly. A Coca Cola is better but more expensive than the grocery store brand but worse than the “Fancy brand coke”

• Buy in bulk, especially on sales, small things add upp quickly. A pack of 6 red bulls is 6$? They’re 1$ each compared to 2$ when you buy them by themselves. Only do this for products you know you like and will consume.

• Apps apps apps apps and email lists. You’ll find plenty of job offers and sales. I’m talking McDonald’s, grocery store email list, self scan apps, the mall in the closest city etc.

• Having cravings but little money and not that hungry? Wait til the store closes, now it’s too late to buy anything, wait til morning and you’re actually properly hungry and you’ll actually be satisfied.

• AVOID BREAKING LAWS! You’ll be fined or get jail time, if not it will probably be on your record and finding a job will be more difficult. It’s tempting to get the cheap snack at the grocery store chain, but don’t risk it. Even an eyeliner can get you messed up for a year. If you have to steal definitely don’t use self check out stores and pay for one when you’re getting 2-3. Only in emergencies, I’m talking “you won’t have food this week otherwise” emergency.

• Many local places are always hiring even if they haven’t stated it publically. Schools, kindergarten, second hand shop, library etc. If you can drive, congrats you have double the opportunities.

• YOUR FOOD IS YOUR NUMBER ONE PRIORITY, BILLS ARE SECOND. Do not miss your bills too much, especially not government bills, you WILL get fucked and less likely to get an apartment later.

• DO NOT LOSE HOUSING, keep your accommodation to the best of your abilities. You need an adress for a job and bills.

I would like to add YOU NEED TO MAKE A LIST OF KITCHEN THINGS YOU NEED. You WILL forget to get the oven baking paper, you WILL forget to get a second set of utensils and you WILL forget dish soap when you’re at the shop.