Cheap Philosophy

The words “cheap” and “generous” don’t have to be mutually exclusive.  When you’re living on an artist’s wage, the only way to be generous is also to be cheap.  Be cheap often enough, and in the right ways, and you can afford to be generous to your friends, family, organizations you believe in, and yourself.

Look here…

HOW I STARTED BEING CHEAP

First, I was cheap because I was poor, and there was no choice.  Think $20,000/yr poor, and trying to live in Chicago.  Yeah, I became the genius of cheap. 

Then, two years ago, I started making a less-poor wage of $35,000.  This was a huge change.  Although I was still paying for private health insurance, I could afford not to scrimp… ever! 

This year, same wage, but health insurance was provided by my company.  Again, it made a big difference.  I stopped thinking about getting good deals.  I shopped at an expensive, local grocer!  I took cabs whenever I wanted!  I bought DESIGNER jeans!  (Okay, one pair, but still.) 

That’s when I noticed that real estate had gotten cheap… but I had stopped!  Seeing that a home could be within my grasp, I reverted to my old, cheap habits, and picked up a few more.  I’m going to share all my tricks and detective work with you, so you can be cheap too… but without all the work.