WOMEN RELATE CREATIVE WAYS TO SURVIVE THE RECESSION
Donna Hussey-Whyte
Monday, March 16, 2009
SINCE Jamaicans started to feel the pinch of the recession, many women have been forced to try to find creative ways to juggle the dollar and cut back on things once considered necessities. All Woman spoke with two who told just how they are juggling to stay afloat while the economy continues on its downward spiral.
Althea Gazzader, administrator:
Gazzader had her salary cut by 25 per cent months ago and now takes home $39,000 per month. She spoke freely of her juggling strategies.
"I have two children, one in college and one in primary school. Between them they get $1,000 per day, that works out to $20,000 per month. That figure is set and cannot be touched, so I am left with $19,000 to work with," she said.
Her juggling skills:
. I cut cable completely, that saves me $2,000 per month. Now I buy $100 DVDs and watch those for entertainment. I also watch more local programmes. I love to read, and so I buy second-hand books for $200 and then trade them back.
. I used to pool together with some of my friends and go to the North Coast once in a while, I can't afford that anymore. Now I buy myself a Guinness now and then, or mix Kool Aid with rum and enjoy these at home.
. I have to get creative with my meal plan. Now I eat and buy things that are in season. This way they are bound to be cheaper. Whatever I cook the evening before, I take to work the following day for lunch.
. Instead of buying new clothes, I recycle the old ones and mix and match, giving myself a fresh look. I also ensure that I buy sensible shoes for everyday wear and save the fashionable ones for special days.
. Instead of paying $3,000 to $3,500 for my hair each month, I now do it myself, even the colouring! I do my own mani-pedi and even shave my own eyebrows. I do my own skin care with home ingredients, everything! No one can tell I am not living on a full salary!
. Instead of paying someone to cut my yard, I ask a family member to do it, or try to do it myself when no one is available.
. I iron once per week, wash once per week, plug out all appliances when not in use and recycle water for my plants.
Karen Johnson, Government worker:
. I cook my dinner in the mornings and take it to work for my lunch everyday. In the evenings when I get home I have my 'breakfast' and maybe crackers and juice. Once upon a time I was the only one at the office taking lunch to work. Now when you look into the fridge, it is full of lunch containers!
. Even though my kids are teenagers, I still make lunch for them to take to school. They understand so they don't mind.
. I buy a dozen juices from the juice truck every week. When I buy a box of orange juice at the supermarket I pay $70. When I buy it from the truck I pay $29 each for the box ones and $35 for the plastic bottles.
. Every Friday I buy two breads from the van for $150 each. At the supermarket it's $185 or $195 depending on where you shop. What I do is keep one in the freezer then take it out and put it at the bottom of the fridge and either toast or microwave it so it is fresh again.
. I buy chickens from persons selling in bulk in the market, so I get it for $100 per pound. In the supermarket it's for $135 or $145. And the market will also give you some brawta unlike in the supermarkets.
. Some schools have gardens, and because of where I work, they take it to us whenever they have surplus. So I get it cheaper than elsewhere.
Other juggling ideas
. Pool together with at least three persons and shop in bulk. Items cost less when they are bought in bulk.
. Cut back on the amount of times you cook per week. Instead, cook in bulk, then refrigerate the next day's portion. This will save you gas, money and time.
.Find out if your child's school or a school nearby has a garden and purchase ground provisions from them.
SitemapIndex
RSS Feed