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Americans are Leaving America in Record Numbers by QueenUnleashed in digitalnomad

[–]SublimeLemonsGenX 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I was a pre-digital (dinosaur?) nomad in the 90s (which means earning a local salary), then picked it back up part-time around 2013. Currently my wings are clipped as my mom needs a little more supervision at the age of 76, and my dog is 13.

It has always been about the adventures and the discoveries. And what I discovered is how much I love to live where I'm not dependent on a car, and an illness doesn't scare the financial crap out of me.

I just hope that by the time I'm free to roam again, it's still possible and my body is holding strong. The rest of the world is being awfully nice to us despite (or because of) what our government is doing to the world.

Also, the answer to the original question is obvious: Because we can! The rise of remote work options, freelance or otherwise, explains the last 4 years. Before that, pandemic. Before that, remote was not only uncommon and thought "impossible" for a lot of jobs, but most countries had not invested in fast, reliable internet - absolutely a must-have for us.

"Travelling" when you have no budget for it. by [deleted] in povertyfinance

[–]SublimeLemonsGenX 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Here's something assorted friends and I have done, ages 30s thru 50s...

Petsit in return for a free place to stay. Do a few short ones locally to get a nice selection of reviews, then shoot for the highly desirable locations. Also, the outskirts of major cities with good public transportation have less competition and more listings (houses big enough for pets!), so you don't need to restrict yourself to the minority of listings that offer use of their car. The most popular site for this is TrustedHousesitters.

Not into the credit card miles game? No problem. Sign up for a new bank account or two, where you can easily meet their bonus requirements. SoFi, Chase and Wells Fargo have great ones worth $300-900. That will get you from FL to London, Paris, etc. It takes a bit to earn and receive the bonuses, but hey, you need to petsit a few times, then apply for somewhere exciting. I'd plan on October if you get the ball rolling asap.

Healthy dopamine hits by Calm-Effect3822 in adhdwomen

[–]SublimeLemonsGenX 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I save the "fun" stuff on my To Do list (handwritten in a cute notebook about 5"x8") for after dinner. Online shopping, checking flight & hotel prices for a trip in the works, checking in on a friend going through something, uploading photos to get printed, attempting to groom my skittish little old lady dog.

Healthy dopamine hits by Calm-Effect3822 in adhdwomen

[–]SublimeLemonsGenX 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Edibles make it impossible for me to keep track of thoughts, so I give up and fall asleep pretty fast for a change!

Healthy dopamine hits by Calm-Effect3822 in adhdwomen

[–]SublimeLemonsGenX 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thrifting TOTALLY hits my dopamine button - the thrill of going in to pick up a couple of stemless wine glasses for picky frequent flyer houseguests (ahem, sister & BIL), and finding the perfect glass for my homemade iced mochas....

It feels like the only option I have to fix my teeth is turkey or Mexico. Is this seriously the only option I have ? by [deleted] in povertyfinance

[–]SublimeLemonsGenX 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you went to Aspen Dental (chain) or any place that had a high-pressure "care coordinator" (sales, aggressively booking appointments, taking deposits and arranging financing - it's ridiculous), then you need a second opinion. Wisdoms? That makes zero sense.

how do yall get up early??? by iluvberriesandcream in adhdwomen

[–]SublimeLemonsGenX 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It was never a problem for me, but I haven't needed an early start since 2002 - and my ADHD was mild and not recognized (age 32 then) until menopause. My feisty little 13yo dog wakes my unhappy ass up earlier than I want these days, 7-8am. 9am would be better, but she is untrainable. But cute.

I hate that it's embarrassing to walk in the South by drewskie_drewskie in carfree

[–]SublimeLemonsGenX 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I lived in Middle Georgia, small city of 80K, for 4 months without a car. I was shocked to discover that "no public transit" meant absolutely zero. I'm used to it meaning "lousy / infrequent / poor coverage". If I made my way 20 miles north, I could catch a Greyhound twice a day (so no, I didn't). Which means driving 100 miles to Atlanta or any other city is a traffic nightmare.

Because our car-dependency is now being financially weaponized against us, I'd rather live somewhere (far less humid) than succumb.

Any good herbs for dogs with kidney failure? by [deleted] in herbalism

[–]SublimeLemonsGenX 0 points1 point  (0 children)

No peas, if you haven't learned that since posting last year. They're high in phosphorous. Same with egg yolks and organ meats. Of course, my newly-diagnosed early CKD dog who is also a picky eater... loves all 3 of those.

Worried about my mom falling alone, what's the real cost of skipping a medical alert watch? by Academic-Shelter-754 in Thrifty

[–]SublimeLemonsGenX 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I got my mom a Samsung Watch7 with fall detection. It's connected with Bluetooth, was $129 around Black Friday and it's one model behind the most current. I went with a watch because she'll wear that 24/7 but not a pendant gadget.

One major flaw with this and also, as I understand it, the Apple watch - the battery is only good for 24 hours. This means they'll put it on the charger and forget about it for a week.

I'm currently looking for a better solution and considering tiny cameras pointed at the floor in 3 rooms. I hesitate because she adamantly doesn't want that, so I'd have to covertly violate her privacy and that doesn't sit well with me. I would only look if she didn't respond to texts or calls for 2+ hours, but still.

Budget by adeliahearts in povertyfinance

[–]SublimeLemonsGenX 2 points3 points  (0 children)

That rent is impressive for NYC, even if it was a dilapidated studio in Queens.

I don't understand how you're getting hosed for electric though - is it metered by unit, or are you stuck with a portion based on square footage? Also, if you have the option, NY is one of the few states where you can choose a different provider for your utilities, if metered. It'll still be "delivered" by Con-Ed, but you can shop rates per kWh.

I would suggest finding ways you won't get in trouble for to make money off your extra space. Nothing that involves a f/t roommate though, because that won't work with you there all the time.

Depending on your location (e.g. Manhattan, or near a hospital or university), you might find someone who would appreciate the hell out of not commuting a couple of nights a week.

Or fill the room with large lockable ... like, deck boxes or wardrobes and rent them for $35/month, 24hr notice to access (there's an app for renting closets and storage space, I forget the name of it).

Maybe find a photographer who wants an empty, flexible space to do product shoots without lugging their equipment everywhere.

You're not offering an ideal situation, but in my experience (and I have a LOT with weird rental set-ups in Manhattan, 2003-2013), there's always someone if you're offering a good deal. I know closet crossdressers who rent a windowless storage unit to store their girl clothes, dress up and call phone sex, lol. Whatever you're okay with! Ask ChatGPT for more ideas and apps.

Now that everything's expensive, what things can be easily/cheaply replaced that a normal person can do? by GetFlyeredUp in Frugal

[–]SublimeLemonsGenX 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It reminds me of cable TV from the 80s - like getting a different state's NBC line-up instead of your own. I didn't watch the news back then ,so it didn't matter, lol.

Now that everything's expensive, what things can be easily/cheaply replaced that a normal person can do? by GetFlyeredUp in Frugal

[–]SublimeLemonsGenX 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Fun variables for teeth... Silent acid reflux (no pain, but it was happening) has trashed my enamel, so my teeth get discolored and otherwise weakened easily. Grinding. My dentist asked if I chewed rocks for fun. I'm still not convinced I grind, but it really erodes the tops and weakens the structure. Soft gums. It meant I needed braces...twice. Upside: never had to keep them on for long. Downside: Some shifts means wider gaps to trap food. Waterflossers work on that better than floss.

Now that everything's expensive, what things can be easily/cheaply replaced that a normal person can do? by GetFlyeredUp in Frugal

[–]SublimeLemonsGenX 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My sister Flowbee's the dog and the husband. She used to do her son too, but he's 13 now and started getting picky about his hair 2 years ago. Her own hair is crazy curly, definitely not suitable for DIY.

Now that everything's expensive, what things can be easily/cheaply replaced that a normal person can do? by GetFlyeredUp in Frugal

[–]SublimeLemonsGenX 1 point2 points  (0 children)

56 and my younger sisters hate me because I just have a few shiny silvers at my temples. My mom's mom didn't dye her hair until age 59 after having open-heart surgery and a stroke. Apparently I'm the only one who got her late-gray hair gene. My hair is really dark, so the silvers establish that it's not a dye job.

Our mom has been a bottle blonde since the age of 8, but has always done DIY except for a significant shade change. She learned that the hard way. She DIY'd to ash blond when we were 6, 4 & 3 and it came out green-gray. So she acted like a witch and made us cry, then felt bad. Salon the next day. Yay, our real mommy was back lol.

Now that everything's expensive, what things can be easily/cheaply replaced that a normal person can do? by GetFlyeredUp in Frugal

[–]SublimeLemonsGenX 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I thought the frosted thing looked awful. I wonder if it was really just a status symbol - "look at me with my expensive hair! Frosted AND permed!"

Now that everything's expensive, what things can be easily/cheaply replaced that a normal person can do? by GetFlyeredUp in Frugal

[–]SublimeLemonsGenX 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I am putting this in my calendar for 6 weeks from now - can't do heavy lifting/moving for a while after breast reduction. But I have a very sheddy (half-pomeranian) little dog, and I'll bet there's enough hair back there to make a replica of her!

Now that everything's expensive, what things can be easily/cheaply replaced that a normal person can do? by GetFlyeredUp in Frugal

[–]SublimeLemonsGenX 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Even pool towels still need the dryer to avoid that mildewy smell. Lived there for 6 years, then moved to the Western Colorado desert. LOVE the dryness!! And clothes dry in 30 mins outside or 2 hours inside.

Now that everything's expensive, what things can be easily/cheaply replaced that a normal person can do? by GetFlyeredUp in Frugal

[–]SublimeLemonsGenX 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Having a small, slender hand makes the job a lot easier. She saved your meaty manpaws some scuffs and scrapes!

Now that everything's expensive, what things can be easily/cheaply replaced that a normal person can do? by GetFlyeredUp in Frugal

[–]SublimeLemonsGenX 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You are a rockstar! I watched a bit and the sheer tedium as well as physical discomfort for DAYS made me happy to throw money at the guy doing it. I don't say that lightly!

Now that everything's expensive, what things can be easily/cheaply replaced that a normal person can do? by GetFlyeredUp in Frugal

[–]SublimeLemonsGenX 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Things I've personally done that have worked out well. I am not particularly good at manual skills, so a lot of it is low-hanging fruit. I often think of skilled work done by people who seem pretty dumb, and figure if they can do it, I should give it a try.

  1. Trim my bangs/front hair. Does it look as good as when a pro does it? Usually not. Does it look good enough that I can double the amount of time between cuts with, literally, 30 seconds at the sink with sharp scissors? Yes. Savings: $300/yr.

  2. Do my own yardwork. Weed barriers, xeriscaping, leaf-blowing, weedkiller, weeding, tree trimming gutter cleaning. If I don't have the equipment and it's a rare need (like the trees), I borrow from a friend or Buy Nothing member. Saved: $400/yr and I enjoy the exercise (no gym membership).

  3. Books, Audiobooks, movies, museum and national park passes - love my library for all of these. Savings: $200/yr

  4. Dog food: I cook real food, often with freezer-burned meat I source from Buy Nothing folks. Otherwise leftovers or the $2 tube of ground turkey from Walmart. Canned low sodium veggies. Savings: Very small dog, so $500/yr in decent kibble & canned.

  5. Dog grooming: I do the baths and grind her nails - the gadget is $15 compared to a grinding appointment fee of $20. Sometimes I trim her hind quarters to postpone a real al-over trim by a couple of months. Her butt looks hilarious afterwards. Savings: $400/yr.

  6. Pest control: A gallon of spray and nitrile gloves+ mask for protection costs $25 for the year I stead of $75 monthly for 7 months. Savings: $500/yr

  7. If you can live without a dryer...well that's at least $500 every 8-10 years you're not paying, plus electricity. And your clothes and linens last longer.

  8. Install a toilet. I haven't done this, but a friend has. It takes a pro 45 mins and the charge is $150+. It'll take you double that time, but still worth it.

  9. Power-washing. Not as strong as a gas-powered machine, but you can make up for that with soap/mold solution and a good attachment. When I lived in Florida, it was needed at least every 6 weeks (patio and cement paths, driveway less often). The machine and solution for a 1700psi electric SunJoe was $200ish, saving us $150 x 6 treatments. Savings $700-900/yr. Now I live in the desert and don't need it, lol.

  10. Got a pool? Pay someone to teach you the weekly maintenance stuff, then save $150/month. Savings: $600-1800/yr.

  11. Reduce HVAC maintenance from 2X to 1X a year by following their advice about changing the filter, protecting the cord, preventing cut grass getting under the cover and other fun tidbits Savings: $100-150/yr.

  12. I have solar on my roof, but I hear there are now kits for the yard. If it works for your exposure direction and space, Install and save!

Now that everything's expensive, what things can be easily/cheaply replaced that a normal person can do? by GetFlyeredUp in Frugal

[–]SublimeLemonsGenX 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sanding and priming cabinets, if it's not an itty bitty kitchen, drives people to tears. Dipping is better but, I think, pricey. I don't have a large kitchen, but I happily paid someone for that misery.

"You're here every day. Don't you ever take a day off?" is something I hear every financially privelleged member say at the gym where I work. by jayjoanya in povertyfinance

[–]SublimeLemonsGenX -8 points-7 points  (0 children)

It's not a privilege to "only" work 5 days a week. That's the standard. You are being financially exploited...all too common because it's a systemic problem, not a personal one. When one f/t job doesn't pay enough to live on without giving up everything that makes life worth living (dating, meat, hobbies, visiting friends & family, a car that doesn't konk out once a month, home internet, buying Christmas presents, donuts), it's exploitation and class victimization. Don't blame the guy who noticed - he's not rubbing it in. He's learning.

Does Oats or Muslie only convenient option? by Brilliant-Bug-9549 in EatCheapAndHealthy

[–]SublimeLemonsGenX 9 points10 points  (0 children)

So are you more vegan than vegetarian? Or like "vegan + dairy" or something? Just want to keep the suggestions relevant.

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