The Unofficial Kiwi Poorfag Resource Thread - share recipes and resources for your area (both government and personal) here

[Feefee81093]

I've been living off of McDonald's breakfast. You can get a large coffee and sausage biscuit under $5.

 

[12345]

If you have a phone and some free time you can look up things that pay you to do things play games, scan receipts, walk, answer surveys, Some will pay out in digital gift cards, Paypal, venmo, cash app, (Bit Coin if you want to donate to Null) etc. Most are scams but once you start looking you can tell which ones work and which ones are too good to be true. Generally if it looks it, it is. I've only found one that actually pays out (and has the Bit Coin as well.) Is Mistplay* mainly because I'm Canadian and can only do Paypal/Gift cards.

Anything that has goals of "reach level 5, 10, etc", "Play for 20 minutes after midnight." are probably going to pay out.
Anything that promises hundreds of cash and a quick payout with little effort is probably a casino or a scam. (But this is money saving so I wouldn't personally try the casino route as you usually have to out some money in to start.)

It's not going to get you rich, and find yourself needing to buy a toaster it works.

*I couldn't get Bit Coin to work, might be because I'm Canadian, I've had no issues with any other digital gift cards.

 

[glass_houses]

If you have a phone and some free time you can look up things that pay you to do things play games, scan receipts, walk, answer surveys, Some will pay out in digital gift cards, Paypal, venmo, cash app, (Bit Coin if you want to donate to Null) etc. Most are scams but once you start looking you can tell which ones work and which ones are too good to be true. Generally if it looks it, it is. I've only found one that actually pays out (and has the Bit Coin as well.) Is Mistplay* mainly because I'm Canadian and can only do Paypal/Gift cards.

Anything that has goals of "reach level 5, 10, etc", "Play for 20 minutes after midnight." are probably going to pay out.
Anything that promises hundreds of cash and a quick payout with little effort is probably a casino or a scam. (But this is money saving so I wouldn't personally try the casino route as you usually have to out some money in to start.)

It's not going to get you rich, and find yourself needing to buy a toaster it works.

*I couldn't get Bit Coin to work, might be because I'm Canadian, I've had no issues with any other digital gift cards.

I did surveys for about three weeks, then gave up in disgust. I was on the best reviewed survey site available to my country at the time. If I was lucky, I'd make about thirty cents for an hour's worth of work, but what happened with increasing frequency was that at the very end, instead of getting a payout, I'd get a notice saying that I wasn't eligible for the survey, despite the fact that I'd already completed the fucking thing. And if that didn't happen, the site would inextricably 'drop out' instead and I still wouldn't get paid. I was grinding away for five hours every day, and I'd get maybe AU$20 eBay credit for a full week's worth of work. I also had to be scrupulously consistent in my answers; all your answers in every different survey are recorded and compared against each other. Accidentally clicking the wrong button would kick you out of the survey, and too many contradictory answers would get you barred from the site permanently.

These online "earn money doing X!" will have a high initial payout, but the longer you grind away at it, the lower the payout is. Once you factor in the cost of electricity and wear and tear on your device, you are losing a shitload of money for the privilege of giving out all your private information and watching a fuckton of ads.

If you have a lot of time on your hands and just want $20, it's okay for a week or two, but after that you'll be climbing the fucking walls and howling at the moon.

 

[Corydoras]

Anyone here have any tips on how to avoid spending money? It seems depression causes stress eating, so what is something low in calories and cheap but also without wheat in it that can be consumed in that way but not cause substantial weight gain?

+1 for the pan-popped popcorn as a snack.

For not spending money, here's what worked for me:

- Count every transaction. I had an app where I needed to manually enter every receipt and 'bucket' the purchase (groceries, gas etc.). This helps make your spending more tangible.

- Set a very aggressive savings goal and create lots of small budgets for your necessary and discretionary spending. Some people will start with the 'how much can I afford to spend on x' mentality. Do the reverse and create budget buckets that are as small as possible. If you have a budget for 'fun' stuff, keep it below your typical purchase amount so you need to save over weeks to 'afford' it. (IE if you're buying 1 AAA game per week, set your budget to $30 a week so you'll need to 'save up.')

- Go to a gym. The membership price is worth it even if it's expensive IF you go regularly. If you are at the gym, you aren't eating or spending money. Plus if you go frequently enough, the cost per hour of 'entertainment' is pretty great.

- If possible, monetize your hobbies. Even if you don't actually make any money from the hobby, it helps you extend your enjoyment of/engagement with a fun purchase.

So for example, rather than just buying whatever 40k unit you want, save for a week or two to get it. Over those 2 weeks, watch a bunch of painting videos to see if you can improve your technique (adapting them to use the paint you already have.) As you are painting, do some TikTok videos or whatever of your work. Post results to your favorite forum and ask for tips. Congrats you have now doubled or tripled your time with your purchase. (obviously adapt as appropriate to hobby/social sharing platforms of choice.)

 

[Chub Rub]

I made about $150 in three months from a survey site, and then yeah, it started giving me "you're ineligible" after spending 20-30 minutes on one, and the money trickled to nothing.

I created a survey persona though, to make sure my answers stayed consistent while it was working. An ex boyfriend's birthday, the zip code of a house I lived for six months 20 years ago, just an amalgamation of data that I would remember, but that weren't connected to me personally.

 

[GenociderSyo]

I did surveys myself in college they seem to give you nice payout for a few months then stop.

 

[Aunt Carol]

A decade-plus ago, I did Pinecone Research. The (occasional, very long) surveys for $5 were fine, but the fun part was when they'd send pre-production products to try. Most memorably I got Kashi frozen meals in plain white boxes, and once a roll of a new kind of plastic wrap in a paperboard box that was entirely covered with a printed sticker approximating the eventual label design. It was fun.

I've never been a male 18-35 (or whatever the most lucrative market is), but they still had plenty to ask me over the course of years. I ended up skipping some surveys when I went back to school, though, and they stopped sending them to me. Pinecone is srs bsns.

 

[GenociderSyo]

A decade-plus ago, I did Pinecone Research. The (occasional, very long) surveys for $5 were fine, but the fun part was when they'd send pre-production products to try. Most memorably I got Kashi frozen meals in plain white boxes, and once a roll of a new kind of plastic wrap in a paperboard box that was entirely covered with a printed sticker approximating the eventual label design. It was fun.

That was the best i miss the product tests thats what i really enjoyed most research got boring, but a random box of new oatmeal tastes or chai tea, etc. was great.

 

[Aunt Carol]

That was the best i miss the product tests thats what i really enjoyed most research got boring, but a random box of new oatmeal tastes or chai tea, etc. was great.

It was like being a secret agent. TELL NO ONE on STRICT PENALTY about the shipment that arrives in this unmarked box, but test it and tell us if it is yummy and if so, how.

And sometimes they'd ask you to mail the remainder it back so they could scientifically analyze your use of it(?) unless the deal was that they didn't want me to give the remnant to Mr. Slugworth for backwards engineering.

Honestly, I'd be more likely to pay a subscription fee to try out a box of pre-market product prototypes than for a box of random lotions and makeup. But that's for the autistic purchases thread, not the frugal thread.

 

[Triple Flutz]

ProductReportCard isn't bad as far as surveys go, I average like $25 a month just from answering maybe a third of what they send me, but like everyone else is saying, the product tests they have are my favorite. The best one I've gotten was 44 Pampers diapers for $25 a few months ago, but I get plenty of $10 ones for things like paper towels, baby wash, cookies, tea, etc.

 

[soryu2electricboogaloo]

A good chunk of this advice might only be possible in the US.
Getting a library card opens you up to a bunch of pretty good ebook and audiobooks for apps if you're not having much luck with ebook pirating. You also get free Internet at the library. Bookstores also have free Internet with decent speeds and comfortable areas to sit in. I've gotten rid of my home Internet connection because of this.
If you need baby supplies, check local Facebook groups. There's usually people giving garbage bags filled with clothes, toys, strollers, cribs, bottles, etc.
If you work within a school district, even if you're not a teacher, tons of websites and stores are willing to give you free premium memberships or huge discounts on memberships and orders, most of the time you just send them a front and back photo of your district ID badge.
Your phone provider may usually have pretty nice deals, I was able to get a Sam's Club membership for essentially $5 ($15 with a $10 gift card). Their bottled water is insanely cheap, gas is cheap, and the rotisserie chicken is cheap. I've watched a few movies at the theatre for $3-$7 when the tickets go for a minimum of $10 up to $25.
Dollar stores are truly your best friend. Also I've found cheaper than dollar store prices, now that some are $1.25 stores; Popshelf and Five Below sometimes have quality items for $1.
If you want some entertainment, go into a Chuck E Cheese and load up a card for $10, at least an hour of fun. Some kids will just scan their card 5 times and leave the machine with credits loaded. The photo booth machines are a great contender for families who have no idea what they're doing and you'll come around with the photo booth giving a countdown to take a photo. I got 2 free photos taken the last time I went.
Getting a Target debit RedCard can come in handy, some items will come out cheaper than Walmart and Aldi with the 5% discount and free shipping for a ton of items. Recently it's become a bit pozzed on the shipping, most items now require at least $35 worth of items to ship, but the Target Circle deals are still nice.
Physically going into Walmart and searching through shelves, you can find deep discounts on a couple items randomly clearanced. I found a decent bathroom shelf for $7, when it was normally $19, I use as an entryway shelf. I've also found bedding for the half price.
If you can't find much luck at a thrift shop, lurk around some antique malls. Some vendors may have ridiculously high prices, but if you'd like something unique, you'll definitely find something at a decent price. Check around for local estate and yard sales too.
Freebie websites are decent. I've scored some deodorant, a neti pot, and tea in the past 3 months.
Android users, to avoid some subscription services for smartphone apps, look up an app on Mobilism for modded apks and find the most recent version. I don't pay for Spotify, MyFitnessPal, or Duolingo and I'm able to use most of the functions of these apps without paywalls or ads.
I don't have much recipes, but diabetes runs in the family so I'm forced a rice-less, flour-less, corn-less life unless I want to be an insulin dependent woman.
Zucchini, carrots, celery, and cabbage are good fillers in meat dishes.
Never be afraid to add a ton of onions and green peppers to dishes, or just have a plate filled of that caramelized goodness.
Frozen broccoli roasted in the oven is to die for.
Cumin, black pepper, and basil are nice seasonings to add to many dishes.
Make your own nut mixes.
If you're really cutting the bank, measure your portions by weight, you may be eating more than you actually need to feel full. Also reconsider substituting calorie dense foods if you feel the need to eat more.

 

[Freya]

I made about $150 in three months from a survey site, and then yeah, it started giving me "you're ineligible" after spending 20-30 minutes on one, and the money trickled to nothing.

I created a survey persona though, to make sure my answers stayed consistent while it was working. An ex boyfriend's birthday, the zip code of a house I lived for six months 20 years ago, just an amalgamation of data that I would remember, but that weren't connected to me personally.

prolific.co is the best one. you can still make money on mturk but you have to really know what you're doing. I make about $300 a month on prolific and thats just me doing it at work where im already making money

 

[HumbleServantOfRizzler]

Anyone know how to end contracts with phone services without their extortionate bullshit? I understand I signed the contact, but it's fucking ridiculous. The moment I make money, fuckers from all sides try and take all of it. Is there any way to ensure money can't just vanish as quickly as it comes? I'm taking the gym suggestion into consideration as that's a good way to spend time and be engaged mentally so I'm not eating or whatever else wastes time and money.

Also, for someone with severe dental issues, what can I do about affordable dentistry? I'd say remove them but even then the implants cost more money than I make.

 

[GenociderSyo]

Anyone know how to end contracts with phone services without their extortionate bullshit? I understand I signed the contact, but it's fucking ridiculous. The moment I make money, fuckers from all sides try and take all of it. Is there any way to ensure money can't just vanish as quickly as it comes? I'm taking the gym suggestion into consideration as that's a good way to spend time and be engaged mentally so I'm not eating or whatever else wastes time and money.

Also, for someone with severe dental issues, what can I do about affordable dentistry? I'd say remove them but even then the implants cost more money than I make.

Not sure how to deal with phones because I use a monthly pay one.

There ususally is a county or state dental care for low income people they tend though to be the type to remove everything and shove in dentures though.

 

[Diet Coke 4 Life]

Anyone know how to end contracts with phone services without their extortionate bullshit? I understand I signed the contact, but it's fucking ridiculous. The moment I make money, fuckers from all sides try and take all of it. Is there any way to ensure money can't just vanish as quickly as it comes? I'm taking the gym suggestion into consideration as that's a good way to spend time and be engaged mentally so I'm not eating or whatever else wastes time and money.

Also, for someone with severe dental issues, what can I do about affordable dentistry? I'd say remove them but even then the implants cost more money than I make.

Dunno 'bout the phone - like GenociderSyo, I use a monthly pay one.

Dental issues - if you live near a dental school, inquire with them about receiving care. Sometimes (usually once a quarter) dental schools will run clinics where they will perform one service free of charge as practice for their students, and sometimes dental schools will have patients for students near graduation or for the continuing education programs for significantly reduced charges. At least, the dental school I used to live by and work at many moons ago used to do this. Might be something to investigate if you live near a university with a dental program.

 

[HumbleServantOfRizzler]

Going to look into it, thank you.

 

[AnOminous]

Sometimes (usually once a quarter) dental schools will run clinics where they will perform one service free of charge as practice for their students, and sometimes dental schools will have patients for students near graduation or for the continuing education programs for significantly reduced charges.

They're also generally motivated to do a good job, too, because this is their chance to establish themselves as actually competent. So it's a gamble but unless you get unlucky enough to draw the utter retard of the class, you're going to get someone doing their best.

 

[TismFarmer]

Anyone here have any tips on how to avoid spending money? It seems depression causes stress eating, so what is something low in calories and cheap but also without wheat in it that can be consumed in that way but not cause substantial weight gain?

I second Carrots! You can spray a thin layer of fat onto carrots and roast them and they'll caramelise and taste wise they're sweet enough to satisfy your sweet crarvings.

Edited to avoid double posting, A lot of low-income or welfare agencies will pay for dentures under a 'appearance anxiety, can't get job because no teeth' or 'needs teeth to eat ' criteria. If you cannot afford dental care that doesn't exist beyond pull out them all out, you might still have hope.

 

[HumbleServantOfRizzler]

I second Carrots! You can spray a thin layer of fat onto carrots and roast them and they'll caramelise and taste wise they're sweet enough to satisfy your sweet cravings.

>Rabbits when they see the carrots

 

[NoReturn]

I second Carrots! You can spray a thin layer of fat onto carrots and roast them and they'll caramelise and taste wise they're sweet enough to satisfy your sweet cravings.

>Rabbits when they see the carrots
View attachment 5446079

Fat is a lifesaver in general.
Try to get some bulk fat you can cook with, ideally from an animal source. Not only does it contribute significantly to flavor, but it helps prevent malnutrition as many vitamins in veggies are fat-soluable, so if you eat them without fat you aren't actually getting the full benefit of your food.