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

[Illumithotty]

It's worth considering how much of a reduction there is between raw and cooked weight when buying meat, or how much the bones are going to weigh. While making your own stock at home is good for a variety of reasons - better control over the salt content, making the most out of what you've paid for, individual taste, etc - I've rarely been able to justify freezer space for the bones. And sometimes, paying for a full turkey or chicken only comes out to a few cents less than deli-sliced.

Though that certainly falls under the heading of Knowing What You're Paying. There've been times where I've been that idiot in the shopping aisles fiddling with a calculator and a notebook to make sure I'm not ripping myself off, but it doesn't have to be that autistic as long as you've got a general idea of what products will provide a meal and working from there. That's really the most important part; some people can be happy with lentil porridge for every meal with a small portion of steak as a treat, others want variety from economical items like chicken or pork that can add up over the course of the day.

Also, for those that've really hit the skids, it's worth remembering that the original definition for swag was 'things that I bring home from work.' I've been in that situation where I might've gotten a better office job but it was offset by being able to swipe food from a dirtier restaurant position. The best of times was working in a college cafeteria; it paid less than data entry, phone banks, etc, but it also brought the grocery bill for a five person household down to the bare minimum of bread, milk, and peanut butter while also introducing a lot more fresh meat. And the occasional bonanza of catering for administrative functions that meant a haul of luxury leftovers.

 

[glass_houses]

It's worth considering how much of a reduction there is between raw and cooked weight when buying meat, or how much the bones are going to weigh. While making your own stock at home is good for a variety of reasons - better control over the salt content, making the most out of what you've paid for, individual taste, etc - I've rarely been able to justify freezer space for the bones. And sometimes, paying for a full turkey or chicken only comes out to a few cents less than deli-sliced.

Though that certainly falls under the heading of Knowing What You're Paying. There've been times where I've been that idiot in the shopping aisles fiddling with a calculator and a notebook to make sure I'm not ripping myself off, but it doesn't have to be that autistic as long as you've got a general idea of what products will provide a meal and working from there. That's really the most important part; some people can be happy with lentil porridge for every meal with a small portion of steak as a treat, others want variety from economical items like chicken or pork that can add up over the course of the day.

This is the truth. I bought a huge leg of lamb on sale this week because at $12 p/kg, it was by far the most economical and in theory, had enough meat to feed me for a fortnight. Red meat is technically a luxury for many people but I get very sick if I go too long without it. When I got the leg out of the oven and cut the meat off of it, the bones and joint were huge. The leg was probably from a wether, which, although castrated, will still have larger bones than a ewe. I got a lot of meat from the leg but not as much as I was hoping.

When I used to be able to afford lamb on a regular basis, I'd give the bones to my rats who'd eat the scraps of meat and use the bone as chew toys. Whenever they smelled lamb roasting, they'd get very excited. The girls I have now turned their noses up when I gave them the bone , however. They're the first girls I've ever had do this. Spoiled snooty brats.

 

[Meiwaku]

My biggest advice is actually to spend money on things that will matter like if it's something that you're going to use for a long time or use a lot it's worth spending money on it to make sure it doesn't fucking break. You can skip on other things and be cheap with them but poor people being thrifty with literally everything is an issue.

The shoes I buy are usually all real leather because plastic is cheap and gross and it doesn't last I have very nice shoes that I spent close to $200 on maybe a few years ago that are still in top condition because I take care of the leather. Same thing goes for belts.

These are things that will last you until you're no longer poor.

Other things that you should spend a good amount of money on are things like your mattress and a bed frame because you spend 1/3 of your life asleep so you might as well be comfortable and be getting your money's worth.

Buy some decently nice clothes for work that can last you when you're no longer poor. I still have suit jackets that I got at thrift shops that were a very good quality that I later went to a tailor and had custom altered to fit me specifically. Therefore I have a lot of brands that are I guess maybe mid-range brand and I paid out maybe 20 or $30 to a tailor to look perfect. They still work.

It's also important that you pick your fabrics well too. It's worth buying some nicer dresses if you're a girl. Fast fashion is absolute shit teir and you will regret it.

If you need a computer or phone for your job just fork out the fucking cash bro.

"I'm too poor to buy cheap things"- a wise proverb

 

[glass_houses]

My biggest advice is actually to spend money on things that will matter like if it's something that you're going to use for a long time or use a lot it's worth spending money on it to make sure it doesn't fucking break. You can skip on other things and be cheap with them but poor people being thrifty with literally everything is an issue.

The shoes I buy are usually all real leather because plastic is cheap and gross and it doesn't last I have very nice shoes that I spent close to $200 on maybe a few years ago that are still in top condition because I take care of the leather. Same thing goes for belts.

These are things that will last you until you're no longer poor.

Other things that you should spend a good amount of money on are things like your mattress and a bed frame because you spend 1/3 of your life asleep so you might as well be comfortable and be getting your money's worth.

Buy some decently nice clothes for work that can last you when you're no longer poor. I still have suit jackets that I got at thrift shops that were a very good quality that I later went to a tailor and had custom altered to fit me specifically. Therefore I have a lot of brands that are I guess maybe mid-range brand and I paid out maybe 20 or $30 to a tailor to look perfect. They still work.

It's also important that you pick your fabrics well too. It's worth buying some nicer dresses if you're a girl. Fast fashion is absolute shit teir and you will regret it.

If you need a computer or phone for your job just fork out the fucking cash bro.

"I'm too poor to buy cheap things"- a wise proverb

Tl;Dr The Sam Vimes 'Boots Theory'.

 

[GenociderSyo]

In regards to work clothes there is usually a county place that will provide interview clothes to gain work and sometimes have vouchers to obtain work clothes and necessities.

Mental health county clinics used to provide monthly deordant pads and bathing supplies as well but covid may have stopped that.

 

[glass_houses]

In regards to work clothes there is usually a county place that will provide interview clothes to gain work and sometimes have vouchers to obtain work clothes and necessities.

Australian job agencies generally do this too, and will give you vouchers for job and interview clothes. Just be aware that exactly what is written on the vouchers is exactly what you're getting. When my agency sent me to get trousers for working in a plant nursery, I found a perfectly suitable pair for $5 extra than what was on the voucher and no amount of begging or pleading would persuade anyone to let me pay the $5 extra. I ended up having to take a cheaper pair that was impractical for the job. Before you ask your agency for a voucher, if you're able to, go to the shop first and look at what's available and suitable, and take photos and pictures to show your worker. Free clothes are free clothes, but if you can convince your minder to let you get what's most appropriate as to merely cheap, you'll be in a slightly better position and hopefully you won't have to spend your first paycheck on work clothes.

 

[Bathtub Munching]

Buy some decently nice clothes for work that can last you when you're no longer poor.

Yes, I feel like decent quality clothes turn up in throat shops a lot. You can learn to tailor basically anything on YouTube as well

 

[NoReturn]

Other things that you should spend a good amount of money on are things like your mattress and a bed frame because you spend 1/3 of your life asleep so you might as well be comfortable and be getting your money's worth.

One of the benefits of shit like Amazon is that the price of "good" beds has come down considerably. I sleep in a bed now that I would have considered the height of luxury when I was younger and the whole thing + bedding cost less than $1000 USD.

 

[GenociderSyo]

With Amazon if you recieve benefits from SNAP, WIC, Medicare, Medicaid, SSI, SSDI they will take 50% or more off the price.

 

[Radola Gajda]

If you are making your own meals. I would recomend growing your own herbs. You can grab seeds in most gardening stores for cheap. And you dont even need flower pots. With bit of creativity you can repurpose plastic bottles or other plastic containers and use it instead. Herbs are usually beginner friendly plants so as long as you put them on window and dont forget to water them . They should be good.

 

[Wendigo Whorehouse]

If you live in a rural area and are worried about the price of eggs, get them from the amish. They tend to sell them cheaper since they raise their own chickens.

 

[glioblastoma multiforme]

for UK: not used it personally but anecdotally from multiple people, JSA will help out with cost of interview clothes and transport to interviews. they also provide a large number of training courses. if you're on certain benefits pdsa will help out with pet care.

many towns/cities have buy nothing groups where if you need a tool for a certain task you can borrow it on a PAYF basis. here's an example for not my town cos self doxxing is dumb. have friends who've done massive projects based on these, only buying the materials they needed. even then apps like olio etc can luck out and someone round the corner is looking to get rid of exactly what you need. things like pallets are going all the time and handy for lots of things.

eta, just checked for poorlissa, the inspiration for this thread, and she coulda totally done up tub trumpet terrace with a bit of effort and her local buy nothing group. but we all know its not that she can't.......

 

[CrossedTubes]

for UK: not used it personally but anecdotally from multiple people, JSA will help out with cost of interview clothes and transport to interviews. they also provide a large number of training courses. if you're on certain benefits pdsa will help out with pet care.

Can confirm. Universal Credit offers similar. Keep the receipts and don't take the piss, but you'd be surprised how much discretionary help work coaches etc can give.

The Job Centre bought my first interview suit when I was young and broke. I'm now too fat to fit into it after 20 years of gainful employment and associated food sufficiency. It was navy blue with pink stitching and I think flared pants, total late 90s horror, but I'll always remember it with gratitude. For once, welfare system working as intended.

Also worth noting that benefits can passport other things, i.e. a lot of council services become cheap/free if in receipt of certain state benefits.

On the herb front, you can also propagate basil easily from cuttings, assuming you don't live in the literal arctic. Strip off lower leaves and chuck stems in water, it'll grow long white roots from the nodes. When it looks good and rooty, pop it in soil, keep it warm and moist and feed occasionally, repeat as required, you will have endless basil fora your pizza.

 

[Septictic]

Sprouting lentils is a cheap and easy way to add some greens to your diet. Soak them overnight, then rinse them 2-3 times a day for 3 days. I like to steam them and add to soups or bowl meals (with salt and herbs.)

One cup (77 grams) of lentil sprouts packs:

Calories: 82
Carbs: 17 grams
Protein: 7 grams
Fat: 0.5 grams
Vitamin C: 14% of the DV
Folate: 19% of the DV
Iron: 14% of the DV

 

[Poll]

I get some extra cash from class action settlement websites - look at them once a month to see if you fit any. They usually ask you what form of payment you want. It does take a while, though.
There are also mock jury sites online that pay pretty well.

I do some gardening, but still a novice. I do well planting old potatoes from the store in my garden when they begin to grow roots. I think they do well with container planting too.

When I shop, I go with a list, and a max spend price. Clearance aisle first. Look at discount meat if you have a freezer. Just make sure to freeze it or cook it the same day.

 

[TismFarmer]

We have a fireplace in our newly rented house.
Last year we bought firewood for it at a cost of around $20-$40 per week. It was less than the electricity cost of using a heater, but more than I wanted to pay.
This year my husband splashed the cash and bought me a electric chainsaw. It cost nearly $500 but has paid for itself already. I get wooden pallets free from the side of the road and branches/logs from various parks etc. We have enough wood to keep our fire lit continuously and haven't had to spend one cent beyond the cost of the chainsaw.
It was a big outlay of money for us but it's definitely one of those things that is worth squeezing the money from somewhere.

 

[glass_houses]

We have a fireplace in our newly rented house.
Last year we bought firewood for it at a cost of around $20-$40 per week. It was less than the electricity cost of using a heater, but more than I wanted to pay.
This year my husband splashed the cash and bought me a electric chainsaw. It cost nearly $500 but has paid for itself already. I get wooden pallets free from the side of the road and branches/logs from various parks etc. We have enough wood to keep our fire lit continuously and haven't had to spend one cent beyond the cost of the chainsaw.
It was a big outlay of money for us but it's definitely one of those things that is worth squeezing the money from somewhere.

Be careful burning pallets as some of them are chemically treated, or will have chemical residue spilled on them. Same as burning wood from old houses, they may be covered in lead based paint.

 

[56 others]

Canceled every service I have, dropped my phone plan to the cheapest package, started sailing the high seas. Nickel and diming themselves is why people stay poor

 

[NOT Sword Fighter Super]

Canceled every service I have, dropped my phone plan to the cheapest package, started sailing the high seas. Nickel and diming themselves is why people stay poor

Also stay away from takout/delivery food.

 

[bliblblblbbllb]

[assuming you live in the US with access to a reasonably populated area]

There's always someplace to get free food and water.
There's always someplace to get free entertainment.
There's always a way to not freeze to death in the winter or die of heat exhaustion in the summer.
There's always a way to use the internet for free.
There's always a way to get help getting a job for free, and work clothes.

But it's hard as fuck to get someone to pay your rent. Rent comes before everything. Everything. Go without shoes before you go without rent money.

No matter your religion, if you're in a more rural area and need say work boots and there's just no thrift stores in thirty miles, try the church. Or a fan, or medication money, etc.

If you're a fuck up I can't say it loud enough: get in some sort of program. Get a case worker. Get in touch with the department of rehab services to get a job coach. Or any sort of job service: every state has them. If you can read this website, there are people more retarded than YOU with jobs and homes. There's only two factors at the end of the day: how much money comes in, and how much money comes out. And the money coming in, comes first. You need income. If you think you are so fucked up you can't work, you doubly need a case worker. Either you can work some accommodated job or special program, receive some sort of training or therapy, or get on disability. If you're going "wah I'm not such a fuckup I need to go on welfare!" perfect. Get a job.