PTSD and DID often means not being able to work full-time, if at all.
It comes with financial struggles. Learning how to live with less money becomes an important life skill.
To live within your means you need to know what you have and what you are spending it on. Start with a list where you track your expenses for a month.
Go through this list at the end of the month and find places where you can cut expenses. Sometimes there is no need to stop things completely, just change them.
Find out your needs vs your wants/wishes.
Please be aware that some wishes might serve self-care and therefore can be counted as needs. Be gentle on yourself. And remember that some things you have considered a need could be exchanged for something less expensive.
Do not ignore your finances. Avoidance is not your friend. Open your mail. Check your bank account. Balance you checkbook. Look at it!
Pay your bills on time.Penalties are wasted money. If you got a penalty and you are brave, try to negotiate it.
A big chunk of your expenses will go to housing.
Consider moving to something smaller, if you think that you can handle it. That also saves money for electricity, heating etc.
Consider direct debit for necessities, like electricity bills. Some people say that you shouldn’t because it gives you the freedom not to pay and use the money for food when its tight. We consider that irresponsible. You budget should include essentials. Don’t gamble with important bills.
With direct debit you don’t have to think about it anymore. We pay all our fixed costs that way.
Avoid using your credit card. It makes things more confusing.
Use apps to stay oriented.
Do you need all your insurances? Don’t cut your health insurance!!
Re-negotiate contracts. Your internet provider might lower the monthly costs if you tell them where you found a better deal. Always try to re-negotiate older contracts. The prices have probably dropped and you can change it even while staying with the same provider.
Cut down your costs for transport by taking the bike or partner with a co-worker to pick each other up and use only one car. Walking works great as well, long-boarding if you like to have more fun. Use public transport if possible. Save the planet.
Cancel your subscriptions. I have yet to look for something that I couldn’t find on the internet for free.
Before you cancel all your memberships please ask yourself, if you are getting any value from it. Sometimes memberships could support you with self-care goals, like weight watchers or a gym membership. If you don’t use what you pay for, why? Is there a way you could make it happen? Be real! If you know this won’t work, cancel it.
Take care of your stuff. It will serve you longer.
Learn to manage your anger. Don’t destroy your own stuff. That doesn’t make any sense! Avoid destroying other people’s stuff too!
Learn to live with having outdated products. You don’t need the newest iPhone. We don’t even own a smartphone. Our technical equipment is old, but it is working.
DIY things. As long as it is cheaper than buying them. You can learn almost anything on YouTube.
Share items with your friends and neighbors. There is no reason why everyone in an apartment complex needs their own drill.
Borrow things. Never money, but items. Use your local library. Borrow fancy dresses or costumes instead of buying them. Try to borrow all items you know you will only need once.
Find Facebook pages that connect people who want to give away stuff for free. They exist.
If you can’t get it for free, consider buying it used. Check your local thrift store first. Craigslist or eBay also help.
Define exactly what you want, then go for the item that is within your budget that gets closest. If you can, wait to see if you find something closer to your goal.
Re-use, up-cylce and be creative with what you already have.
Pick a few hobbies and stick to them. If you try something new, see if you can borrow first to see if you will actually do it. Some systems are interested in a lot of things, but don’t have the time to do it all. Prioritize.
Find cheap entertainment and hobbies – watch movies at home – go to the park – use the library – swim in lakes – watch YouTube – host potlucks
If you have a more expensive hobby like creating artwork you could consider selling your creations.
You really really want a pet but you don’t have money for that? Volunteer in your local animal shelter. Or offer to do dog sitting for people. They might actually pay you!
Don’t drink or smoke. At least stick to only one of those. Both cigarettes and alcohol are expensive. Switching to e-cigs could also save you money.
Drink water or water-based drinks. In many countries it is safe to drink tap water. You can add flavor by adding fruits or veggies to it (cucumber water is surprisingly refreshing) drink tea and compare prices for coffee.
Don’t eat (or drink) out unless it is a special occasion.
If you have disability status there are some places where entrance fees will be lower. Don’t be too shy to make use of that.
Allow your friends to treat you for meals/movies etc. No shame in this. Communicate your clear boundaries of what you are able to pay and what you are not going to invest in. If they really want you to be there, they might pay for you.
Consider buying timeless pieces of clothing instead of fast fashion.
Do not buy on impulse. If you see something you want, leave it behind and wait for a few days or even a month. Check again if you still think you need it then.
Compare local stores and online shops. See if you can bargain. Sometimes local stores will lower their prices if you show them where you can get the same item for a better price online.
When you are in a store, ask for samples. That way you can make sure you really get what you want.
Find the courage to return things that you don’t like, bought on impulse, that don’t work the way you thought they would….
This sounds weird, but give to people in need. It doesn’t have to be much. Call it karma or a spiritual law, those who are generous will experience generosity themselves.
Never try to save money on self-care!
You need to eat to be strong. You need clothes and housing. You don’t want to repeat traumatic experiences by going hungry or cold or generally being uncomfortable because you thought it would safe you money. Don’t save on important medication! It costs you stability. You are not doing anything helpful for yourself if you have money but you are scared out of your mind.
You can live without TV, internet, cell phone and costly hobbies. You cannot live when cutting self-care. There is a difference between saving and neglect.
Whatever you do, do not allow money to be a reason for fear. If you get scared about your limited spending, consider cutting things later (if at all) and look at those fears first. They are trying to tell you something.
Build emotional connections with people, not things. It will keep you from having to buy things for comfort or to avoid feeling alone. People will always do a better job. Invest in relationships.
If one of you engaged in out of control spending, let them figure out how to repair the damage they have done. They could – return items – sell some of their private items – find a safe way to make money – pay the system back by taking over tasks – at least go thru the steps you find here Dealing with Guilt
Better still, help them work through a DID-adapted behavior chain analysis (system-harming behavior)
Beginners guide to budgeting
How to manage your shopping Shopping Queen – on a budget (Life Skills)
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