Lifestyle ↓

Be bold. Be Cheap. Exist.

RecessionGirl has noticed the recession taking its toll and it’s high time to provide some linkage to people, places and things to help cushion the blow. Much love. Listen up:

If you got laid off and want to feel better about yourself, volunteer between panic attacks and job searches:
http://www.nycares.org/volunteer/
http://www.nyc.gov/html/mvc/html/volunteer/want_volunteer.shtml
http://www.heartsandminds.org/linksnyc/volnyc.htm

***Check recessiongirl.com volunteer link as well.

If you’re broke and you need to buy somebody a present go to:
http://www.yelp.com/biz/jacks-world-new-york

If you are broke (DefCon 1 style) and need food and/or shelter assistance go to:
http://www.foodbanknyc.com/
http://www.fns.usda.gov/fsp/
http://www.homelessshelterdirectory.org/newyork.html

If the fiscal depression has put you in an emotional depression go to:
http://www.meditationinnewyork.org/mcm-chelsea.php
http://www.nyimc.org/
http://therapistunlimited.com/find-a-therapist/NY/SS/ (this site provides a sliding scale payment option)

If you’re brokenness has made you mad at New York City and The Man, consider packing it up and relocating to a tax free haven:
http://www.escapeartist.com/efam/40/Cayman.html
http://www.caribbeanlandandproperty.com/general.php?21
http://www.taxhavenco.com/bermuda.html

If you’re broke and all-over-the-place and need to figure out a five year plan so you can sleep at night go to:
http://cheaplifecoach.com/
http://www.coachondemand.com/5601/50315.html
http://www.lifecoachtraining.com/resources/faq/faq.shtml

Be bold. Be cheap. Exist.

A Bike Ride a Day to Keep Your Recession at Bay

Be bold. Be cheap. Ride a bike.

Considering the ever looming threat of MTA fare hikes and the relatively recent installation of more accessible bike lanes throughout parts of the city, riding a two-wheeler could prove to be a great way to release liquid funds for you this holiday season and thereafter. Save your money. Ride a bike.

Aside from the initial purchase of a bike and city-proof, kryptonite lock, maintenance is generally cheap. RecessionGirl has provided a few links to bike shops, maps, clubs and most importantly co-ops. The DIY bike-fix is not only a cheap way to repair your ride, but also a neat way to meet cool, bike-minded peeps in BKNY. You can talk rims, chains, break-cables and seats till the cows come home, especially if you’re into beater bikes. A few of the shops also have classes to help you develop your bike repair-skills and further your integration into the biking community.

Fix your own bike for chicks only: Ladies Night bike fixin:
http://www.pedalpushersonline.com/index.php?CID=1107

Fix your own bike all genders:
http://www.recycleabicycle.com
http://times-up.org/index.php?page=bike-co-op

Buy a bike:
http://www.racycles.com
http://www.yelp.com/biz/dixons-bicycle-shop-brooklyn

Bike really really really far:
http://www.5bbc.org/montauk/

Bike it like it’s hot – the map
http://www.nycbikemaps.com/links

Be in a bike club just like Lance:
http://www.kissena.info

Be bold. Be cheap. Ride a bike.

Take the Money and Run – A Recession Reference Page

Be bold. Be cheap. Run away.

Use your severance pay and unemployment benefits for a triumphant experience. Create a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for yourself. “But RecessionGirl. How can I do that on these meager wages?”

Like this:

  1. Sublet your apartment for 10% more than what you pay in rent and ensure that
    utilities are an additional charge. This is legal, check it: http://www.housingnyc.com/html/resources/faq/subletting.html
  2. Suspend your cell phone-service or pay a low fee to carry your plan while
    you’re out of town.
  3. Enact a forbearance on your school loan. You can arrange to pay quarterly
    interest if you have the funds and are concerned about accrual.
  4. Pay a holding fee to sustain your gym membership while you are away or
    claim hardship, whichever works.
  5. Sell some stuff you don’t use on ebay or make a Brooklyn-style stoop sale.
  6. Mooch off of friends and family for storage space if needed.
  7. Chuck your resume on monster.com or similar and let it work for you while
    you’re chillin.
  8. Take the little money you have and run. Go as far as you can. The economy
    will be better soon, subjecting you to all kinds of work obligations. You’ve
    been given a window of opportunity. Use it. Run.

Go to India. Go upstate. Meditate. Teach in Japan. Swim in Saipan. Drive an Airstream. Join a cross-country bike team. Write a book. Learn to cook. Volunteer, but don’t buy a souvenir. Save your money and hit-the-road. Here’s a few links to get started to help you lighten your load.

http://www.opc.org.nz

http://www.airstream.com

http://www.jobsabroad.com

http://www.discovermongolia.mn

http://www.jetprogramme.org

http://www.sivanandabahamas.org

http://www.airtreks.com

http://www.traveltomongolia.mn

http://www.moderncabana.com

http://www.lonelyplanet.com

http://www.volunteerabroad.com

http://www.teflcorp.com

http://www.teachinjapan.com

http://www.carmencuevas.com/en/Teachers.php

http://www.hostels.com/findabed.php?ChosenCity=Caye%20Caulker&ChosenCountry=Belize&Search=1

http://www.contikivacations.com/?source=goto&OVRAW=contiki%20tours&OVKEY=contiki%20tour&OVMTC=standard&OVADID=26880993012&OVKWID=7075951012

http://www.straytravel.com

Be bold. Be cheap. Run away.