| Living frugally on disability income is a necessity that | | | | your food budget carefully by shopping the sales and |
| brings the reward of being able to live on your own. | | | | discount grocers. Less processed foods are cheaper, |
| Being a wheelchair user or having another disability | | | | so do more cooking and save for that special food |
| does not mean independent living is out of grasp. By | | | | you want to splurge on. Follow the waste not, want |
| carefully managing your money and taking advantage | | | | not concept. Cook more than you need for one meal, |
| of the government programs available, life can be | | | | then you have leftovers or freeze a portion or two for |
| comfortable in your own apartment. | | | | times you don't feel like cooking. Eliminating the need to |
| Living frugally does not mean going without the things | | | | get fast food or order out not only is healthier but also |
| you want. It would be boring and not much fun if we | | | | helps in living frugally and being able to afford little |
| only had our needs. You can also obtain many of the | | | | luxuries. Save by eating just one meal at home and |
| things you desire. First, let's go through some of the | | | | you may be able to buy that CD you wanted or save |
| government programs and local programs available. | | | | up that money and buy a new stereo. |
| Social Security benefits may be the majority of your | | | | Surround yourself with friends. What a lift to your day |
| income, but they can be enough by living frugally. If you | | | | when a friend comes to visit! Consider entertaining a |
| are able enough to work, there are jobs out there. | | | | group of friends. Having a cookout or inviting friends to |
| Working has many benefits besides the money. | | | | watch a game or a movie builds social relationships. |
| Having a set schedule gives you the feeling of | | | | Serving something simple, even just snacks and a |
| purpose in life. This is a great self esteem booster. | | | | drink, will be remembered. By making it your purpose to |
| Even if working is not possible, by living frugally you | | | | make someone else's day special, your bond of |
| can live on your own. | | | | friendship becomes greater. Who else will you call |
| Local Public Housing Agencies have a voucher system | | | | when you need some help? Living frugally sometimes |
| commonly called Section 8 to assist with the cost of | | | | means you need to rely on friends to help fix |
| renting a home or apartment. Although there is often a | | | | something or give you a ride, so be there for them. |
| long waiting list, this benefit is substantial and necessary | | | | You might also be able to trade with them. They may |
| for living frugally. Section 8 allows you to choose the | | | | have something they no longer need or something the |
| housing within certain guidelines. Once approved, your | | | | bought in the wrong size. You may have a nice watch |
| rental cost is generally 30% of your income, but is | | | | that you would not miss. Making a trade gives both of |
| often as low as 10% of your income. What a savings! | | | | you new items with no out of pocket money adding to |
| Some states and communities offer discount utility | | | | both living frugally and strengthening your relationship. |
| rates for low-income families, disabled people or senior | | | | Being careful with your money means taking |
| citizens. State Park and local entertainment facilities | | | | advantage of free and cheap outings. Going window |
| may offer discounts. | | | | shopping, to a park or buying items at a flea market |
| The Food Stamp program can help supplement you | | | | are great activities. Save up for that special occasion |
| budget. Although the amount of assistance for which | | | | or event and you will see that you can have a full life |
| you qualify may be small, living frugally means finding | | | | by living frugally. |
| every penny you can to improve your finances. Use | | | | |