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It's almost impossible for those of us living in the USA to give advice about how to save money while living in Eastern Europe.
Yes, very true, you have no idea.
People living there and struggling with money never ever buy stuff that they don't really need. Never ever. Used car instead of new...ha ha. More like public transportation or walking. Wait for movies on DVD, saving for traveling...it's quite funny to read these.
It's almost impossible for those of us living in the USA
to give advice about how to save money while living in Eastern Europe.
Nonsense. Of course we can provide all manner of insight - at the general level.
f'rinstance... We can easily project what we know as the single largest aspect of household expense in the US ...
(and most of the western economies around the world) ... will apply EVERYWHERE else too.
Quote:
Originally Posted by looking_for_hope
Could you please share tips to live on low income?
Quote:
Originally Posted by MrRational
How many others do you share the expenses of a home with? A kitchen? A toilet?
It works wherever you live.
Debt service is fixed cost. Renting things is fixed cost.
Variable costs can be reduced if you have to. Food, for example, unless you are truly eating at the lowest subsistence level; you can almost always reduce your food costs. Clothing, entertainment - all of these are variable costs that you can allow to expand when you have more money and you can contract when you don't.
Be careful about developing expensive habits, and then redefining them as "necessities". I can't speak to your particular situation, but here in the US, for example, it's extremely common for people to stop off for a coffee on the way to work. Most of them feel like this is a necessity. It's not; it's a small luxury and it can be stopped instantly if needed.
Car expenses? You guys have no idea about the lifestyle in most East European nations. Coffee? Seriously?
Get money so that you can use it for bribes. Corruption is everywhere and without money to slip someone a few rubles, euros, you can't get ahead. Even "elementary" teachers take something and in return will give your 5 year old child more attention. One hand washes the other.
Shelter is often one of the most expensive thing. What I would do is get myself a used van or vehicle large enough and just live in it. Or move in with room mates or family members. After that buy only necessary things. Cut out eating out and entertainment. In other words...Bare Minimum Lifestyle.
Car expenses? You guys have no idea about the lifestyle in most East European nations. Coffee? Seriously?
Get money so that you can use it for bribes. Corruption is everywhere and without money to slip someone a few rubles, euros, you can't get ahead. Even "elementary" teachers take something and in return will give your 5 year old child more attention. One hand washes the other.
Unfortunately, you are right. It's terrible sad.
My dad was in the hospital there, 3 years ago and my own brother had to give a bribe to the surgeon before the operation. He could not do it, was absolutely disgusted! So mom had to go there and take care of this issue.
When I lived there I had to give bribes only two times, when I was a teen. It was terrible. One time to a dentist, so he would use anesthetic on me before treatment. They did not use it if you didn't pay (that particular time I couldn't take the pain so I said: "Stop! I'll pay for anesthetic today!". Most of the time, they didn't have it, at all. This was during communism. Second time for another doctor, for some special tests. I needed them faster.
Last edited by farm108; 08-26-2022 at 01:24 PM..
Reason: spelling
Look around nicer nearby neighborhood and see what you can offer in your time off that benefits them and gets you money. I remember visiting a friend once and there was one home that offered take-out dinners, it was very popular. Simple food at good price because they only offered one or two dinner choices per day.
If your neighborhood would frown on people coming to pickup you can deliver to those who subscribe to your dinner plan.
Your flyer should say "Save your money and your time" to show how it is to THEIR advantage to use your services.
Other money-making ideas in better neighborhoods: clean their home, shop for their groceries, walk their dogs. Make flyers with your name and phone number and explanation of what services you offer. Once you get enough customers and are earning more than your current job you can quit that job and get more customers.
Unfortunately, you are right. It's terrible sad.
My dad was in the hospital there, 3 years ago and my own brother had to give a bribe to the surgeon before the operation. He could not do it, was absolutely disgusted! So mom had to go there and take care of this issue.
When I lived there I had to give bribes only two times, when I was a teen. It was terrible. One time to a dentist, so he would use anesthetic on me before treatment. They did not use it if you didn't pay (that particular time I couldn't take the pain so I said: "Stop! I'll pay for anesthetic today!". Most of the time, they didn't have it, at all. This was during communism. Second time for another doctor, for some special tests. I needed them faster.
Here you don’t need to pay bribes: the healthcare will fleece you and bankrupt you totally legally, including taking your home if you own one in some cases
Disgusted about that?
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