Making ends meet on a service member's budget

Abstract

Volunteers and national service members who are serving their communities and country often find themselves living on a shoestring budget. This effective practice is a list of ideas and resources compiled at an AmeriCorps*VISTA training that addresses the topic of making ends meet, and was shared on the VISTANet e-mail discussion list in March 2003.

Issue

For AmeriCorps*VISTA members who are living on a tight budget, knowing how to stretch their financial resources can be a boon during their service year.

Action

The following ideas for getting by on a limited budget were compiled by AmeriCorps*VISTA members at an AmeriCorps*VISTA training:

Money Saving Ideas

Re-evaluate your spending habits
Shop at second-hand stores or discount stores
Buy on eBay
Sell clothing you no longer want or need to consignment shops
Shop at pawnshops
Attend auctions, yard sales, or estate sales
Buy food in bulk
Join a food co-op
Enter contests to win food and other items
Use candles for light to cut down on costly energy bills
Do your own home repairs
Use public transportation
Use the library often instead of purchasing new books (or buy used books)
Join a YMCA and take advantage of low-cost programs and classes
Volunteer at events (such as ushering at plays) for free admission
Barter for goods and services
Quit smoking -- it's good for your health anyway
Visit friends and family members for a free meal more often!

Other Tips

Buy high-quality items (this may save money in the long run)
Buy a good cookbook and cook more meals at home
Clip coupons from newspapers and magazines
Read newspapers that people leave behind
Reuse as much as possible
Collect free samples
Order a la carte at restaurants
Have a friend cut your hair for you, or go to a barber college
For dental needs take advantage of low-cost dental care at dentistry schools

Context

AmeriCorps*VISTA members receive a modest living allowance that replicates the at or near poverty-level situation of those they serve. They also receive health insurance, training and student loan deferment. After a full year of service, members receive an education award of $4,725 to pay for college, graduate school, or to pay back student loans.For more than 35 years, AmeriCorps*VISTA members have been helping bring individuals and communities out of poverty. Members serve full-time for a year in nonprofits, public agencies and faith-based groups throughout the country, working to fight illiteracy, improve health services, create businesses, increase housing opportunities, or bridge the digital divide. In fiscal year 2001, approximately 6,000 AmeriCorps*VISTA members served in 1,200 local programs.