Mutual Aid
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
Giving people in your circle aid when they need it and vice versa can be a vital part of your thrifty lifestyle.
- Many people seem to pay others for services which their friends could give them, if things were set up that way.
- It used to be a neighborly thing to do to pick up the mail when someone was away, to watch over the house - to share your lawnmower or other tools. That was the way it was when I was growing up.
- And nowadays I find that things like rides when you car is down, or helping out on projects, can also be part of a great neighborliness.
- My friend's old car has died, and he is very busy - but rentals are costly - so he is borrowing our old truck for a few weeks. We don't use it much, and he even had paid for the repair of a water pump, because that STILL is cheaper than renting!
- Part of that deal, is that I get rides when I have my few weekly trips to the doctor, and my class. The rest of the time I work at home at the computer anyway.
- So it's working out for all of us!
Try to see if you can find other deals/swaps/informal barters in your circle of friends. We are an artistic bunch, and we often call on each other to help out in one way or another in our many projects. But maybe you could find some way in which you and your friends could help each other out rather than immediately turning to paid services - which are bound to be a LOT more expensive.
Here in the city, there is informal housesitting when friends travel and others need a place to stay. There can also be arrangements formal or otherwise, for a younger roommate to move in with an older houseowner, now living alone, who wants to retain their independence.
We have a lot of STUFF. We can pass it along - like hand-me-down clothes for fast-growing children - or bikes, toys, books. Sure, wer can sell this stuff at a yardsale, or give it to charity - but charity does begin at home, so see if you and your friends can set your egos aside enough to admit your needs and help each other out!
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Give a Hand to Your Friends
Mutual aid can be a very thrifty option.
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