I'm starting a thread so we can share little ways of saving money and encourage each other not to spend on unnessary things. A while ago there was a newbie asking for advice for the going into the business and many people said the best advice is to save your money. I think this thread could be useful because dancers have to look good to make money but then may buy more outfits than necessary or spend extra on beauty items.
I'm not in debt but have no money. My mom is in considerable debt (about $40,000) through from being a single mom w a low paying job and buying some things she doesn't need- because of her debt 2 of my aunts and uncles (who live in fancy suburbs houses) look at her and me like we are trash, have so many problems, and can't do anything right.
I have a goal of saving money and having a house at least partly paid off and/or a considerable savings account by the time I'm in my early 40s. I'm 22 now. In case you're wondering I haven't started dancing yet but I do fantasze about dancing- I'm debating whether to do that or continue working on starting a catering business.
A while ago Gynger mentioned she had a rich snotty customer who looked down on her and then had his credit card refused and she told him that she's almost paid off her house and has paid for almost everything in cash. To me Gynger's money saving is brillant and that guy or any person who thinks they can judge dancers is a fool. I think dancers who save money have the last laugh and are wise.
Here's some money saving ideas I've thought of-
1) Shop at Walmart- the prices there are considerably cheaper. However don't buy anything just because it's cheap but because you need it- it really can add up at Walmart.
2) Budget out a reasonable amount each month for extras like clothes, restaurants, make-up and once the money is spent don't go over it.
3) Don't get a credit card. Interest rates are high- that's how my mom got in debt. I HATE credit cards.
4) Do beauty things at home. I color my own hair at home. My boyfriend said he and his friends and most guys don't notice or care about a girl's nails. You could just paint them at home. Exercise at home (or run) instead of at gym.
5) People posted about the book Rich Dad, Poor Dad for paying off debt. (I think I'll check it out not for debt but money saving.)
6) I stock up on groceries when they are on sale- check the ads. Or I'll shop at a grocery store that is less expensive. There's an Asian grocery store that has frozen meat considerably cheaper. Also most things in Asian grocieries are pretty cheap- also food in China town is pretty cheap.
7) Think about purchases that are $30 or over for a week whether you really need them.
Keep track of where all the money is spent.
9) Consider a cheaper apartment or having a roomate.
10) When I lived in the Midwest (Kansas City) I'd read newspaper listings for fancy neighborhoods and drive by fancy neigbhoods for garage sale signs on Saturday. I got alot of really nice stuff from garage sales for very very cheap. Garage sales was a rithual for me every Saturday for years. I think garage sales are the most prevalent in the Midwest.
11) Now I buy stuff on ebay but you have to add in shipping charges and if a merchant doesn't say how much shipping is that's a cute way of overcharging you on shipping. Now I have the goal of not spending time browsing ebay (or going into clothes stores which I didn't much before) because it is very tempting and ebay does have great looking dancer clothes.
I am definately no money expert and I also like to have pretty dresses but I'm trying to budget myself- thinking about people looking down on me is good motivation.
If anyone has any money saving tips or words of encouragement I'd appreciate it. I also hope this thread helps other readers and dancers.



Keep track of where all the money is spent.
Reply With Quote



Bookmarks