During one of our daily walks, Terry and I were discussing our perspectives on money. Something we glanced at on social media or read sparked this conversation.  I suspect it had something to do with saving for retirement. Seems to be on our mind a lot.   I find myself mesmerized by articles that tell you how much money you should have in the bank now if you plan to retire in 15 years.    

Terry’s view on money is very different than mine.  He believes money is a tool providing one with the life they want.  Unlike me, he never agonizes about it or is jealous over others for having more money. He is logical and methodical and assesses the situation and makes the best decision he can with the circumstances in front of him.   He is remarkable.

The money perspective runs deep in my soul, as if I am on a mission.   My money principle is one of scarcity.  It is something not to be squandered but, saved.  I am drawn; some may say obsessed with finding new ways to save money.  For me, since the future is unknown, I prefer to be prepared. 

Many people enjoy spending time surfing Instagram, or Facebook for fashion trends, new items to buy or places to go on vacation.  My interest lies in articles of survival during the Great Depression, and more ways of saving.  Zero Waste has also been included in my carousel of interest. The mission of Zero Waste and the Great Depression are very similar.     

Many have asked what has drawn me to this mindset.  For those that know me there will be no mystery. Understanding how people managed to survive for years without a lot of money and learn to be content is something that has always impressed me.  My grandparents played a huge role in my development as a child.  I was fortunate enough to have 2 sets of grandparents.  Both families lived during the Great Depression and their lessons resonated with me.   The biggest lesson was not to waste.  Take what you need but, use what you take.  I can still hear my grandmother’s voice.

The tricks of the Great Depression have always helped me in my life.  I learned a great deal about how to be self-sufficient and how not to waste.  Things were taken care of and not discarded.  If something had a stain, lost a button or hole it was mended.  My grandmother had a large button and elastic collection in case we were in a pinch.   Plastic bags were reused.  The bag the produce came was washed and used for something else.  Newspapers made great paper towels for window washing. Old towels and sheets became dish clothes when they were retired from use.  My grandmother would save the ends of the soap and form it into a new bar instead of pitching it.  All of these methods were not lost on me.

Of course, as I grew older, I managed to find more friends in their 80’s and 90’s that taught me more life lessons.  One of these friends always reminded me “just because you are poor does not mean you have to be dirty”.  This particularly helped when I was in graduate school with little money and a very clean apartment.  

Once these people leave my life their lessons remain.  This is why the zero-waste movement sparked my interest.  Their messages of scarcity, sustainability and being solid stewards of society spoke to me.  It was all of the same things I had learned from my friends.  I had done the no shopping for a year, only buy what you need at grocery store and making as many of my food products and home products as I could.  Some of these challenges felt as if I were following in my grandparent’s footsteps.  For that I was proud. 

I will never forget my Grandmother words “we had nothing when we started”.  When I remember her home and now look around my home, I feel the same contentment she did and also feel grateful for having so many role models in my life.  My hope is that you have had similar influences in your lives.

Cheers!!! XXOO