It’s no secret: Vancouver isn’t the cheapest place to live in the world. Some people would even say it’s pretty darn pricey. Since we obviously haven’t let that stop us from living in this awesome city, why would we let it stop us from living equally awesome lives?
Enter Vancouver on the Cheap: a collection of places to eat, shop, and hang out that fall into that magical category of being both cheap and awesome.
Before we get to the meat and potatoes (potatoes are pretty cheap, by the by) of this feature, I’d like to get things moving with a few of my favourite (albeit not Vancouver-specific) Principles for Cheap Living:
Nickel and Dime It
Just because a purchase is only a handful of change doesn't mean it isn't actually a significant amount of money! Pay attention to those little purchases and keep the change. Unless that change is supposed to be a tip. It's not worth the savings if you wind up being a huge douche nozzle.
Take Care of Your Stuff
The less your stuff breaks or wears out the less you need to spend replacing it. Learn how to stitch on a button, for Pete’s sake! It’s not hard.
Avoid Dependents
I’m talking the human and the animal variety of dependents. I’m not saying they aren’t great to have for other reasons, but if you’re trying to save money, these little grubbers will suck it all out of your hands! (Confession: I have a cat, so you know, grains of salt and all that…)
No Name It
Science tells us that a medication works better when it’s in a name brand package. That’s because we are brainwashed into thinking that name brands are better. Sometimes they are (example: never buy off-brand Q-Tips – the name is synonymous with the product for a reason people, and that reason is a pain in your ear canal), and sometimes they aren’t (example: most medications and beauty products – I read the ingredients. They’re the same.)
Buy Used
Because stuff that's already been used is probably cheaper. But that's just obvious, right?
Just Ask Already
Drink specials, cheap nights, secret cheaper cell phone plans - these things all exist! Sometimes you just have to ask.
Be Meaningful
I’m no closer to understanding the meaning of life than the rest of you, but I suspect it has more to do with spending quality time with people you love than spending money on stuff you don’t need all the time. Just sayin’.
There you have it! Now go forth and live cheaply!
Just kidding, the principles don't really get you anywhere if you don't know where to find all that cheap stuff. So tune in every Friday where I'll share a business, event, or even random tip that will be simultaneously fun and low-in-the-price.
Let the Cheap-Awesomeness (Cheasomeness? No?) Begin!
