Everyone aspires to have a better standard of living. Even the most contented people desire something that would make their lives more comfortable. Whether it is food, clothing, house, transportation, medicine, books or fees, everything costs money. The global pandemic has crushed most of these aspirations with numerous job losses and reduced incomes in households. People have to focus on surviving rather than improving the standard of living that they once had. Here are 5 tips that you can use to comfortably adjust your standard of living on a reduced income.
1. Separate your needs from wants
Make a list of the things that you use to survive and the things that you use to improve your standard of living. If you are on medication, that should be at the top of your list of needs. On your food list, keep staples, vegetables, fruits, legumes, proteins and fats. On your clothing list, buy items that must be replaced like worn-out underwear, jeans and shoes. If you are renting, find a cheaper place to live or put your pride aside and consider moving back home with your relatives. Sell your vehicle and either buy one that you can afford or make use of public transportation.
2. Start a home kitchen garden
One of the best ways to reduce your food bill is to start a kitchen garden at home. Shop for seeds, plants, soil treatment, tools and pesticides to start your project. Collect kitchen scraps, gather containers and locate the perfect environment to set up your garden. Plant a variety of your favourite foods so that you do not have to put them on your shopping list. Make sure your plants get enough sunlight and water. Monitor them to ensure they are not being attacked by bacteria, weeds and insects. Reap your produce in three weeks to six months and feel comfortable with your new standard of living.
Cutting Garden (70-90 days from seed to flower): Endless Blooms Cut Flower Mix, Lacy Phacelia, Snapdragon Mix, State Fair Zinnia, Sunflower Surprise
Vegetable Garden: Brilliant Beet Blend, Danvers Carrot, Radiant Radish Mix, Tri-Color Bean Blend, Ultimate Salad Bowl
Culinary Herbs (50-85 days from seed to harvest): Basil Bouquet: 250 seeds, Chives: 200 seeds, Cilantro: 200 seeds, Gigante d’Italia Parsley: 200 seeds, Mammoth Long Island Dill: 200 seeds
Salad Greens (50-85 days from seed to harvest): Abundant Bloomsdale Spinach: 100 seeds, All Stars Kale Mix: 100 seeds, Metta Lettuce Mix: 250 seeds, Rainbow Chard: 75 seeds, Salad Savor: 500 seeds
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3. Do things for yourself
A lot of people pay for goods and services that make their lives easier. They have grown so accustomed to enjoying their standard of living that with reduced incomes they find it very difficult to adjust. During a crisis, you need to learn to do things for yourself. Identify the goods and services that cause you to spend a lot of money. Buy ingredients instead of cooked meals. Bake your own bread and cook your favourite dishes following recipes. Buy cleaning supplies instead of paying for cleaning services. Clean your own home. Get outside and cut your own grass. Wash your clothes at home and hang them on the line. Clean your own vehicle inside and outside, it is not a difficult task.
4. Find pleasure in simple things
Find pleasure in the things you do with your family rather than the things that cost a lot of money. This may be difficult to swallow, but you do not need coffee, alcohol and cigarettes to be happy. Sugary snacks and expensive fast foods are very addictive and fool you into thinking that you need them to feel good about yourself, but you do not. Get it out of your head that you need to be fashionable at all times because you have an image to upkeep. Times are hard, you should not care about other people’s opinions to make you feel good, so forget the latest designer’s clothing for now. Also, you do not need to use the big screen TV, air condition, dryer and the electric stove to make you comfortable during a pandemic. Those devices skyrocket your electric bill unnecessarily. Gather your family to do the chores around the house that end with a special lunch, outside barbecue and games that will have everyone laughing together.
5. Take a break from social media
Being on social media every day can be very depressing for people with reduced incomes. You fixate on other people’s statuses, happy photos and exciting videos that may not even be a true representation of their reality. You too may be tempted to portray yourself as happy to mislead your friends. The best thing to do is to adjust to your new standard of living and stop scrolling on social media. Connect with real family and friends directly about the situation that affects everyone and do not waste time playing senseless games during a crisis.
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Galaxy S21+ 5G
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GALAXY S21 5G VS GALAXY S21+ 5G VS GALAXY S21 ULTRA 5G SPECS
Galaxy S21 | Galaxy S21 Plus | Galaxy S21 Ultra | |
Display size, resolution | 6.2-inch Flat FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X Infinity-O Display (2,400×1,080 pixels), | 6.7-inch Flat FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X (2,400×1,080 pixels) | 6.8-inch Edge WQHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X (3,200×1,440 pixels), |
Pixel density | 421 ppi | 394 ppi | 515 ppi |
Dimensions (Inches) | 2.80×5.97×0.31 in | 2.97×6.35×0.30 in | 2.97×6.50×0.35 in |
Dimensions (Millimeters) | 71.2×151.7×7.9 mm | 75.6×161.5×7.8 mm | 75.6×165.1×8.9 mm |
Weight (Ounces, Grams) | 6.03 oz; 171g | 7.12 oz; 202g | 8.07 oz; 229 g |
Mobile software | Android 11 | Android 11 | Android 11 |
Camera | 64-megapixel (telephoto), 12-megapixel (wide-angle), 12-megapixel (ultra-wide) | 64-megapixel (telephoto), 12-megapixel (wide-angle), 12-megapixel (ultra-wide) | 108-megapixel (wide-angle), 12-megapixel (ultra-wide), 10-megapixel (telephoto), 10-megapixel (telephoto) |
Front-facing camera | 10-megapixel | 10-megapixel | 40-megapixel |
Video capture | 8K | 8K | 8K |
Processor | Snapdragon 888 or 64-bit Octa-Core Processor 2.8GHz (Max 2.4GHz +1.8GHz) | Snapdragon 888 or 64-bit Octa-Core Processor 2.8GHz (Max 2.4GHz +1.8GHz) | Snapdragon 888 or 64-bit Octa-Core Processor 2.8GHz (Max 2.4GHz +1.8GHz) |
Storage | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB, 512GB |
RAM | 8GB | 8GB | 12GB, 16GB |
Expandable storage | No | No | No |
Battery | 4,000 mAh | 4,800 mAh | 5,000 mAh |
Fingerprint sensor | In-screen | In-screen | In-screen |
Headphone jack | No | No | No |
Special features | IP68 rating, 5G-enabled, 30X Space Zoom, 10W wireless charging, | IP68 rating, 5G-enabled, 30X Space Zoom, 10W wireless charging, | IP68 rating, 5G-enabled, 100X Space Zoom, 10W wireless charging, 10x optical zoom; S Pen support |