🔥 Broke But Thriving The Art of Living Cost Efficiently 🔥
The following is exactly how I got by when I first started out, and funny enough, many of these habits have stuck with me. If you're truly committed, this is what it takes. Here's some solid tactics to live as efficiently as possible.
Clothes
All the clothing you own right now is what you will be wearing for the next 2 years. There is no need to buy new clothes.
Before you automatically get new clothes, check out thrift stores, outlets, etc.
Stop Eating Out
Firstly tax and tip add a substantial amount to the total. I'm not sure why the tipping options at restaurants are now 18%, 20%, and 25%, but that's besides the point and a whole other conversation.
The cost is far higher than what you’d pay for the same (or better) value at a grocery store.
It sounds old-fashioned but people highly underestimate canned food (it's not just beans). Many are pretty good and healthy for you if you get certain ones. Be sure to read the label if you're health conscious.
Buy generic brands instead of name brands.
Avoid coffee shops, make coffee at home and put it in a thermos.
If you do go out, look up the local happy hours.
Live with Roommates
Rent a single room instead of an entire apartment, or explore co-living spaces for even cheaper options. I personally lived with five people in a three-bedroom apartment for three years while in school. Wasn’t the most glamorous, but it saved me a ton of money.
Alternate Transportation Methods
Depending on where you live, try to use public transportation or a bike. Even if you have a car, use a bike or skateboard to get to nearby places.
Carpool whenever possible whether it be a restaurant, store, school, work, etc).
Limit or Cancel Subscription Services
Unsubscribe from store emails that tempt you to buy.
Share Netflix/Spotify accounts with (family).
Do bodyweight exercises and invest in some weights instead of paying for a gym membership.
Printing
Before you pay a hefty amount for printing, check out libraries, schools, and hotels who often have free printing.
Maintenance
YouTube is your best friend. For example, patching up a hole in your wall, plumbing, garbage disposal issues, etc
Maintain your car properly for the simple stuff like checking your tire pressure or changing your oil on time.
Reduce Electricity and Water Bills
Turn off lights, take short showers, don't use heater or cooler unless needed, etc.
Unplug appliances when not in use (saves $100-200 annually).
Wash clothes in cold water.
🔥🚒 Clever Hacks for Students - Survive and Thrive
While going to school, earning certifications, working full-time as an EMT in LA County, and managing other commitments, I had to be as efficient and productive as possible. Through experience (and plenty of trial and error), my peers and I discovered some essential hacks to navigate school while juggling everything else. Here’s a solid list of strategies I used, and found helpful.
Wifi
Spend money on good Wifi for your place, it's worth the reduction in frustration.
Make a LinkedIn
Although this isn't utilized a ton for First Responders, you never know where the industry will go or where you will go down the line. It's free, won't take you a lot of time, and it's good to start building your network when you're in school.
Student Health Center
Take advantage of the student health center. Most colleges have affordable healthcare services great for basic checkups, cold medicine, etc.
Educational Resources
You’re already paying for college, use every resource available! Use the free tutoring, writing centers, and academic advisors that the school provides.
Use Office Hours!
Seems lame but in reality the people that are lame are the ones that are adding years to school because they keep retaking classes. There's no need to do it for every class, but if it's a difficult class, I would highly recommend it. Professors also love it when students engage with them outside of just class hours. They often provide valuable advice, mentorship, and networking opportunities. I still talk to some of my old professors who continue to help me with all sorts of different things.
Join Clubs
It might seem nerdy, but once you leave college, access to free educational resources becomes limited.
Many of them can lead to job opportunities right after school, and you’d be surprised at the networking opportunities they provide.
Avoid Paying Interest
Pay off student loans aggressively if possible.
Avoid credit card debt.
Consider income driven repayment plans for student loans.
Apps to Get
Get Lyft in addition to Uber, a lot of the time it's less expensive.
Download all the Google apps (docs, drive, slides, and mail).
Food apps for the rewards (Chipotle, Panda Express, etc).
GasBuddy for gas savings (finds the cheapest gas near you).
Moving
For furniture go to a Goodwill store, often they have some pretty decent used desks, nightstand, coffee table, etc. Also use Facebook marketplace and OfferUp.
For kitchen items, cleaning supplies, school supplies, and more go to the Dollar Tree first. You would be surprised what you can find there.
Things to Keep in Your Car
Flashlight, jumper cables, extra phone charger, blanket, towels, multi-tool or basic tool kit, and a tire pressure gauge.
Create Daily, Monthly, and Yearly Objectives
This is a huge help in staying on track. Apps like Notability, the Notes app, and GoodNotes are great options.
Favorite Certain Photos for Convenience
Information you will frequently need includes: Driver's License, other IDs, license plate number, car insurance, medical, dental, other insurance policies, and car registration.
Discounts
Spotify offers a 50% discount.
SheerID (Used by companies to verify students and provide exclusive discounts).
Student Beans (Provides student discounts on major brands across various categories).
UNiDAYS (Offers student discounts on fashion, tech, food, travel, and more).
Phone discounts: AT&T, Verizon, and other offer phone plan discounts
Plan your Class Schedule Carefully
This is probably the most important day of your quarter/semester. A great schedule or a really bad schedule can highly affect how your next few months will go. Do NOT just sign up for random classes. A few days before your enrollment date, map out an ideal schedule that works with your commitments (work, extracurriculars, personal life). Always have backup options (2 or 3) in case your desired classes fill up.
Use it, but don’t rely on it blindly. If a professor has a lot of reviews the ratings are likely reliable. However, if there are only a few reviews, take them with a grain of salt. A mix of student feedback, syllabi reviews, and personal research works best.
Rent your textbooks Instead of Buying
Sometimes you can find free PDFs or online resources instead of paying at all.
Sometimes, buying is the better option if you can sell it later
Consider Once a Week Classes
If available, these can be more efficient since professors often end them early, even if scheduled for 2+ hours.
Grants
Apply for as many student grants as possible.
They aren’t always easy to find, but I discovered many by asking my professors.
Attending other schools
This strategy is especially useful if you're pursuing a degree like an AS or BS. Many programs require general education or specific prerequisite courses. If the class schedule at your school doesn’t work for you or you prefer a different professor, you may have the option to take the course elsewhere.
Always check with your academic counselor to ensure the credits will transfer before enrolling in a course at another institution. Many of these classes are available online, making it a convenient way to save time.
The process: apply to the other school as a non-degree student, enroll in the course on time, and once you complete it, transfer the credits to your primary institution, usually through a platform like Parchment. Your counselor should guide you through the transfer process to ensure everything goes smoothly.
🚑 How to Become a EMT in California?
I'm going to break down how to become an EMT in CA. Although it seems simple, there’s many small steps that can be really confusing and frustrating.
Part 1: Do you qualify
Are you 18 years old?
Do you have a high school diploma or equivalent?
Part 2: Things to do before applying to any EMT schools
To find accredited California EMT schools, go to this Link. Make sure the ones you are applying to are accredited.
Use the filters to narrow down your search.
Get your CPR/AHA/BLS certification. There are other organizations that offer it but all EMT schools in CA will accept the American Heart Association certification. Most, if not all, other states will prefer the AHA certification above others. The certification lasts 2 years from the date you were certified.
Go Here to check out available courses near you.
Note: Some schools, training centers, etc sometimes have different specific requirements. I suggest calling the number on their website to confirm the prerequisites.
Part 3: EMT Course
Complete a state-approved EMT training course.
This typically means passing the class with an 80% or higher score.
Most courses require ambulance ride-alongs. (I suggest you review further details with them).
Part 4: NREMT
Register and Schedule to take the NREMT.
Unfortunately it does cost money (About $100-200).
I highly recommend taking it as soon as possible while you still have all the information fresh in your mind.
Check the next steps Here to learn what comes next.
Read through the Pre-Test Guide, the Exam Process and the Policy Instructions before taking the test. All those links can be found on the NREMT website.
You should focus entirely on the test, so be sure to complete all the administrative requirements in advance to avoid any unexpected problems.
Part 5: Last Final Steps
Get a background check and complete this State of California Live Scan Form.
Go to This Website to find California approved live scan agencies. You can use this alternate site https://printscan.com/LiveScan/Locations.
You will receive a 10-digit ATN number that identifies a fingerprint background check. Make sure you get this from the Live Scan facility.
Have all the following documents saved in a folder on your computer as a PDF.
NREMT card.
Where to find this? Login on the NREMT Website > Dashboard > Print Card & Print Certification.
EMT course completion certification.
CPR/BLS course.
Go to the Local EMS Agency.
Click on the link associated with your county or the county you are going to work in. From there follow the steps it provides you or call their number if you need additional help.
This is where you will submit all your saved documents.
Once you have completed all these steps, you will be a nationally and state-recognized EMT. If you have taken care of everything above, it will save you time when getting hired whichever employer you choose. I hope this guide has simplified the process for you