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The Struggle is Real
In tough times it’s easy to despair. It’s easy to feel lost and powerless. Everything is too expensive, income is not keeping up with inflation, and there doesn't seem to be any relief in sight. Folks get stressed out about their families and their futures. Folks get worried about sudden expenses, like an accident or illness. Some people may argue that it’s not really that bad, and we just have to pull ourselves up by our bootstraps. Granted, facing challenges is a fact of life, and we each need to do our best to overcome. But it is an entirely different phenomenon, and tremendously frustrating, when the effects of top-down decisions (mass layoffs, for instance) create a burden so disproportionately heavy that individual effort alone cannot alleviate it. And the negative effect on morale creates compound problems. Chronic stress over money and the related feelings of helplessness and low self-worth are poison for physical and mental health.
Furthermore, people are made to feel less-than for not being rich. Poverty is sometimes characterized as a personal failing that individuals should feel ashamed about, ostensibly due to their own laziness or stupidity. This is FALSE. If you are broke, that doesn’t mean you are broken or unworthy of dignity and respect. It’s like blaming a drowning person for not being a stronger swimmer rather than recognizing the danger of the riptide. Remember, this is a situation you are in, not an inherent character flaw, and there are many systemic and structural causes. Recessions, inflation, medical bills, tax increases, cut benefits...these have nothing to do with a person’s effort and intelligence. Also, if you don't have a million dollar inheritance or have access to elite networks, how are you sincerely expected to keep up with those who do?
If you are struggling financially, you are not alone and YOU DO HAVE POWER. You can take action and take control to better navigate the hard times and make informed, strategic choices. I’m not saying it will be easy, but it is possible. From personal experience being broke (there was nothing “great” about the Great Recession in 2008, I struggled with unemployment and debt), I know that it is a terribly challenging time. Hang in there. Things will change and there will be opportunities to improve your situation. Public libraries provide access and resources to find these opportunities (I frequently visited my local branch). Public libraries want our communities to thrive!
Also, there are many things—good, important, valuable things—that cannot be bought or sold. Innate talent, imagination, patience, confidence, perseverance, genuine friendship, a sense of humor, faith, the ability to enjoy and appreciate good things, earning someone’s trust, a loving and supportive family (if you have that, you’re doing better than some billionaires I could mention)... And remember, an average American in the 21st century is living better than royalty in the 19th century. You are a winner, regardless of your financial status! Don’t let the greedheads and materialists convince you otherwise.
I’ve broken this down into five categories and I’m including a few specific books and library resources for each. I sincerely hope this helps.
Five Ways to Be Frugal
1. Personal Finance/Budgeting
First things first- if you’re worried about money, you must keep track of it. Even just reviewing your monthly statements can be informative. Where is your cash coming from? How are you spending it? What are your weekly/monthly/annual expenses? Knowledge is power and it’s critical to take responsibility for your cash flow at the micro/individual level in order to navigate the macro/societal context of an economic crisis.
The conventional wisdom is to eliminate debt, build savings, and make investments, but that can all be easier said than done. There is a lot of financial advice out there, many options for supplementary income and investment, many means of budgeting (spreadsheet templates, apps, etc.). It may be overwhelming, but it’s imperative that you take action. Try a few different things and figure out what works best for you to take control of your finances. Here are some book options to consider:
The Buy Nothing, Get Everything Plan by Liesl Clark and Rebecca Rockefeller.
Besides budgeting and managing debt, savings, and investments, there are alternative ways of handling your financial health. This book offers an approach that goes beyond bank accounts and credit cards. This is a more community-based and socially conscious model for people who wish to go beyond the standard capitalistic approach.
America, Welcome to the Poorhouse: What YOU Must Do to Protect Your Financial Future and the Reform We Need by Jane White
This book has a more imperative tone, but sometimes we benefit from a harsh reality check. White offers brutal honesty in her assessment of financial stress in America, and practical, specific advice on how to help yourself. I also appreciate that she includes analysis of legislative needs- this acknowledges the macro/systemic level of the economy and suggests solutions there.
My Money Journey by Jonathan Clements
This book features several stories of people from diverse backgrounds and situations who had to contend with financial challenges. It offers empathy and encouragement to folks who are struggling, and illustrates how there is more than one way to handle difficult financial situations. You may find examples that match your circumstances and you can try to apply their lessons.
I also encourage you to use the library's Business/Finance Online Resources. These are especially helpful for entrepreneurs engaged in market research and business planning, and people looking for tools and research to guide their investment decisions.
2. DIY (Do-it-yourself)
Why buy when you can make it yourself? Why pay for an easy fix you can handle yourself? Pursuing new DIY skills not only saves you money but builds your repertoire and confidence. There is something tangibly satisfying about using your own two hands to create something.
Kitchen Gardening for Beginners
With the high cost of produce (among other things) in grocery stores these days, it makes sense to grow your own. This book includes step-by-step projects aimed at the novice gardener as well as important information about a wide variety of fruits and vegetables you can grow at home.
Sewing Basics by Sandra Bardwell
Save money on your clothing budget by making and mending your own stuff. Bardwell includes the tools and tactics for both machine and hand sewing in this comprehensive and well-organized book. An excellent reference for anyone sewing anything.
This book breaks down common home repairs step-by-step and includes important background information (the uses of various tools, comparing different materials, and pro tips). Some projects seem more daunting than they actually are, but books like this are here to help. Take your time, review the process, and follow instructions. You got this!
Don’t have a sewing machine or tools? The LABS at MLK Memorial library have you covered! This department has sewing machines you can use and a tool library.
Also, check out Creativebug. This online resource contains tutorials for a wide variety of different creative crafts.
3. Job Search & Career Planning
Another tactic for coping with financial stress is to pursue a better-paying job. It might be a good time for a career change. The library has many books and resources to help you navigate the job market, identify opportunities, and provide relevant training. The job market can be rough and competitive, but don’t be hard on yourself. Keep trying!
HBR Guide to Your Professional Growth
Use this book to map out your career path by assessing your interests and skills and identifying what further training or experience you need to pursue your ideal job. Even if you aren't actively looking for a new position, this guide can help you take stock and better understand yourself.
Also, the library offers several online Job & Career Resources that can help you with skills assessments, job-searching, resume-writing, interview prep, and more! If you prefer in-person support, the library offers one-on-one assistance at Job Seekers programs.
4. FREE Entertainment
You’re working hard and handling your budget, but you don’t need to hustle and strive all the time. It’s unhealthy and unsustainable to work and push 24/7- that’s a one-way ticket to burnout. Everyone needs to take a break. Why not unwind by watching a movie or listening to music for FREE? Forget those pesky subscription fees.
Use KANOPY to access over 30,000 movies, documentaries and series. FREEGAL MUSIC+ has millions of songs in over 200 genres and ALEXANDER STREET offers multiple excellent music & arts collections. Also, the library has nearly 20,000 DVDs available to borrow.
Not sure what to watch or listen to? The library has many books on film studies and music appreciation. Here are some suggestions:
Have you seen...? by David Thomson
This is a fantastic book for movie buffs. This comprehensive volume provides summaries and critiques for 1,000 films. Thomson is a celebrated film critic and historian, and his writing is candid and exacting. This book reflects decades of expertise in cinematic history and Thomson's well-honed standards for film appreciation. A very helpful guide.
This is a fun, approachable resource for movie lovers. Less critical and personal than Thomson’s, this is more of a general intro to film studies, presenting a historical survey of film and discussing exemplary movies from each era. Full of fun facts and graphics, it can serve as a reference for all ages.
Perfect Pitch by Tim Bouverie
If you want to explore classical music, but don’t want to deal with something overly fussy or pedantic, this is a great guide. Bouverie makes classical music more approachable, comprehensible, and moving for everyone. If you’re interested in other genres (for instance, Jazz, Country, or Rap) the library has introductory books on those, too.
Listen to This by Alex Ross
Ross takes us on a journey of musical exploration and appreciation through this series of critical essays. This includes classical music and contemporary pop, and interesting connections and comparisons are made between these genres. Ross's personal and historical analysis is both insightful and intriguing.
5. Explore the World
Travel is expensive. It's hard to afford airfare and lodging, and it's hard to take time off from work. But that doesn't mean you have to limit your horizons. It's a big, beautiful world and you can experience it without leaving home. Live vicariously through travelogues! You won't have to deal with the headache of travel logistics (the waiting, the fees, the language barriers) and you can still learn more about lands and people around the globe.
World Travel: An Irreverent Guide by Anthony Bourdain
In his inimitable style, Bourdain offers summaries and personal reflections on travel to over 40 countries. Full of smart observations, anecdotes, and off-the-beaten-path experiences, this is a worthwhile read even if you have no intention of visiting these places in person. Join Bourdain on a culinary and cultural journey.
The Catch Me if You Can: One Woman’s Journey to Every Country in the World by Jessica Nabongo
This is an extension of Nabongo's excellent blog. The book is amazing, full of impressive stories and gorgeous photos. Nabongo is honest, generous, and vulnerable in sharing lessons and emotional reactions to her incredible journey. This is about expanding your horizons both physically and mentally, a very inspiring read.
Also, the library offers free access to Lonely Planet Travel Guides and the National Geographic Virtual Library .
About the Author
Christine is a Library Associate at DC Public Library. A lifelong bibliophile and avid believer in the value of public service, she loves working at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library. She has somewhat eclectic reading taste, but she is always down for a good biography or historical fiction.