Extreme Moneysaving

   Love this article from moneygap.com:

Money Saving Tips #1 – Camp & Commute!Added Jul 15, 2011, Under: Full Shilling




Peaceful and idyllic or dangerous?

People go to all kinds of lengths to save money. Some cut down, quit smoking or make a point of using vouchers wherever possible.But what about people who practice extreme money saving?



For example, Hugh Sawyer (also known as ‘ditch monkey’) spent 2005 living in a tent in the woods near Oxford, while also keeping a full time job. While it’s a rarity, there are people doing it – and there are decent reasons to do so. You don’t pay mortgage, rent, council tax, water bills, electricity bills… as a way to save money in a short space of time, it’s certainly effective.



We’re not necessarily recommending it – the sofa has, frankly, never looked more comfy right now – but if you do decide to do it, here are some of the most important things you’ll need.



1 – A gym membership is the single most essential thing you can buy. You get to keep in shape, which is obviously going to be important, but it’s more about two simple words. Hot. Shower. And, on top of that, if you get one with lockers that you can rent long term, you have somewhere you can hang up business clothes.



2 – A good laundrettes is a must-have as well. The extra money to get your clothes ironed will be necessary as well, as it’ll be impossible to do in a small tent. It may be more than you’d usually spend, but don’t forget how much you’re saving by not paying rent.



3 – Okay, this one’s obvious, but a tent. You’re going to need one. It’ll keep the rain off, and it’ll discourage badgers and foxes from nibbling at your feet and ears.



4 – A sleeping bag. Make sure it’s nice and warm. If you do this through the winter, you absolutely will have to stay warm while you sleep.



5 – A first aid kit. You won’t be on a main road, so it’ll be difficult for an ambulance to get to you. In fact, take a first aid course before you go. Just to be on the safe side.



6 – A small camping stove. Sometimes, you’re going to want something hot to eat or drink.



7 – Spending money on batteries may be silly. Wind-up torches and radios aren’t too expensive, and they’ll keep you from going insane at night. Having the ability to listen to the radio at night and in the morning will help a lot, and who wouldn’t want to be able to read? Essential.



8 – Don’t buy ear plugs. You’ll get used to the rustling of woodland creatures after a while, and it’s more important that you’re able to be woken by an emergency. Like a bear attacking your tent. Which, admittedly, is a bit less likely in London. But you never know…



9 – A decent flask. Listening to the wind-up radio, or reading a book by torchlight while enjoying a nice, hot soup makes the whole thing sound idyllic. Until, of course, the bears attack.



10 – Take an emergency phone, which you’ll need to keep charged. That way, if you crack, you’ll be able to call a taxi to take you to the nearest hotel where you can sit in luxury, paying for it with all the money you saved. And bears don’t have hotel swipe-cards. Which is important.zv