RadicalMontreal – The Frugal Art of Sharing

Living in northern Vermont all those years meant that I was in close proximity to the beautiful, bustling city of Montreal (in fact, my husband and I had our first real date in Montreal… but that’s another story!). The city is a real gem – art, hockey, architecture, music! (one of my favorite things),  food and friendly people. If you ever have the opportunity to visit , I highly recommend you take it – and try the poutine while you are there.  One of the things I love most about Montreal is its lack of corporate chains and its abundance of a real DIY spirit – Montreal somehow manages to pull off DIY with class ….. I think it is because everything is done with artistry. -thecheapskatemom

I absolutely love the blog RadicalMontreal for its spirit of DIY and Frugality. I was talking with the blog mistress Sheena about very frugal projects and ideas she has had and I will be sharing them with you regularly. Today’s topic, brought to you in conjuction with Sheena from RadicalMontreal, is the frugal practice of sharing.

“If you have a candle, the light won’t glow any dimmer if I light yours off of mine.” – Steven Tyler

Sharing is one of the best ways to gain, give and be frugal.It’s also very environmentally friendly!
I firmly follow the idea that every seed you plant returns to you ten fold. I have been blessed by my friends with new to me sneakers, jeans, waitress aprons, rides, food, moving trucks, advice, love and much much more. In turn, I have given my friends clothes, money, advice, love, AAA service calls, even an old car!  I can not imagine my life without sharing. Even a potluck dinner is a wonderful example of how a group of folks sharing what they can creates a lovely feast – what a wonderful metaphor for how we can survive this recession in abundance and style.

In her article, The Art of Sharing, Sheena highlights ways in which she and her friends have found to share and save money. Some things I personally do to share are :

• Use Freecycle.org – an email list in which you post things you want to get rid of or would like to receive.
• Donate to and shop at Goodwill and Salvation Army – although not completely free , it is a wonderful way to give back by donating and score some pretty massive deals by shopping there. You can also be eligible to receive a tax deduction by donating.
• Share things I no longer need with friends – they often return the favor !!!
• Make dinner and invite friends over. We can’t afford to go out to eat that much, but we can afford to entertain at home and share a meal!
• Share information : starting a blog and sharing information is a great way to share! I get great information and advice from you readers and fellow bloggers!
• Use the library. It’s amazing what an untapped, free resource the library is – even if, like me, you fall prey to the occasional late fee. You save money by not buying books and shelf space to boot.
  

So, readers, remember that sharing is being frugal. Read Sheena’s wonderful article to learn more. If you have something you can share, do it. You are planting seeds for a large harvest later on. And if someone can share something with you, take them up on it : maybe someday you can share something back.