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Brain Injury Alliance of Arizona Blog

Crafty Ways to Fight Higher Costs

With so much uncertainty about the economy, nobody knows what tomorrow will bring, but if you follow Michelle McKay’s advice, it will cost less than you think.

“Saving money isn’t about being cheap. It’s about spending less money for quality products.”

Crafty Ways to Fight Higher Costs

With so much uncertainty about the economy, nobody knows what tomorrow will bring, but if you follow Michelle McKay’s advice, it will cost less than you think.

“Saving money isn’t about being cheap. It’s about spending less money for quality products.”

Woman’s World calls this survivor of brain injury “Queen of the Cheapskates,” although Michelle hates that term. “Saving money isn’t about being cheap. It’s about spending less money for quality products.” About that title from Woman’s World: “They paid me $300 to tell people how to save. I told them my number one tip was don’t pay people to teach you how to save.” After thinking it through for a second, she adds, “But I took the money.”

Before her massive stroke, Michelle’s advice had been sought by three other newspapers, including the Arizona Republic. After her stroke, she felt her ability to save was more important than ever.

When times are tough, it is particularly difficult to save, especially when recovering from brain injury. “Much of this requires writing things down and keeping track. That’s not the easiest thing to do. However, once you commit to being organized, there are many effective techniques to use throughout the year.

Money-Saving Tip #1 Barter. “Let others know what you’re good at so you can trade services. For instance, if you know people with kids, barter babysitting for home repairs.”

Money-Saving Tip #2: Thrift and resale stores. “The key here is to keep track of what things regularly cost. You can even find items with the original price tag.”

Money-Saving Tip #3: Shop sales. “I say let the newspaper, Internet, and phone do the work for you. Also, pay attention to mail order catalogs.”

Money-Saving Tip #4: Cook at home. “There’s two parts to this: Buy in larger quantities and freeze for later. Also, repurpose meals with a twist. That great spaghetti sauce with ground beef can easily become chili.”

Money-Saving Tip #5: Be creative. “Denim doesn’t just have to be for jeans. You can turn it into a patchwork blanket, bag, or purse.” (Note: Michelle is renowned for her ability to create original crafts from the heart, including homemade cards.)

She adds that, as a survivor, having plenty of time can pay off handsomely. “Instead of watching TV or playing video games, you can research the regular price of items and track that info so you can save enough to buy what you really want, like a vacation.”

Suzy Albanese, Resource Facilitation Specialist for the Brain Injury Alliance of Arizona, works closely with dozens of survivors and is quite familiar with their needs and challenges. “A small investment in time now can save big in the long run. People should use a waiting period to stay away from impulsive purchases,” suggests Suzy. “Since my mom’s MS makes her impulsive in many ways, I help manage my parents’ money. This works wonders!”

Suzy also believes that self-care is especially important during times of financial stress. She cites the following free techniques to help maintain sanity:

  • Get and stay organized as much as possible
  • Allow for messy feelings, like sadness
  • Learn to say “no” without guilt
  • Set expectations you can keep
  • Prioritize chill time

Will Grove is a Resource Facilitation Specialist for the Brain Injury Alliance and sees first-hand daily how lives are turned upside down in an instant. “Survivors who are new to brain injury have often donated to nonprofit programs. Then they’re in shock when they need services themselves and aren’t aware of BIAAZ.”

Will and his team advise people how to apply for government programs. “We also help walk you through the steps once you qualify, and show you how to maximize benefits like Double Up Food Bucks, offered by the Arizona Department of Economic Security.”  

This program allows current SNAP participants to save on healthy food. For every dollar spent on eligible food items, you earn another dollar to buy fruits and vegetables grown in Arizona, as well as dried beans and edible plants/seeds.

No enrollment is necessary. Simply attend a local farmer’s market or participating store and bring your SNAP Quest/EBT card.

ABOUT BRAIN INJURY ALLIANCE OF ARIZONA

The Brain Injury Alliance of Arizona (BIAAZ) is the only statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of adults and children with all types of brain injuries through prevention, advocacy, awareness and education. BIAAZ also houses the Arizona Brain Health Resource Center, a collection of educational information and neuro-specific resources for brain injury survivors, caregivers, family members and professionals.

What began in 1983 as a grassroots effort has grown into a strong statewide presence, providing valuable life-long resources and community support for individuals with all types of brain trauma at no charge.

The Brain Injury Alliance of Arizona:

  • Works with Congressional Brain Injury Task Force
  • Houses Arizona Brain Health Resource Center
  • Hosts virtual and in-person support groups for survivors and families
  • Has Statewide Opioid Use Disorder & Cognitive Impairment Response team with peer support, training, and family wraparound services
  • Facilitates Brain Health Advisory Council
  • Manages statewide Help Line: 888-500-9165

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