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Joined 2 years ago
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Cake day: June 23rd, 2023

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  • Better yet understand that none of your gear makes heat, you do. Think of your sleeping bag and clothes as batteries that need to be recharged periodically and your body is a generator. When you shiver that is your body trying to burn calories to produce heat. You can stay much warmer by keeping busy and moving around than you will by standing around a fire. When you wake up cold in the middle of the night, move your legs like you’re riding a bicycle while laying on your side. It won’t take long to warm up. Also keep an isolating layer between you and the ground like a foam sleeping pad. It also works for when standing on frozen ground.








  • Seems like the cards aren’t the problem and spending is. Not using cash, you don’t actually see the money leaving your wallet/purse. You don’t see your cash reserves dwindle. My suggestion is figure out your weekly income and keep a hand written list in a small notebook. Each time you spend deduct the amount. Better yet write down what the expense was. If you don’t want to carry a notebook, save all receipts and do it when you get home. At the end of the week take a serious look at what you bought and make a list of frivolous expenses and add them up to see what you could have saved by using a little restraint. Did you really need that $5 cup of coffee? Or that $3.50 soda drink at lunch instead of water? Could you have saved $10 by picking up something at the store instead of having it delivered? Small numbers add up to big numbers when we don’t pay attention. Having these things written down in front of us has an impact. Of course some expenses aren’t optional but some can be mitigated. Take pride in each little gain, give yourself a pat on the back/endorphin boost each time. Seriously, that helps me accomplish goals. Good luck, I hope you find success


  • I’m curious, have your interactions with Americans been with those that have traveled to Europe? The reason I ask is because I was able to visit years ago and wondered if maybe European’s view of Americans is skewed because they mostly see those of us that come from well off backgrounds (upper income). I met young Americans that had been there multiple times because their parents paid their way while they were on summer break from school. In contrast, I was the exact opposite. You’re not likely to see many low income folks visiting so you may have a skewed viewpoint.