Kmart rings

1. Personally it was Pisces sun, Sagittarius moon & Cancer rising/ Taurus 11th house. (For all you haters she set the standard of $200 okay lol then lied). She makes a decent amount of money but all of my gifts came from Kmart (colouring book, diary, pastel pens that I had to throw away bc can barely see them, a mug I’m not a fan of, and a bracelet that others tell me to take off bc it looks cheap), while I got her Swarovski earrings, 2X diamond rings, this 1x pandora crown ring and made personalised meme Keyrings and magnets of us-which she loved and showed everyone. I didn’t want to show anyone my gifts :( . I loooved shopping for her bc I enjoy giving gifts people will love, she wore her gifts to all the events we went to (yay she loved them <3) Obviously was very disappointed but love her regardless
   
2. Gemini sun, Taurus moon: bought me a toy as a joke for my 16th birthday. My dad, the only gift I ever got lol (not mad it was hilarious)
   

I had a few weird dreams today. I woke up after having the second one, unable to write it down; because I was still tired. In the first, I was outside. I was naked outback, covered up with something. There was a comment about glinda being a capricorn or aries. I had looked at pictures of glynis johns yesterday, thinking about how smug her face is. She is a libra, which is the opposite of aries. My kitten had got outside, again. For the second dream in a row. I didn't get around to telling my mom that. In the dream, I told her I wanted to paint my dreams. Like the one I had about the several moons. She smiled. The sky was full of stormclouds, gray colored. There was a streak of light in it. I wanted to get pictures of it, and use them to help paint later. The dream was ominous, it felt strange. The exterior to my house from the side looks different in my dream, longer. Somewhat taller too. It was one of the dreams of seeing something in the sky next to the house, but with memories of my past real-life dreams of them. Lucid is a understatement. I woke up feeling uncomfortable.
It was still very early in the morning so I went back to sleep. I went to bed at 5AM.
I had another dream that was about tea/related to alice in wonderland. I have a collage to make on alice in wonderland later. I cannot remember this dream. And this is the one I wanted to write about. It was better than that first dream.
When I fell back asleep, I dreamt that I was in a car with my family. My little brothers were there. And my mom. This is one of those dreams where my mom is being a bitch. I was holding something important in my arms. I don't remember what it was. Seemed like it was fabric or paper. Definitely had some paper in front of me/on my lap. I vaguely recall seeing a red crayon. Looking out the window, I saw a stone wall. It almost looked like a display. We walked into a store, which felt quaint, like a farmhouse. There was halloween animatronics, lined up with their backs facing us. One of them I recognized; it was the one at the end. Closest to us. The audio that came out of it was familiar. While venturing through the store, my mom slowly got annoying. I was likely still carrying whatever I was holding earlier. I realized it was a walmart I was in. The walmart in my dreams is always old, like 70s. In real life, mine was built in the early mid '90s; like 94. Toysrus is usually there, connected to the walmart supercenter. My mom picked a winnie the pooh book up that played music, I assume it was winnie, because it was spelled, 'pooh.' The song was 'pooh, pooh.' And it felt more like big bear style. Bear in the big blue house, that is. I got extremely agitated, taking off. I ran through the store, stopping in front of some christmas display. It was tall, reaching at like 7 feet high. It was full of christmas sticker labels, while the shelf beside it had decor. I expected a monsters inc display to make an appearance.
I was having a lucid dream at the point. My mind was examining everything I was seeing. I ran, making fun of some song that was probably from the 70s or 60s. I replaced the lyrics with cynicism. At the entrance, there were two people behind it. I sat down on the floor and talked to them through the glass paneling. I basically rant; describing autism, unable to hear the guy's response. Whatever they said, sounded like 'outside.' Which rings like 'autism.' I had said that I get easily agitated all the time. And are sensitive to toilet humor. Which I am 100 percent positive is an autism trait. People with childhood bullying trauma even exhibit that. On the floor, I was sorting through bratz markers. They threw me off, because they had the boys on them. And the design seemed oldey2k era. The brand had upgraded the design in real life so many times, it seems. The date on it said, '2023.' There is a bratz revival at walmart in current day, y2k and authentic to generation1. The products are the exact same, down to the packaging, but with updated graphics. The same images but modern in quality. They did the same thing with blues clues.) Whatever the other misc pencils/items were, I didn't pay attention to. I was luciding; I turned that attention towards getting the fuck out of here.
I ran farther into the store, finding my local supermarket chain. It was connected to this building. I carried my belongings with me, crying. I started to feel ecstatic, seeing a separate room to the side of the supermarket that was alice in wonderland themed. Being able to see the minimalist brown/neutral marble of my favorite grocery store, next to super kmart, started to calm me down. It felt like I walked into heaven. I went into the alice room, seeing edwardian doors that were in the style of the one in coraline. And in the door scene in alice. There were a handful of them. A girl told me to poke my head through one of them. I did so, wishing I had a camera to take photos of it. I said, 'If only I had a phone with a camera attached, I could take a photo of this.' I felt paranoid after saying that. I shouldn't of said that outloud. I realized I was in the '70s. 'It sucks.' I remarked. 'But that kind of technology isn't possible yet..' I might've said. A cabinet to the side got my attention, it was filled with citrus juices and drinks. I noticed that the mandarin tropicana had the most drunk out of. The guy/teacher who owned the place seemed like a cult leader. One of the cartons in there had a modern date on it. There was more tropicana drinks as well. Probably milk too. He approached me, as I was reading something. It was a bag with a name that starts with 'e' and 'dragon' on the front. Eragon, it was a reference to, I thought after I woke up. I probably saw something with treasure planet as well during the dream. But I can barely remember all the other stuff I saw in the store. I woke up right after this.

Kmart holds a lot of found memories for me as a child when my entire family was still alive. Our town did not have a Walmart till the mid-90s. So Kmart was the place. I had so much fun as a kid growing up hopping in the car pre seatbelt law days to ride with my parents and hopes they give me a few dollars for a toy! I remember wanting my Cabbage patch and waiting a year for it every time Kmart would get some my dad would watch idiots fighting each other for them it took forever before Santa brought me one. I remember walking on Kmart for my bare feet sometimes and feeling the coolness of the floor after walking on the scorching hot pavement in the hot summer sun. I remember the slushies and the smell of hot popcorn. I remember hanging out with my little brother and the toy section throughout that whole decade then as I grew older into a teen the electronic session in order to buy a cassette tape of the hottest song or empty cassette tapes to wait for with the weekends Casey kasem countdown and play DJ and record my favorite songs. I miss when I was little hiding from my mom in the clothing racks and the back to school shopping. I miss going to KMart with my dad and little brother who was still alive back then to go get our Halloween costumes in the box with the plastic face and the plastic body. I miss seeing my Grandma sitting in the eatery once they had one years later when she was alive. It ended up also becoming my first job when I turned 16. I thought I was Big stuff helping people in the jewelry counter putting batteries in their watches or helping people pick out a ring. Kmart is a tapestry of my childhood and many memories too many to list here. For those of you who Miss Kmart and want to close your eyes and time travel a bit here's a station that plays only Kmart music. And I know this seems silly but it seems like Target is the new Kmart it's not the same but everything is red so sometimes I'll put Kmart radio on while I'm in Target and my earbud and pretend it's a simpler time. Here you go Kmart fans!
https://youtube.com/@KaymartRaydio?si=0ZYrrt2JCVIFTQzl

My wife bought some bras on the 30th of december for $50 each (down from $70). She has worn them about 5/6 each and we washed them for the first time last night (in a delicates bag) and they both had the wires poke through (break). Normally her bras would last 6-12 months and then the wires normally pop, these are usually cheaper Kmart bras(~$15).
I don’t think a month is a reasonable amount of time for an expensive bra to break so I thought I’d take them into the store to get a replacement/refund.
I spoke to the ass-man who advised me their store policy was that if a bra has been worn and washed they won’t be able to help me. I mentioned the cga and that I don’t believe washing clothing gives a store an excuse to get out of their cga responsibilities. The ass-man sympathised with me but said she couldn’t do anything. She ended up ringing the manager who wasn’t working today who said the same thing but offered me to come back tomorrow and she will see what she can do. The ass-man suggested I would not have any luck tomorrow so I thought I’d come here for advice…
I did not expect to be told no once I brought up the cga, what are my next steps to take if I get told no when I go back tomorrow?
I believe I am in the right but will be happy to be told if i am not
TIA
UPDATE- the manager was firm but nice enough. She didn’t mention her store policy at all, but claimed that there was too much wear and tear on the bras. She didn’t seem impressed that they had been washed only once after 5-6 wears and said that regular maintenance is expected. She did take photos and sent them to customer support to see what they can do for me. She tried to suggest that it had been two months and that after 20 or so wears they should have been looked after better, I corrected her on her assumptions. Outside of that I think she was pretty fair

so we were just driving in my moms jeep commander(2007 Rare). and i wanted to go to the flea market that was over there. then one of us found a sign that said mall and arcade. So we find the entrance to the mall that took us to an elevator. We were then taken to the arcade first with free games to play without cash or play card. I saw a game with Mario plushies and stuff. So i played some arcade games. But there was this area with unfinished vendors, problably a new flea market coming into half of the Sears. i saw this game in the mall and asked what it was. He said "Blade ball" but it did not look like it. Mostly looking like a ring toss game. I then explored the mall a little bit, hoping to find a Game stop, or Barnes and Nobel. after the guy said Blade ball i woke up
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But it does not end there
Inside Former Kmart thats now reopened: i was inside a Kmart with my family and we look around for signs of Big Kmart or Ames(which was basically its original building). I never found signs of Ames but i did find signs of Big Kmart.
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School and Vore story dream: ok so here comes my obsession with my school in my dream. After raining almost the entire school day, I was at P.E with my classmates. There was a bunch of mud puddles everywhere. I really really REEEEEEEALLLY wanted to swim in the mud, but I have to start doing P.E, So i skipped that.
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Vore Story: So the vore story features Gregory from FNAF SB. He is at the Pizza Plex trapped somewhere. Then, Glamrock Freddy offered to vore Gregory. So he got vored and went down into his esophagus, about to be digested by Glamrock Freddy's oil. He has now entered his stomach. He enjoys it so much. I wish i was with him in there

When I was 16 or so, I was sitting in a car with this friend, Natanha, I had a MASSIVE crush on. I was kind of a dorky theatre kid and she seemed to exclusively like guys with a little edge, but for whatever reason, she kept inviting me over. I never quite got why at the time but I was happy to be around her.
One day, after we'd known each other some time, we took a drive together. No idea why. After a bit, we parked on the far end of the Kmart lot. It was freezing out and I had this crappy hatchback. She asked to see the ring I was wearing. It was my grandfather's ring passed down but I didn't see any harm in it. Besides, when you're sixteen, alone in a car with your crush, you're not really of a mind to say 'no' to anything.
She pulls out a lighter and dangles my ring over the flame. I don't remember thinking anything of it.
Sixteen, cute girl; do whatever weird stuff you want—just don't leave.
We go on talking about nothing really at all, when she tells me to put my hand on the shifter.
"Okay?"
"Alright, if you're a real man, you won't move."
"Wait, what?"
Even being sixteen and crushing hard, I had just enough mental energy left over to put together what was about to happen.
I should have said something, or just pulled my hand back. But then I started picturing all the tough guy types she seemed to be into and I thought "well, maybe she likes me... and she just... needs to see that I'm tough too."
And with that, I steeled my resolve and wrapped my hand tighter on the shifter.
I don't know if it was actually glowing hot. But in my head it was just this side of molten.
She slowly approached, and stopped. "It's not too late. You're sure you don't want to pull away?"
I gripped harder, thinking 'No way, she's actually going to do this, right?'
"Oh, I'm sure."
Spam. Human flesh smells like spam. And for a few days, so did my car. And sizzle? I'll tell you, I sounded delicious!
I don't remember making a noise. Maybe? I remember her freaking out.
"What the HELL! I thought you'd MOVE!!!"
"I didn't think you'd DO IT!!"
I knew she'd do it.
Some time later we connected again through the then newish magic of Facebook. I confessed what a crush I'd had on her and when she asked why I never said anything, I told her I knew she was too cool for me. She pointed out how there was a reason she was always inviting me over and she never said anything because she thought she wasn't my type.
We laughed. At least for my part, I kicked myself. She asked if I remembered that time in the car. "Only every time I look at my hand." She laughed again.
That was it. Nothing ever happened. We both had our lives to get back to. Twenty some years later, I still have the scar, though it's finally faded. Truth be told, I'd do it the same still. It's hardly the worst scar my heart's been responsible for; and every now and then, it's just nice to remember a time when life was as simple as a fogged up car, a pretty girl, and a second degree burn.

When I was 16 or so, I was sitting in a car with this friend, Natanha, I had a MASSIVE crush on. I was kind of a dorky theatre kid and she seemed to exclusively like guys with a little edge, but for whatever reason, she kept inviting me over. I never quite got why at the time but I was happy to be around her.
One day, after we'd known each other some time, we took a drive together. No idea why. After a bit, we parked on the far end of the Kmart lot. It was freezing out and I had this crappy hatchback. She asked to see the ring I was wearing. It was my grandfather's ring passed down but I didn't see any harm in it. Besides, when you're sixteen, alone in a car with your crush, you're not really of a mind to say 'no' to anything.
She pulls out a lighter and dangles my ring over the flame. I don't remember thinking anything of it.
Sixteen, cute girl; do whatever weird stuff you want—just don't leave.
We go on talking about nothing really at all, when she tells me to put my hand on the shifter.
"Okay?"
"Alright, if you're a real man, you won't move."
"Wait, what?"
Even being sixteen and crushing hard, I had just enough mental energy left over to put together what was about to happen.
I should have said something, or just pulled my hand back. But then I started picturing all the tough guy types she seemed to be into and I thought "well, maybe she likes me... and she just... needs to see that I'm tough too."
And with that, I steeled my resolve and wrapped my hand tighter on the shifter.
I don't know if it was actually glowing hot. But in my head it was just this side of molten.
She slowly approached, and stopped. "It's not too late. You're sure you don't want to pull away?"
I gripped harder, thinking 'No way, she's actually going to do this, right?'
"Oh, I'm sure."
Spam. Human flesh smells like spam. And for a few days, so did my car. And sizzle? I'll tell you, I sounded delicious!
I don't remember making a noise. Maybe? I remember her freaking out.
"What the HELL! I thought you'd MOVE!!!"
"I didn't think you'd DO IT!!"
I knew she'd do it.
Some time later we connected again through the then newish magic of Facebook. I confessed what a crush I'd had on her and when she asked why I never said anything, I told her I knew she was too cool for me. She pointed out how there was a reason she was always inviting me over and she never said anything because she thought she wasn't my type.
We laughed. At least for my part, I kicked myself. She asked if I remembered that time in the car. "Only every time I look at my hand." She laughed again.
That was it. Nothing ever happened. We both had our lives to get back to. Twenty some years later, I still have the scar, though it's finally faded. Truth be told, I'd do it the same still. It's hardly the worst scar my heart's been responsible for; and every now and then, it's just nice to remember a time when life was as simple as a fogged up car, a pretty girl, and a second degree burn.

hey all, about this time last year i went to a abandoned house with a warehouse next to it in figtree...with a mate of mine, however we both completely forgot the general directions and even if it has a name??? ...ring a bell with anyone? its near the maccas/kmart & if ya pass through some bushes and go behind a hotel/motel you get there, everyone i know never knew of it- anyone have any ideas ? like it never existed haha ... thx in advance !! <3

UCLA JOKES
My vacuum broke yesterday, so I slapped a UCLA sticker on it...now it sucks again.
USC has Anthony Davis. UCLA has Angela Davis.
Q. What does a UCLA fan do when his team has won the championship?
A. He turns off the PlayStation.
Q. What do you call a Bruin in a January bowl game?
A. A referee.
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Q. How do you get a Bruin off your front porch?
A. Pay him for the Pizza.
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Q. What do you call a bRuin who lost his girlfriend?
A. Homeless.
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THINGS YOU WILL NEVER HEAR A BRUIN FAN SAY:
· I’ll take Shakespeare for 1000, Alex.
· Nope, no more for me. I’m driving tonight.
· I’ve got it all on the C: drive.
· Come to think of it, I’ll have a Heineken.
· I just couldn’t find a thing at KMart today.
· Has anybody seen the sideburns trimmer?
· Let’s go to the museum.
· No, I insist you have the last piece.
· I think we should get to know each other better first.
· I have reviewed your application.
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TEST TO SEE IF YOU ARE A UCLA GRADUATE:
· You think Sherlock Holmes is a housing project down in San Jose.
· You think TACO BELL is the Mexican Phone Company
· You think Genitalia is an Italian airline.
· Your sister is the third generation of women in your family to conceive a baby as a result of an alien abduction.
· You carried a fishing pole into Sea World.
· You think subdivision is part of a math problem.
· You believe dual air bags refer to your wife and mother-in-law.
· You think the OJ Trial was a Sunkist and Minutemaid taste test.
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Q. Why do UCLA football players like smart women?
A. Opposites attract.
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A man is sitting at a park bench when another man sits next to him and they engage in conversation. Shortly after, the second man says, “So, I bet you’re a UCLA fan.” The first man says enthusiastically, “Why yes I am. How did you know? My intelligence? My wit? My good looks?” The second fellow says, “No. I saw your class ring when you were picking your nose.”
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Q: What does the average UCLA player get on his S.A.T.? A: Drool.
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Q: Why is the UCLA football team like a possum? A: Because they play dead at home and get killed on the road.
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Q: What are the longest three years of a UCLA football player’s life? A: His freshman year.
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Q: How many UCLA freshmen does it take to change a light bulb? A: None. That’s a sophomore course.
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Q: Where was O.J. headed in the white Bronco? A: UCLA. He knew that the police would never look there for a Heisman Trophy winner.
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Q. What do you call a UCLA grad with a Pac 12 Championship ring? A. A thief.
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Q. Did you hear about the UCLA linebacker who stole a police car? A. He saw “911” on the side and thought it was a Porsche.
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Q: How does a UCLA fan count to 10? A: 0-1, 0-2, 0-3, 0-4, …..
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Q. Hear about the UCLA fan who lost $50 on the football game? A. He lost $25 on the game and $25 on the instant replay.
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Q: What did the USC grad say to the UCLA grad? A: Will the defendant please rise.
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Q: What did the UCLA grad say to the USC grad? A: Would you like fries with your order?
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Q. There are 4 UCLA players in a car. Who is driving? A. The police.
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Q. Did you hear about the new honor system at UCLA? A. Yes, your Honor. No, your Honor.
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Two UCLA scholars were walking through the woods and came upon a set of tracks. The first UCLA scholar said, “Those are deer tracks.” The second one said “Nope, they’re too big for deer tracks. They must be elk tracks.” As the debate raged on they were hit by a train.
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Two UCLA football players were down on 3rd Street Promenade in Santa Monica partying up a storm. They were yelling and rowdy. The bartender asked them why they were celebrating.
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The smart one said proudly that they had just finished a jigsaw puzzle and it only took two months. “Two months!?” exclaimed the bartender. “To complete a simple puzzle?”
The player replied, “Yeah, but the box said 4-6 years.”
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Q: Why was the UCLA football team late for their last game? A: Every time their bus passed a sign that said ‘Clean Restrooms’, they did.
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A little boy and his mother were walking in a cemetery when they came upon a headstone that read, “Here lies an UCLA graduate and an successful man.” The little boy asked, “Mommy, why did they bury 2 people in there?”
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Q: Santa Claus, the tooth fairy, a national championship and Heisman Trophy winning UCLA football player, and an old drunk are walking down the street together when they simultaneously spot a hundred dollar bill. Who gets it? A. The old drunk, of course. The other three are mythical creatures.
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Q: How do you come to own a small business? A: Take a large business and put an UCLA grad in charge of it.
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Q: Did you hear the UCLA library burned down? A: The saddest part was that half the books weren’t colored in yet.
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A bRuin walked into the local welfare office to pick up his check. He marched straight up to the counter and said, "Hi. You know... I just HATE drawing welfare. I'd really rather be working."
The social worker behind the counter said, "Your timing is excellent. We just got a job opening from a very wealthy old man who wants a Chauffeur and bodyguard for his beautiful daughter. You'll have to drive ...her around in his 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS, and he will supply all of your upscale clothes.
Because of the long hours, meals will be provided. You'll also be expected to escort his daughter on her overseas holiday trips. This is rather awkward to say but you will also have as part of your job assignment to satisfy her sexual urges as the daughter is in her mid 20's and has a rather strong sex drive."
The bRuin, just plain wide-eyed, said, "You're kidding!"
The social worker said, "Yeah, well ... You started it."
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Q: Do you know why they couldn't have a nativity scene at UCLA ? A: They couldn't find three wise men or a virgin.
Q: Why did the chicken cross the road? A: To get as far away from UCLA as possible
Q: Did you hear that UCLA is dressing only 15 players this season? A: The rest can dress themselves.
Q: What is the difference between a UCLA fan and a three-week-old puppy? A: Eventually the puppy will stop whining.
Q: What do you call 30 UCLA students in a basement? A: A whine cellar.
Q: Why are they planning to resurface The Rose Bowl with cardboard? A: Because the Bruins always play better on paper.
Q: What do you get when you cross a pig with a UCLA graduate? A: Nothing. There are some things a pig just won't do.
Q: Why do UCLA graduates put a copy of their diploma in the window of their vehicles? A: So they can park in handicap spaces.
Q: How many UCLA football players does it take to change a light bulb? A: Just two, but they each get three hours credit.
Q: Do you know where John Robinson moved after he retired? A: Westwood, he wanted to get as far away from football as he could.

Hi all, I have the following items up for sale. Shipping cost starts at $4 and will depend on weight. Happy to discount for bundle deals! Timestamp of all items here: https://imgur.com/a/BgsP9SV
SNES:
Batman Returns - CIB (Blockbuster Rental Manual), $70
DS/3DS:
Bomberman Land Touch 2 - Sealed, $75
Etrian Odyssey Untold: The Millenium Girl - loose, $38
Pilotwings Resort - CIB, $8
Lego Lord of the Rings - CIB, $6
Steeldiver - CIB, $4
Combat of Giants Dinosaurs 3D - CIB, $5
Pokémon Diamond & Pearl Offical Player's Guide - $10
GameCube:
Mario Party 4 Kmart Variant - Case only, $15
Medal of Honor European Assault - Missing manual, $6
Dobutsu No Mori e/e+ E-Reader Cards and sealed packs - over 250 loose cards and 19 sealed booster packs, $100 for all
GB/GBC/GBA (All Loose Carts): Take all for $100 Shipped
Killer Instinct - Faded label, $5
Pitfall Beyond the Jungle - $7
A Bugs Life - $2
NHL Blades of Steel - $15
Scooby Doo Classic Creep Capers - $6
V-Rally Edition 99' - $5
Quest for Camelot - $3
Rampage 2 - $9
Avatar the last airbender - $7
Madagascar - $3
Shrek Super Slam - $3
Ultimate Spiderman - $11
Beyblade V Force - $2
Spongebob Revenge of the Flying Dutchman - $2
Yu-Gi-Oh the Sacred Cards - $9
Incredibles Rise of the Underminer - $2
Samurai Jack The Amulet of Time - $7
Ty The Tasmanian Tiger 2 Bush Rescue - $2
Duel Masters Kaijudo Showdown - $2
Gadget Racers - $11
Yu-Gi-Oh Destiny Board Travelers - $4
Ed Edd n Eddy Jawbreakers - $7
Nicktoons Collection Vol 2 - $5
Yu-Gi-Oh Yugi vs Joey - $4

Posted this as a comment on another post, but there do seem to be quite a few beneficiaries struggling out there at the moment, so I thought I'd post some basic tips, at the risk of being called a doll bludger lol. If anyone else has cheap living tips / advice for how to make things work while living on a benefit, post below :)
I've been on a benefit for ~8 years, only getting my correct entitlement (supported living payment etc.) for half of that. Now I get around $500 when I'm not able to work, but in this economy, that's still f all to live on. Here's how I've made it work:
-No car or motor transport. I bike everywhere, rain or shine. I started with a cheap bike and learned to fix everything on it myself. Interestingly this led me to my current career path, but that's a different story. Cars are too expensive to maintain on a benefit though, and new ones (loans etc.) are out of the question. -No insurance. Simply can't afford contents, and no vehicle to worry about now. Have had a really good car and a 50cc scooter written off and haven't been able to replace, as I only had 3rd party. -Making use of WINZ entitlements & grants - I apply for food costs literally the day I'm eligible. I think it's ~$200 per six months, and doesn't need to be paid back. Those little green payment cards take care of groceries 2-4 weeks a year, which allows for money to be redirected to other things, like late rent, vet bills, or clothing. -Looking like a bum, lol. I buy a couple of new items of clothing from Kmart or TW once a year, that's pretty much it. Op shops are great for others but not my thing. I look for good cheap deals, like when TW had their cheap sneakers at $7 a pair - got myself shoes for 2 to 3 years that day! I only throw stuff out when it's got gaping holes as clothing is a luxury these days. In saying that, I invest in performance clothing - thermals or a cheap puffer jacket from Macpac save heaps on power bills in the winter. WINZ clothing grants are good for grabbing cheap deals - but you do need to pay this back (usually $1 a week). -I eat a lot of packet soups and readymade meals, and eat takeaways almost daily. Whoever still thinks cooking healthy meals is cheaper has seriously been living under a rock. I can get 2 meals worth of fried rice packed with veges and meat for $10.50 at my local Chinese, or really good Thai for $15, also enough for 2 meals. I'm a pretty good cook for your average guy but I can't come up with consistently cheaper options than those kinds of examples that actually are filling enough and offer interesting variety for less than $8 a portion these days. Screw living off instant mash and cans of beans, live like a cheap king. Subs of the day are awesome - ask for every filling that's free and you really get a decent feed. -Find good landlords. Really invest time and energy shopping around when it comes to housing. Ideally, try to rent from family or friends, as they'll see you as a human, rather than just a weekly mortgage offset.
-See a financial advisor. There's tons that are free, like Kingdom Resources in Christchurch, and planning a real budget, finding out your entitlements, and consolidating debts make an enormous difference financially.
-Only pay for services you actually require. My $19 monthly prepaid phone plan gives me enough calls and txts, plus a bit of data if I'm out and need to use a bank app etc. Shop around for internet deals and if you see a good one, don't be afraid to ring your current provider to see if they'll price match - a lot of companies will to avoid losing customers. Otherwise switch to cheaper options. I pay for Spotify, but that's it beyond phone, power, and internet.
-Lie. Lie a lot. You don't have a partner. You definitely do need that extra food money this week. Why do you need new pants? Well you sh*t yourself, of course. Doesn't matter if the lie is embarrassing or just a lie, get what you need. They treat us like scum and their policies constantly breach the Social Securities Act. Find out what you're entitled to and get it, one way or another. Just write a clear script first, and don't contradict yourself or say anything you can't provide evidence for if requested. (Hence the pants example - they simply want to end the conversation, and approve the grant. As opposed to a 45 minute discussion about your spending habits and when you last bought clothes... Lectures from barely educated WINZ staff are as unbearable as they get.)
That's basically it. Once you've been in the system for a while you realise it's hard by design. A fundamental flaw of Capitalism is the need for clear class structures as social incentives, so there always needs to be a group lower than low-class workers, a risk that you could become "one of them" if you don't put your head down and clean toilets for minimum wage. And we have so few rights. I'm a man with disability -albeit not as severe as others - and will likely have it in some form for life. I get financially penalized for having a partner. Tell me that's not eugenics by stealth. It bloody feels like it, and does for all the others I know on Supported Living as well.
We have our privacy invaded constantly. We're questioned and looked down on by WINZ staff barely a rung above us on the socio-economic ladder and have to fight to get what legislation says we're owed. I've recently become an adult student, and when applying for the Training Incentive Allowance for study costs, I was literally laughed at and told I should study something cheaper like barbering. And this was for a part time, 5 month trade course. I've had WINZ staff deny me food grants that I'm entitled to, because in "their opinion I'm spending too much on food and should be eating more 2 minute noodles". Never mind my bowel disorder, you know, the reason they're paying me in the first place...
The amount of time and energy they've spent denying me access to foods my doctor states I need to get healthy, denying me chances to study, etc., has only solidified my opinion that they don't want beneficiaries to get off the benefit. We're a useful social tool to help the masses conform, and Grant Robertson made his opinion very clear when talking on the subject, describing a policy of "minimal viable unemployment" in New Zealand.
You survive, but you fight.