What do you do when you don't have the money?

I bet all of you can agree that there are moments in your life the comment comes up... "if I only had the money", then you would be able to do the things that you've always wanted to do. I know that I run into this a lot when talking to people who would like to invest in real estate.

Now let's take the conversation to a different level. There are probably areas in your life where you would be excited about if there was more money. Either taking care of your parents, paying off student loans, donating to your favorite charity, traveling or just treating your friends to dinner. All of that is an expression of who you are, or who I am, and it gets suppressed because there's not enough money to go around. But, what if we take a different look at it. How else can you express your desire to take care of your parents, contributing to your favorite charity, being with your friends and traveling - without needing more money?

I started to look at this and what I found was interesting. I still live with my parents and I know that being around and completing chores or doing things before they say something makes a difference. Therefore, I've made it a priority to take care of those things, for them and for me. It has made a huge difference in how my parents interact with me. They see the effort and it gives them an opportunity to relax. I know that volunteering time to my favorite organization makes a huge difference, but I've also extended my couponing skills to them. I just got 7 boxes of cereal and 4 rolls of paper towels for less than $7 for my favorite charity that does camp for adults and children with disabilities. It was nothing for me, but I know it makes a huge difference for the Kitchen Director to not have to worry about getting more cereal or paper towels. And being with friends, the mere effort to see them and hang out with them speaks louder than words. I've also been on a baking kick, so I bake for my friends to eat! Of course, all the items are from my couponing, but nonetheless, the gesture is what makes the relationship grow. Traveling is a big one. I've made a pact this year with my boyfriend that we go somewhere new once a month. It doesn't have to be extravagant or halfway around the world... it just has to be somewhere new that we get to do together. There are tons of things to do for free in California! You just have to look for it. I know that AAA magazine will list many things to do around So. Cal and mostly for free. It's just a matter of being informed and asking. The Huntington Library is on our list, the first Thursday of each month is free. It's a beautiful place if you haven't been and I would highly recommend it.

In the end, I am expressing myself to my community without the need of more money. So where are you holding back your desire to play, contribute and be in the world? How else can you fulfill that without needing more money. Because let's face it, being there is better than throwing money at it.