Living on the AmeriCorps stipend: tips and strategies
February 7, 2017
Marketing and Communications Coordinator*VISTA
*Update: As of 2022 成人快播 no longer offers VISTA positions, but we remain a proud AmeriCorps organization with hundreds of members serving nationwide. This post was written by AmeriCorps members for AmeriCorps members sharing tips for their service year.
A year of AmeriCorps service听辞蹿蹿别谤蝉 unexpected benefits and rich opportunities听for deepening your understanding of your aspirations and connecting with members of your community. The service experience can certainly propel you forward on your journey to find out who you are and where you鈥檇 like to go; at the same time, AmeriCorps comes with a particular set of challenges.
One of the biggest challenges for members is learning how to provide and care for themselves on a听modest AmeriCorps stipend. The explains that the stipend 鈥渆nables you to live very frugally, like the community you are serving. The allowance is based on poverty rates for a single individual in your geographic area.鈥�
A simple lifestyle certainly has its own rewards鈥攁 focus on people, not things; a truer understanding of the difference between what you want versus what you need; even the opportunity to try on values that counter the themes of a consumer society. Yet, the limits of the stipend produce real obstacles; having fun, exploring your city, and developing hobbies can be tricky when you鈥檙e strapped for cash.
Fortunately, many AmeriCorps members have developed strategies to live well while living on a budget. Thanks to the generous responses of 听成人快播鈥� current AmeriCorps members and alums, this blog is a collection of clever suggestions and resources for creating a full life without oodles of money.
Top tips for living on the AmeriCorps stipend
Create and stick to a budget.
This may be the biggest takeaway for anyone living on limited means. Having a budget means that you鈥檙e planning ahead and developing a safety net for yourself鈥攖his way, you won鈥檛 be wandering around spending money you don鈥檛 have. Reliable online budgeting tools include 听补苍诲 听
In addition to budgeting, be sure to: 1) get your student loans put on 听as soon as possible and 2) make an effort to save after each pay period, however small the amount may be.
鈥淓ven on such a tight budget, remember to save a little bit of money. Even if it is ten dollars per paycheck or change in a jar, set it aside and it will add up. It can feel difficult to not have spending money on the AmeriCorps stipend, so setting a bit aside for a trip or event later in the year will be a treat to yourself.鈥� -成人快播 AmeriCorps alum
Find out your SNAP/food stamp eligibility and apply as soon as possible.
The process for applying differs by state, so check the 听for details. Using SNAP will give you a little more room in your food budget and savings from this category can add up over time.
鈥淚 didn’t my first year because I felt like I made enough that it didn’t justify it. But the second year, I just decided to try it out and not only was it extremely easy to apply for, but it made a huge difference in my quality of life. This is one piece of the benefits AmeriCorps offers you and don’t hesitate to make grocery budgeting that much easier.鈥� -Regional site coordinator, Tulsa
Cook for yourself as much as possible and grocery shop for deals.
Cooking your own meals rather than eating out at restaurants is one of the best ways to keep spending in check. Most members say they eat out very rarely and pack their lunch for work nearly every day of the week. Eating out once a week or less is common, as is eating at restaurants with lunch specials or happy hours.
Invest in your culinary chops by asking friends for recipe recommendations and borrowing cookbooks. Becoming more comfortable in the kitchen will open up new worlds of nutritious delights. It will keep you healthy and happy too!
Smart shopping is vital. Look for opportunities to find cheap produce, like at a local farmer鈥檚 market鈥攁 fan-favorite for AmeriCorps members. Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs, such as 听in the Bay Area, are great for money-savers. Get a SAMs or Costco card to buy bulk items if you live with roommates willing to split the costs.
鈥淟ook through the ads at your local grocery store; don’t worry about having to go to multiple stores to get items on sale; make a list of priority items; plan meals ahead, see a buy one get one free? Get them now and freeze one if need-be…in the back of many grocery stores there are carts full of day-old bread or pastries; get grocery store cards; some Dollar Trees have a big grocery/freezer section.鈥� -Development coordinator VISTA, Colorado
Pick your grocery store wisely. Choose one that鈥檚 known for affordable prices. Meal planning can also help you focus your search for deals based on your actual ingredient needs.
鈥淧remade meals and sandwich shops were draining my wallet, and I hate seeing produce go bad when I don’t have specific plans for it, so I plan it out and buy exactly what I need to make homemade meals for the week.鈥� -Senior volunteer organizer, Colorado
Shop smart鈥攆or everything.
Whether you love to shop or just need some new items of clothing, try thrift and bargain stores to find what you need for cheap. Recommended secondhand stores include: Salvation Army, Savers, and Goodwill. Sign up for email lists for your favorite shops or activities and wait to purchase when you get a coupon/promo code.
Prioritize self-care.
Find a balance between exercise, sleep, and healthy habits that make you feel good. You don鈥檛 have to give this up just because you鈥檙e living on a stipend. Many gyms and YMCAs offer discounts based on income. Some local studios may offer free classes in exchange for your time volunteering at the front desk or providing clean-up services. Or forego a membership cost entirely and exercise outside. Find running trails and paths. If you own a bike, explore parks and nearby towns. Learn yoga at home by checking out YouTube videos.
鈥淚f you’re interested in joining a gym, you can apply for financial assistance at the YMCA鈥擨 got a 60% discount on my membership.鈥� -Senior volunteer coordinator, SF Bay Area
Search for communal living opportunities.
If you have the option to live at home, it may save you money in the form of reduced or free rent. If not, look for openings in houses and apartments with roommates or investigate cooperative living situations through Craigslist and Facebook groups (search for groups with 鈥渁ffordable housing,鈥� 鈥渃o-op鈥� or other key terms in their title).
Commute to work using public transportation or by carpooling.
Some cities offer a reduced-price transportation pass for low-income individuals. Check your local transportation website for details.
Take on a small part-time job if you want some extra cash.
Some members recommended taking on part-time side jobs if you鈥檙e able, such as babysitting, dogsitting, housesitting, or tutoring.
Having fun on the cheap
Attend free events.
Use sites like , which compiles lists of local fairs, theater, and arts events, or ask around about free festivals. Even better, many festivals and events that require a ticket will offer free entrance in exchange for volunteer hours. Go to free community lectures at libraries and colleges. Plan ahead by finding out when museums offer free entry days (usually at least one every month or so).
Make your own fun.
Host game nights or potlucks at your house for other AmeriCorps members and friends in your area. Join a book club or start one with coworkers. If you like the outdoors, find parks, beaches, or other destinations you can reach via bike or public transportation. Hiking and spending time outside is one of the most popular activities among 成人快播鈥� AmeriCorps members. Host Netflix screening parties, karaoke, or dance parties at home with friends. Read more and borrow books and movies from the library. Befriend others in your AmeriCorps cohort鈥攖hey likely want to save money too and will help you stay on track.
If you can鈥檛 get it free, find deals.
Go to $5 movie nights at local movie theaters (usually Mondays or Tuesdays) or free popcorn days. Theaters may offer reduced-price tickets on certain nights or have pay-what-you-can shows. Keep your eyes open for free promotions at newly opened cafes, restaurants, and ice cream parlors. Locate the best local happy hour for affordable bites and drinks. Many urban areas have First Friday events with fun window-shopping, art-viewing, socializing, and cheap-eating opportunities.
Find and develop a hobby.
Just make sure it鈥檚 the type that doesn鈥檛 require a lot of pricey materials. Many members noted that they enjoy hobbies like painting, writing, or making DIY projects. And if you do have an expensive hobby, be sure to seek scholarships or other ways of funding your interest.
鈥淚 take a lot of improv classes, which are not cheap. Because of my AmeriCorps status, I was very easily able to apply for scholarships that minimized these costs. Programs typically have scholarships like this鈥攖hey just don’t advertise them.鈥� -Site coordinator, Twin Cities
