Kindness & Encouragement

Early this week I got a call from a friend who was going out of town for Labor Day weekend. She left on Thursday, which is the day she is scheduled to pick up her Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) basket for the week. She asked if I would be interested in picking it up and in turn enjoying all the vegetables. I, of course was ecstatic because there’s nothing like fresh vegetables directly from the farm. I had just spent two days working on the Hunger Task Force Farm in Milwaukee harvesting vegetables. So, I have greater appreciation for fresh vegetables knowing the hard work that goes into harvesting. I will especially enjoy the tomatoes in the CSA basket after having spent most of the day on Monday picking tomatoes on the farm. 

For those of you who don’t know about CSAs, it’s this really great way to support your local farmers and in return get a fresh basket of the vegetables being harvested that week (for more information on CSAs, check out http://www.csacoalition.org/farm-highlight/get-started-with-csa/). This week in the CSA basket there were heirloom and cherry tomatoes, sweet corn, green beans, cucumber, red peppers, squash, onion, garlic and potatoes. They also include a little sheet with more information about each one of the vegetables and the best way to store them. I’ve always wanted to get in on a CSA but always felt like it might be too expensive. However, after having this opportunity to experience the CSA and enjoy all the great, fresh veggies, I just may have to look into purchasing a basket next season. I’ve even talked to a friend about splitting a CSA next season.

After my friend offered her CSA, it made me realize how kind all of my friends and family have been since I started on this Project Money journey. As I talk to friends and family about my participation in this challenge, the first reaction is typically one of inspiration and acknowledgement that they too could use some advice and guidance on financial management. This is almost always followed by a token of kindness. Friends and family will offer to buy me a drink; or they’ll tell me they have a desk or a bed or some kitchen stuff that I can have or buy from them really cheap; or they will just genuinely offer to help if there’s ever anything I need. Friends will even offer to just hang out at my apartment instead of going out because they know I only have a $10 daily allowance. They even bring their own good beer to drink because they know I’m on a tight budget and only drink Pabst Blue Ribbon (though I would argue that’s some good beer!!!).

Since June, I’ve realized how lucky I am to have this opportunity to be one of the four contestants in Project Money. Not only do I get the one-on-one coaching from Emily, I have also greatly improved my savings and am working on reducing my debt.

What I’ve also learned that I never thought about when all this started is that I have some pretty amazing people in my life who have been incredibly kind and generous and understanding as I go down this path to financial health. I have great appreciation for everything that everyone has done for me – whether it’s words of advice and support, or buying me a beer at the bar or giving me an old desk they no longer need or sharing their CSA basket for the week – or cutting me some firewood from a tree blown over in a storm – it all has not gone unnoticed. I’ve been saying over the past month or so that I’m keeping a mental tally of all the support and encouragement my family and friends are giving me, and when I win Project Money I will throw a party in appreciation! All the drinks and food will be on me.  And the rest of the winnings, off course will be invested wisely!!

 

 

Comments

[Cheryl T.]

Perhaps you already know this, but many insurers will off-set your CSA contribution. I split a CSA with a friend last year & her half was almost completely paid for by her insurance!