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One important thing to remember while you are "flat broke" is that there are many ways to enjoy your life without spending money. It's certainly important to get your finances fixed up, but you shouldn't look at the present situation as one without joy or opportunity.

Below are free things that are available, fun, and likely to be more deeply meaningful than much of the consumerist junk that got you into debt in the first place.

1. Libraries. There are these buildings in pretty much every town that are filled with books, CDs, and DVDs that you can use FOR FREE. You would be surprised at how much enjoyment you can get from reading a book, instead of going to a crappy movie for $8.50 per person. There are also books that provide instruction and ideas about how turn your life around - if that's what you are looking for. So go to the library for entertainment and education.

2. Free performances in your town. You would be amazed at how many groups do free performances. Look online (if you are reading Helium, you obviously have online access), or in a newspaper. Your LIBRARIES often have programs, and so do community centers, churches, and others. Usually these events are held in small venues, at which you can get close to the performer (if it's live) and even talk with him or her afterwards. This is a lot better than wasting your money on some big arena pop concert - and it's free.

3. Learn to fix things. Go to that LIBRARY place and find a book on repair. Then fix the things that are wrong in your house or car on your own. It's cheaper than hiring someone, and it's often faster. If it's something like a hole in your roof, it's better to fix it yourself than to ignore the problem, because the problem will only get worse. And maybe you will find that you have developed a new, marketable skill.

4. Develop a cheap hobby. You say you want to get in shape, but you can't afford a gym membership. Then just go outside and start walking. And go find a school with some bleachers, and start marching up and down them (that's a tough workout). Do some pushups. Shoot some baskets. Don't sit there thinking about what you can't afford to do - go find something that you can do.

5. Grow your own food. If you own property, put a garden on it. Not only do you save money on food, you will also have better-tasting food, and you will have a new hobby. If you don't have property, I'm sure there's a community garden in your area that you can join.

6. Be a volunteer. You might not have money, but you probably have time. So help out other people or another cause. You will build a network of friends that will almost surely come back to benefit you - maybe with new skills, or maybe a job offer, or maybe free access to something you enjoy. Whatever the result, it's better to be out in the community than to be sitting at home and complaining about your poverty.

I hope these ideas help you if you are struggling financially and facing the depression that often comes with financial difficulty.

Learn more about this author, B. B. James.
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