Lauren at Faux Real has just initiated a great project that i can definitely get behind. its called Help Us Help Ourselves. here’s the summary of the summary:
This compilation of how-tos, written by you and me, aims to help people with little in the way of resources and expertise get through unfortunate situations relating to money, finances, and bureaucracy.
Lauren has decided to turn this into a wikipedia so that people can easily add their knowledge to the project. here are some of the ideas that she has brainstormed so far:
* how to get financial aid (think traditional and non-traditional students here)
- how to scrape up money quickly when you’re in a bind
- how to get your money’s worth when your $800 car breaks down
- hell, how to fix X, Y, and Z on your car
- what to expect when you find yourself in a custody battle
- how to find a lawyer, and how to find a good lawyer
- what to bring and what to expect when you sign up for HUD housing or any other sort of public assistance
- how to find healthcare when you don’t have insurance
- how to get a small business off of the ground
- tested, effective home remedies
- cheap (and I mean cheap) recipes that still taste good
- tips for thrift store shopping
- things you can do with your kids that don’t cost anything
- how to get a loan
- how to get a wheelchair for free
- how to budget your money
- how to leave an abusive relationship
- how to entertain some friends without breaking the bank
- how to save on your utility bills
- how to start a babysitting co-op
in addition to the wiki, lauren is calling for a monthly carnival. if you are interested in hosting or contributing to the carnival, head over to Faux Real for details.
