100
- Friday: one treat, guilt-free—budget for joy.
- Month-end: look at three lines only—utilities, fuel, groceries. Adjust one habit for next month.
Guarding against false economy
- Cheap generators that fail at hurricane season are expensive; buy quality once.
- DIY electrical/plumbing beyond your competence risks safety and higher rework costs; hire
certified professionals and insist on receipts. - Imported novelty goods that need special parts = headaches. Favour serviceable, local-supported
items.
3.5 Pull-out references & “do-right-now” lists
Where to look for groups (starter directory)
- Church & faith: Ask neighbours + look for noticeboards; many churches list ministries and
fellowship times outside the building. - Service: Rotary Jamaica, Kiwanis Jamaica, Lions Clubs Jamaica—parish chapters meet weekly.
- Alumni: UWI/UTech alumni offices; overseas alumni chapters often post local link-ups on social
media. - Sports & fitness: parish cricket councils, netball associations, running clubs (check race
calendars), YMCA/YWCA where available. - Environment: beach clean-ups (International Coastal Cleanup events are common),
mangrove/tree-planting groups—watch local NGO pages. - Arts & culture: Little Theatre Movement in Kingston; parish cultural offices; choirs often recruit
around Easter and Christmas seasons.
First 30 days—community
- Introduce yourself to the president/secretary of one citizens’ association.
- Attend one service club meeting as a guest.
- Join a WhatsApp group only after you’ve met leaders in person.
First 30 days—shopping & home
- Identify your “market day” and the stall you’ll support.
- Join a wholesale club if it suits your household size.
- Register with one freight forwarder for overseas shopping and test it with a small order.
First 30 days—saving & eco
- Switch all bulbs you touch daily to LED.
- Order a water-saving shower head and check toilets for leaks (food colouring test).
- Plant three starters (callaloo, thyme, tomato).