Money-Saving Tips for Poor Jedi

I think it goes without saying that for a Jedi, material possessions are not particularly important. Then again, it's still good to have some good things once in a while. And as Jedi, some may feel inclined to show their faith in an outward way.

However, some of us can't really afford hand-crafted lightsabers with EL blades, or soft wool robes that swoosh when we walk.

But, there are other options. Luckily, there are no strict rules to \"define\" our faith, so pretty much anything can substitute. (That is, if you wish - after all, a true Jedi is a Jedi within, not without... and it's cheapest that way, too!)

So, without further ado, some tips for the poor (or stingy) Jedi.

-If you so feel inclined, toy lightsabers are just as good as the fancy ones - plus, the blade retracts, so you can carry it without dealing with it, then bring out the blade at a moment's notice! Electronic lightsabers usually level out to $20 a pop, though if you want customization, a \"Build Your Own\" lightsaber is available at an extra 15 ($35). But that's all really just extra bells and whistles, and they can be subject to dead batteries, sound, or light bulbs, so you're better off just snagging a cheapo version at about $7. The blade snaps in all the way, like the Force Action Lightsabers, though you need some good wrist-flicking to bring out the blade. But, you can clip it to your belt with absolutely no problem, unlike the Electronic varieties. It's my recommendation, at least.
NOTE: I think there are Rubies lightsabers which go for 10-11 bucks and I think light up, as well as going all the way into the hilt like the cheap Hasbro ones - but from what I've read in reviews, they're not worth it. Go for Hasbro, the blades are more durable and there's still no worry about the light bulb. You also get a good variation for hilt and blade choice.

-If you don't feel like making a fool of yourself in public, I understand there is an option of lightsaber keychains. To be honest, this would be a more... well, realistic approach, as you don't come off as a geek or cosplayer, and when the robe is not involved (see below for robe options), you can blend in just like everyone else. Probably not good for ceremonial use, but it's more discrete for everyday purpose, to remind you of the Jedi path. I found an LED lightsaber keychain on eBay for a buck, but I'm sure you could find other styles at other prices. If you can find a pewter uber-mini replica of a hilt, that'd be great.

-Regarding robes - if you're hard pressed for cash, you really shouldn't be upset. Luke himself went to Jabba's palace in a cloak that looked to have been made out of an old blanket (or cut-open potato sacks sewn together), dyed black. You can pretty much use anything for material and make it yourself. I'd even go so far as suggesting an old blanket. As long as you can get enough for the body AND the hood, it'll be fine.

-As with the keychain, if you don't feel like standing out (this might be also be good just for everyday use than for ceremonial purposes - weddings, going to see the physical temples, etc.) you can still show your Jedi pride by wearing a zip-up hooded sweatshirt. I have a warm, cuddly soft, overly-large Pac-Man hoodie. it's brown (except for Pac-Man, who's yellow), and when I have it open, you can barely see Pac-Man, who's on the center of the front and, despite being big, is more or less covered up.

Either way, I'm gonna be a geek when I wear it. It's fun. But that's just me, you can pick whatever you want. The way I see it, anything with a hood screams \"JEDI!\"

Minor things not having to do with the obvious, but still ways you can save money:

-Don't throw away leftovers! Put 'em in the fridge. A Jedi should make as little waste as it is, but leftovers can mean you don't have to buy more food tomorrow.

-Name-brand clothes and food can seem great, but the store brand food (and lesser brand clothing) can be just as good.

-Better yet, grow your own fruits and veggies, and don't worry so much about pre-packaged food! Clothing is give-and take. You can make your own there, too, if you want to.

-This seems a bit weird, but it happens in this society, so i should note it - if you're not hungry, don't eat. It's as easy as that. When you're hungry, though, feel free to eat something. And, if necessary, feel free to \"feed off the living Force.\" Bugs, yum yum!

-Movies and television are all great, but a book is relatively cheap, can last for a day or more, and doesn't take up much electricity to read (or re-read!) - unless it's nighttime, then I guess if you wanna read, you can do it by lamplight. Then again...

-If you don't have anything absolutely necessary to do - and don't have insomnia or a fear of the dark - feel free to turn off all the lights in your house, and just go to sleep. On top of that, if you're not somewhere in the house, and there's a light on... feel free to go turn it off. It's running up the electric bill, and (provided your electricity comes from a coal plant) could be harming the environment.

-Try not eating out so much. If you can make it yourself (burgers included), feel free to do so. Your day may have been tough, but it takes about five minutes (and very little effort) to make a sandwich.

...A burger will take a bit longer.

Ummm... I'm kinda tired from pumping out ideas, but everybody, feel free to add more. :laugh:

The following is Xiam's extra ideas:

-You can make cheap lightsabers out of stuff found at the Hardware Store.

-Save some money from your paychecks and it will eventually add up and you can make/buy a good lightsaber with it.

Triforce wrote:

The following is Xiam's extra ideas:

-You can make cheap lightsabers out of stuff found at the Hardware Store.

-Save some money from your paychecks and it will eventually add up and you can make/buy a good lightsaber with it.

Well, that's more or less part of the same thing - what I was mostly saying was that you can take what's leftover in the week, and buy minor parts for a lightsaber (possibly from a hardware store).

You'll more or less only have the hilt, but at least it's something.

The parts for my hilt (which I made just a couple of weeks ago) ran me about 20 bucks. I got all I needed at Lowes' (with a side trip to another shop that sells crystals).
There are also places (Wall-Mart, local hobby/fabric stores) that sell patterns for Jedi robes (for those who sew and/or know someone who can). More chances of finding them around Halloween, but if you look around, you can find them, and maybe on sale as well.
-Chance

Another great way to save money is by bartering services and talents. Sewing robes for example. You may not be able to sew, but you can do something else very well that a person who sews can't. I've done this before for my renaissance costume. I traded with a woman for a particular costume piece that I didn't have time to make for some weaving that I had done. One of my friends that's a massage therapist has traded massage time for various other things that she wouldn't normally be able to afford. In the end everyone's happy and has what they want.

the bartering thing is a really good idea to get your jedi groove on. but just as an FYI if you go to the big yellow box there are instructions for dirt cheap light sabers- also most of them can be easily adapted for thew luxon led's. i've actually been able to make a lightsaber with the luxeon for about $30. it just takes using your pennies wisely and saving them. pennies add up.

the bartering thing is a really good idea to get your jedi groove on. but just as an FYI if you go to the big yellow box there are instructions for dirt cheap light sabers- also most of them can be easily adapted for thew luxon led's. i've actually been able to make a lightsaber with the luxeon for about $30. it just takes using your pennies wisely and saving them. pennies add up.

Another route, is making your lightsaber out of wood, it is relatively cheap and that way when or if it gets buried with your corpse, it will naturally deteriorate. Obviously you can't take it with you, but depending on how strongly you believe, it may be something you'd want to be buried with. I personally would rather not put something in there that will be there forever, like a plastic lightsaber.

DK

where do i get a nice lightsaber keychain!!?? that sounds like a great idea and i sure am poor

A really great way to save money is, just dont desire things know who you are inside and out clothes are clothes of course all of us want to look good but that doesnt mean we have to pay 100 dollars for a pair of jeans, i buy all my clothes mostly online and usually always buy from the clearance section which saves a lot like more than half. also eating out is just bad for you anyway and i for one will be stopping eating out at least fast food. as far as light sabres go ugh.. I understand the symbolism of a light sabre but really if in some strange twist of events we have to take up arms and fight as protectors of peace will a plastic toy be any use even if we know how to use it even the \"battle ready\" light sabres sure they are cool but practical? no. a keychain light saber i think sounds cool and would be really cool converted into a pendant for a necklace and as far as robes again cool but dont you think you would look a little silly walking around in a robe in public? my reccomendation maybe get one if you want or make one if you really want but i think it would be best if only clergy wore one like vestments in catholicism, not every jedi needs a robe and saber c'mon we arent luke and qui gonn we are real people my Jedi outfit? jeans a t-shirt and flip flops its perfect.