Who says you can’t enjoy the finer things of life while on a budget? Certainly, not us! Our motto is ‘Live Your Best Life On Less’! We’d all like to live a more luxurious life, at least I do. Unfortunately, our bank account often has the final say. Or does it? There are many luxuries accessible to those on a modest budget. Those on a modest budget must be more creative, but ‘creative’ is our middle name! Avoid letting your income stand in the way of thoroughly enjoying life. Life was meant to be experienced and enjoyed. You know what they say, where there’s a will, there’s a way. Learn to look for luxury in unique places.
You Can Enjoy Better Things in Life
Purchase higher quality clothing. You’ll have to purchase fewer clothes to stay within your budget, but that’s okay. Instead of buying five inexpensive shirts, buy two that fit you well and look great. Higher quality clothes last longer, so you’ll eventually have an extensive wardrobe. Check out my blog post, I’m a Label Lover to discover the ways that I use thrifting to purchase higher quality clothing.
- Estate sales are a great way to find the clothing of the rich at a bargain price. I love to shop at thrift stores in affluent areas. I can get name-brand items for not-so-name-brand prices.
Take Advantage of Deals and Coupons
Take advantage of Groupon and similar offers. Whew, chile! I LOVE some Groupon! While I am not a fan of couponing, I love the steals and deals I find on Groupon. Even the fanciest of restaurants aren’t packed at all hours. Higher-end restaurants are often nearly empty earlier in the evening. You can save a lot of money if you don’t mind eating early.
Get a massage or manicure. There’s always a place in town that will give a fantastic but inexpensive massage or manicure. You might get lucky and find a place that does both. Not sure where you can find one? Groupon!
Be willing to move. Most people fail to venture far from their hometowns. Did you choose your current location based on economic opportunities or the cost of living?
- Taking advantage of a lucrative employment opportunity and a less expensive location can quickly enhance your lifestyle.
Choose your vacation destinations wisely. Finding an exotic, safe, and inexpensive vacation destination is relatively easy. In many parts of the world, your dollar will take you further. You’ll save money and vacation like a millionaire.
Purchase a pre-owned luxury car. Look at the luxury cars that are 2-3 years old. Some of the lower-end luxury cars aren’t much more expensive than many of the more modest cars.
- They’ll still have a warranty and won’t cost more than a standard vehicle.
Pay for the amenities, but not the hotel room. Many fancy hotels are now offering access to their amenities for a price. You can use the pool, beach, towels, and fitness center for a very reasonable price without the cost of an expensive hotel room.
Prioritize
Consider cutting unnecessary expenses and focusing your dollars on higher-quality items and services. Determine what matters to you and spend more of your dollars on those items.
- For example, you could get rid of your home phone and hire someone to mow your lawn. This was huge for me! I do not enjoy doing many things around the home, like cleaning baseboards and major appliances. I outsource these projects a couple of times a year, and to pay for it, I cut cable and a few other things that I didn’t use.
Keep fresh flowers around the house. Do you have space in your yard for a flower garden? Planting a mixture of wildflowers is simple, and they grow successfully without much attention. A $5 investment each week can add a touch of class to your home.
Have your clothes tailored. Unless you have the perfect body for a particular piece of clothing, it doesn’t fit as well as it could. A simple fix will only cost a few dollars, and your clothing will fit much better.
Have fancy coffee sparingly. Spending $5 on a cup of coffee is silly, but it has the feel of luxury to it. I mean, who doesn’t love a cup of Starbucks coffee? Meet a friend each week for a cup of your favorite coffee and have a real conversation.
Are you on a limited budget? Enjoying some luxuries in life doesn’t have to be expensive. Focus your financial resources on those items and services that provide the most luxury for your buck. Splurge occasionally and enjoy the little things that life has to offer. You can find luxury on a modest budget if you look. Check out our ‘Me Money’ savings challenge to help you save for those little luxuries.