Just because you’re slightly strapped for cash and living on a budget doesn’t mean you need to miss out on some of the fine things in life. A little resourcefulness and creativity can take you a long way.
Most of us want to experience the good life but cannot afford it. But that shouldn’t stop us from living life and not just merely existing. So we have listed a few ways that a person can enjoy life without going bankrupt. Here’s how:
1. Choose quality over quantity
When it comes to making purchases, often it is best to choose quality over quantity. After all, how many clothes, bags, shoes, or phones does one really need? The fewer purchases you make with your money, the better off you will be. This gives you enough time to save up for higher-quality items that will last longer. Plus, isn’t it nicer to go to a nice restaurant now and then than eating fast food takeout all the time?
2. Use credit cards with wisdom and discernment
Credit cards are the number one source of debt and bad credit for a lot of folks. However, if you exercise wisdom and caution when you use it, it can be pretty handy. You just need to spend within your means and pay in cash as much as possible. Only use your card for emergencies. Make sure you take advantage of its rebates, cash backs, and reward points for your other purchases.
3. Pamper yourself from time to time
A little self-care isn’t bad. In fact, giving yourself some love is one of the keys to good mental health. Don’t hesitate to splurge on a massage or get your nails done once in a while. If you think that getting Botox dermal fillers will make you feel good about yourself, go for it. As long as you’re not hurting anyone and it’s not affecting your priorities, that’s alright.
4. Eat healthily but spend less
Eating healthily, contrary to what most folks think, can be done inexpensively. A trip to the local farmers market to pick up fresh and high-quality produce won’t cost you a fortune. You can get the best deals on some of the top food items towards the end of the day when vendors are most likely to sell at cheaper prices.
5. Exercise outdoors
There’s nothing like being in the great outdoors to make you feel alive and one with nature. Other than being outdoors can give you lots of Instagrammable pics, it’s also invigorating for one’s soul. When you go for a jog around the park or go hiking in the woods, exercising outdoors is one of the most satisfying things you can ever do whether you’re alone or with a group.
6. Take your partner out for an outdoors date
Who says that dates only involve expensive dinners and gifts? Sometimes the best gift that you can give to your partner is your time and attention. Taking your partner on an outdoor date is fun, romantic, and easy on the wallet.
7. Install discount shopping apps to get the best deals
On a more practical note, utilizing technology to help you improve your lifestyle could get you some of the best deals you can possibly think of. Download discount shopping apps on your phone or tablet and enjoy low prices on numerous items, services, and trips.
8. Experience local cuisine outside of swanky and posh restaurants
Whenever you’re in another city, state, or country, enjoy local cuisine by eating in smaller hole-in-the-wall restaurants. They give you a more authentic experience and cheaper prices compared to expensive and luxurious restaurants.
9. Plan for shorter weekend travels or staycations
Instead of planning long vacations in faraway places, make arrangements for staycations and weekend travels to nearby towns and cities. This will give you the chance to go where typical tourists don’t go and witness breathtaking sights and sounds that not everyone knows about.
10. Host parties
If you enjoy going to parties and being around people but don’t have enough money for partying, why don’t you bring the party to you? Hosting parties is a great way of enjoying life without really spending too much. Since you’re opening up your place to people, you can ask them to bring something everyone can share. This way, you get to enjoy each other’s company and generosity. Just be sure to follow proper COVID-19 protocols when you organize a party at this time.
Living a full life does not need to be synonymous with fancy things. It’s in finding joy and being creative with what you have that can make the difference between merely existing and being alive.