🔥 Broke But Thriving The Art of Living Cost Efficiently 🔥
The following is exactly how I got by when I first started out, and funny enough, many of these habits have stuck with me. If you're truly committed, this is what it takes. Here's some solid tactics to live as efficiently as possible.
Reduce Eating out at sit down Restaurants
Firstly tax and tip add a substantial amount to the total. I'm not sure why the tipping options at restaurants are now 18%, 20%, and 25%, but that's besides the point and a whole other conversation.
If time is a greater concern and cooking would end up costing more in lost time, and if health isn’t a top priority, then opting for a place like Chipotle, especially if it’s nearby, might be the more practical choice
The cost of dining at a restaurant is higher than getting the same or even better value from a grocery store. It also demands more time when you factor in getting ready, driving, parking, ordering, waiting for the meal, and receiving the check.
It sounds old-fashioned but people highly underestimate canned food (it's not just beans). Many are pretty good and healthy for you if you get certain ones. Be sure to read the label if you're health conscious.
Buy generic brands instead of name brands.
Avoid coffee shops, make coffee at home and put it in a thermos. This can accumulate to $5-15 daily. If you bought 2 cups of coffee 5 days a week that would accumulate to roughly $250 monthly.
If you do go out, look up the local happy hours.
Clothes
All the clothing you own right now is what you should be wearing for the next 2 years. There is no need to buy new clothes.
Before you automatically get new clothes, check out thrift stores, outlets, etc.
Live with Roommates
Rent a single room instead of an entire apartment, or explore co-living spaces for even cheaper options. I personally lived with five people in a three-bedroom apartment for three years while in school. It wasn't the most glamorous, but it saved me a ton of money.
Alternate Transportation Methods
Depending on where you live, try to use public transportation or a bike. Even if you have a car, use a bike or skateboard to get to nearby places.
Carpool whenever possible whether it be a restaurant, store, school, work, etc).
Limit or Cancel Subscription Services
Unsubscribe from store emails that tempt you to buy.
Share Netflix/Spotify accounts with (family).
Do bodyweight exercises and invest in some weights instead of paying for a gym membership.
Printing
Before you pay a hefty amount for printing, check out libraries, schools, and hotels who often have free printing.
Maintenance
YouTube is your best friend. For example, patching up a hole in your wall, plumbing, garbage disposal issues, etc
Maintain your car properly for the simple stuff like checking your tire pressure or changing your oil on time.
Reduce Electricity and Water Bills
Turn off lights, take short showers, don't use heater or cooler unless needed, etc.
Unplug appliances when not in use (saves $100-200 annually).
Wash clothes in cold water.