Believe it or not, it’s possible to feel like a million bucks without actually having a million bucks. The key is to get a little creative.
Let’s talk about 16 simple lifestyle hacks that will make you feel like a millionaire, all while sticking to a budget. And don’t worry, this stuff isn’t boring. In fact, you might accidentally discover that you’d rather do some of these things anyway, regardless of the savings.
Ready?
Pick Up Rich People’s Used Stuff
You might be surprised at what rich people throw away (or sell at garage/yard sales because they no longer want them). Rich people throw out some really nice things. Take a trailer through upscale neighborhoods on garbage day, and you might snag some perfectly good items for free.
Also, look for garage sales to snag quality items for a fraction of the price.
Use The Library
Using the library is like having a treasure trove of knowledge right at your fingertips, and it’s totally free! Seriously, it’s one of the most underrated resources out there.
Sure, you can buy books, but why spend all that cash when you can borrow them for free? And libraries don’t just have the latest bestsellers (although they usually do), they’ve got everything from classic literature to niche topics you never even knew you were interested in.
But it’s not just about books. Libraries are like community hubs. Need a quiet place to study or work? They’ve got you covered. Want to attend a workshop or lecture? Check out their events calendar. Need access to a computer or the internet? Most libraries have those too.
Take A Staycation
When you take time off but instead of jetting off to some faraway place, you chill out at home or explore your local area, that’s a staycation. And guess what? They’re awesome for saving money.
First off, no travel costs. No pricey plane tickets, no gas money, no train fares. Your wallet gets to take a breather right there. Plus, you avoid those sneaky expenses like airport snacks or impulse buys at souvenir shops.
Then there’s accommodation. With a staycation, you’re crashing at your own place. That means no hotel bills, no Airbnb fees. You’re saving a chunk of change right off the bat. Food is another biggie. When you’re on vacation, eating out can eat up a big chunk of your budget. But with a staycation, you can cook up a storm in your own kitchen.
Don’t Have Kids
It may be controversial, but kids are expensive. From the day your baby is born until their 18th birthday, the average parent will spend over $300,000 per child. Rug rats are pricey!
First off, you’ve got all the baby gear you need to buy before the little one even arrives – cribs, strollers, car seats, diapers, and that’s just scratching the surface. There’s childcare to consider if you both work, which can easily rival a second mortgage payment.
Use Hot Sauce
A great hack to make almost any food taste better is by using hot sauce.
First off, it’s a budget-friendly flavor booster. You can get a bottle for just a couple of bucks, and a little goes a long way. Seriously, a few dashes can turn a bland plate into a taste sensation.
Plus, hot sauce comes in all sorts of flavors and heat levels. So whether you’re into mild tang or face-melting spice, there’s a hot sauce out there for you. And here’s the thing: even if you buy a cheaper brand, it can still pack a punch of flavor. You don’t need to shell out big bucks for fancy ingredients when a squirt of hot sauce can do the trick.
Buy an Electric Blanket
Invest in a good electric blanket to help save on your heating bill in the winter.
These babies are energy-efficient. Unlike cranking up the thermostat for the whole house and watching your energy bill skyrocket, electric blankets let you target warmth right where you need it most—your bed. That means you’re not wasting energy heating up rooms you’re not even using. It’s like being a heat ninja, all stealthy and efficient.
And electric blankets can help you sleep better. Studies show that a cooler room is actually better for sleep quality, so you’re not just saving money, you’re snoozing better too.
Sign Up At Planet Fitness
One of the best gym deals around is Planet Fitness. For about $20/month, two people have nationwide access to Planet Fitness facilities, can use their showers, and even grab a bagel or slice of pizza, depending on the location (though keep the junk food to a minimum)!
It’s true that Planet Fitness doesn’t have all the equipment that other gyms have, it probably has enough for you to get into the best shape of your life.
Pick Up Rotisserie Chickens
Many grocery stores like Safeway, Frys, and Walmart, have pre-cooked rotisserie chickens ready to go. Technically, these are “loss leaders,” meaning grocery stores sell them at a loss in order to get you in the door and buy other things. If you can resist all those extra impulse purchases, precooked rotisserie chickens are a great deal.
Need a cheap dinner for four? Snag a chicken and a cheap side, and boom! You have dinner.
Donate Blood and/or Plasma
Blood or Plasma donations can be an easy way to help your community and make a little money on the side.
Many donation centers offer payment for your donation, which can vary depending on where you go and how often you donate. This extra cash can come in handy for covering expenses like groceries, bills, or even treating yourself to a little something nice. Consistent donations can net around $300 a month at some locations.
But that’s not all! Regular blood or plasma donation can also lead to some cool perks. For instance, some donation centers offer rewards programs where you can earn points for each donation that can be redeemed for gift cards, movie tickets, or other goodies. It’s like getting a little bonus for doing something good for others.
Drink Water with Flavoring
Instead of buying sodas and other flavored drinks, just drink water. If you need a little flavoring, try those small flavor squeeze bottles for a quick and cheap shot of citrus. Or, add fruits and veggies into your water for a bright, fresh natural flavor.
Now, why is it great for your wallet? Well, think about it. Buying soda, juice, or other fancy drinks can really add up. But flavoring your water? That’s a budget-friendly move. You can get those little flavor packets or drops for way less than a fancy latte or a bottle of soda. Plus, when you flavor your own water, you’re in control. You can make it as subtle or as bold as you like.
Buy Store-Brand
An easy way to save money at the grocery store is to buy generic “store brand” versions of foods instead of name-brand. You might be surprised at how many store-brand products are made in the exact same facilities as those pricier name-brand products.
Shop at Goodwill
There’s a reason why Goodwill stores exist. I’ve personally donated enough at Goodwill to fill out an entire store. Goodwill and Salvation Army are two great places to shop on the cheap.
Meal Prep Once A Week
An advanced technique is to pre-make all weekly meals so they are ready to go. This means you’ll never “run out of time” after work and pick up expensive fast food to save cooking time.
Learn To Cook
Cooking at home is the best way to save money on food, period. You don’t need to spend an hour cooking dinner. Check out these delicious 15-minute meal recipes.
Be Frugal, but Not Cheap
Being cheap costs you more in the long run because cheap products are inferior and break. Instead, be frugal. Spend a little more to get higher-quality things. Maintain them so they last longer. You’ll save money in the long run.
Say No
If something will put a financial strain on you (such as an invitation to a restaurant or bar), it’s okay to say no. Tell your friend it’s not in the budget and you might catch them next time.
