Living Glamorously - On a Budget!
While glitz and glamour is something that’s usually associated with having lots of money, you can certainly give your life some luxe without breaking the bank. If you want to make every day feel that little bit nicer, indulge and treat yourself and generally live the life you want, here are just a few ways to go about it.
Create a Budget
Creating a budget is the first step to managing your money well. Start off by listing all your sources of income and work out exactly what you have going out. Use budgeting apps or spreadsheets to make the process easier and more organised, then once you have a clear picture of your finances you can identify areas where you can cut back without compromising on your priorities. It also makes it easier to save so you can put money away for the treats and nice things that you want to enjoy without money being wasted mindlessly. When you’re creating your monthly budget, consider setting up automatic transfers via ACH to move a portion of your income directly into your savings account. This means that you consistently save money without having to manually transfer funds each time you get paid. Getting to know how money and banking works can be helpful, look into the difference between ACH and EFT to find out more.
Shop Smart
Smart shopping means that you can find the best deals without sacrificing quality. Keep an eye on seasonal sales and clearance events, you can also sign up for newsletters or follow your favorite brands on social media. This can help you to stay informed about exclusive deals and promotions. When you shop online, use price comparison websites to get the best deals, that way your money goes further!
Explore Preloved
Shopping from second hand platforms have become increasingly popular, and for a good reason. You can find unique, vintage, and even designer items at a fraction of their original price- try online platforms like eBay, Vinted, Poshmark and Depop to hunt for hidden gems.
When you’re exploring secondhand treasures, keep an open mind and be patient as it may take some time to discover the perfect piece, but the thrill of finding a fantastic deal is worth it. When it comes to designer items especially, the quality is good and people tend to take good care of them to there’s a strong market for preloved items as they’re almost as good as new but cost a lot less.
Try DIY
DIY doesn't have to be complicated, it can be as simple as making your own scented candles, creating custom wall art or designing unique fashion accessories. DIY beauty treatments are also popular and can save you a considerable amount of money even when you use really high quality ingredients. Try making your own face masks, body scrubs, or hair treatments using natural ingredients found in your kitchen. Experimenting with DIY beauty products can be fun and rewarding, plus you'll know exactly what ingredients are going into them. You can create really luxurious feeling and effective products, you’re just not paying for the price tag.
Use Reward Programs
Sign up for loyalty programs to earn points or discounts on your purchases. When you accumulate points over time you can use them to get discounts on high end items or exclusive experiences. Some credit cards offer cashback or reward points for certain purchases too, so select a credit card gives back and pay off your balance in full each month to avoid getting interest charges. By using reward programs strategically, you can save money while still enjoying the glamorous elements that matter most to you.