Since I've been saving my money for when I move overseas in November I have inadvertently become amazing at living on a shoestring. Here's how you can identify if you're as poor as me, or if you'd prefer - 'tips for living on a budget'.
1. Your eating habits become affected.
Unfortunately you can't always eat the food you want and you definitely don't get to treat yourself as often. I could walk around the supermarket for hours. I visit every isle at least twice to compare prices of everything I am going to buy. Sale items are my hero. You need to be careful though because sometimes the sale items aren't the cheapest option. And like me, you might have to settle for the home brand products.
2. You can't justify spending money on items that aren't essential at keeping you alive.
Haircuts mostly. Especially if you're a girl, the cost of having your hair done could feed a small country. I can't justify spending hundreds of dollars on something that isn't clothes, food or shelter. I've gone 7 months without visiting a hairdressers. The secret - wear a lot of hats. And that expensive makeup you want, you can all but forget it. Drug store makeup will get you through and there are honestly a lot of cheap make up products out there that are quite good.
3. Your social life takes a turn for the worst.
Your social life definitely gets affected. I constantly find myself turning down offers to go out for dinner or to a bar because I simply don't have the money to spend. But having friends over to watch movies, or going for a walk or a window shop are good ways to save money and get out of the house. Fortunately for me, I know my efforts to save will be worth it once I'm in London.
4. You realise that you have way too much stuff you don't use.
You start questioning why you bought that top or that dress in the first place. I've realised 90% of my wardrobe never even gets worn. I also have millions of miscellaneous items that I'll never use again and that could earn me a little bit of money and which will help fund my holiday or pay my next bill. Sell everything you don't need!
5. You become an accidental vegetarian.
I read this one in an article the other day and as I was reading it I realised just how true it was. I can't remember the last time I ate meat! Fruit, vegetables, pasta, bread, cheese, milk and jar pasta sauce are just about the only food items I own.
Being motivated to save for something really gives insight into how much things cost. It's worth cutting down on some things once you realise how much money you can save. And if you don't have a jar full of spare coins then you're doing it wrong.
If you have any tips for saving then comment them below - Happy saving.
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