In order to live financially small, to truly live life big in our family, we made a few decisions to help. This is by no means an exhaustive list, and if you know us personally, you know that we are frugal and thrifty anyway, but there were some things that we got caught up in, and are helping. Here's what we changed, and would recommend to check out.
In a world of spending and one-upping, stand out, be smart with your money now so you aren't trapped in worry. Working like crazy to live a super fab life of spending isn't fulfilling either. What if there's a place in between, a place where you're not living a fake dream, or working like crazy? What if you embraced the idea that debt is not cool?
Drive an old car, sell the high insurance car. We parked the SUV, and my husband drives a decade old Honda with rust spots that gets much better gas mileage.
Take care of what you have been blessed with. Don't let your things control you, but do take care of things so they don't break. Upkeep, treat, clean, fix the small things before they become big, costly issues. In Michigan rust doubles on cars every year. If you let the little spots go, it is much more time and money in the future.
Buy quality when needed. Don't go cheap on things that could last for years. Rather than being tempted by the short trends, buy a basic, quality piece.
Learn to DIY when possible. I know that is easier for some than for others, but there are lots of fun things on good old Pinterest that allows you to use what you have. YouTube can teach you how to build things, and fix things.
Don't go shopping. Log out of all shopping apps, unsubscribe from those pesky "buy now or miss out" emails. Allow yourself to breathe without temptations at every corner. Go when you need, with a list. Purchase with purpose (I like Brandless for some inexpensive healthy choices when I can't purchase locally.)
Be creative on date nights.
Invite people over instead of out to dinner.
Keep up to date with the local museum and library's activities. Many cities have free days covered by local businesses. Ask around.
Gift Creatively! Gift an experience with you rather than a physical gift. Maybe you have a pool, invite them over in a cute handmade card. Maybe you have a trampoline or are really good at baking, make a gift card to invite them to join you.
Meal Plans save the day here. Not only do they save our budget, but also my sanity and health.
Write your budget down & go back and evaluate it, don't just let it slide.
Work hard, seek wisdom, and trust God.
These are just a few things that we did in order to help open up time for things that matter, rather than letting the pressures of the world push us along.
What do you want to be known for? The perfect hair and style? The perfectly decorated home? Or the parent or friend who is free to spend time with you and create memories?
What steps are you taking to be more financially free?
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