No matter how much we earn, we all have budgets to stick to. But that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy some luxury in our lives. While we might not always be able to take our dream vacation or splurge on a luxury spa day, there are still ways to enjoy simple pleasures. Read on for luxuries you can enjoy regardless of your budget.
1. Romanticize Your Menu
Restaurant dining was once the best way to impress a date or celebrate a special occasion. As prices rose, people began developing creative ways to give home-cooked meals all the pizazz of a night out.
One TikTok user became famous for the fancy dinner parties in her apartment. Simple ingredients and elegant outfits brought Olivia McDowell’s pasta-making party together. Throw in a few candles and a flower arrangement to elevate the experience.
2. Rent, Don’t Buy
Renting expensive items is a great way to experience luxury for less. Instead of shelling out upwards of $100 for a fast fashion look, you’ll wear once, spend a little extra, and rent designer clothes for that event. Websites like RentTheRunway offer a wide selection of high-end items to hire for a fraction of the price. Renting your look saves not only your wallet but the planet as well.
3. DIY
Thanks to the neverending content on YouTube, learning new skills is easier than ever. From the most creative manicures and hairstyles to full-on room makeovers, transform your life without breaking the bank by following DIY videos.
4. Spa Day Everyday
Nothing beats a relaxing day of self-care. Transform any bathroom into an at-home spa with just a few changes.
Swap out the shower head for a rainfall or massaging one. Add essential oils and bath salts to the tub for a truly luxurious experience. Nowadays, you can even turn your home tub into a mini jacuzzi with portable air jets! The possibilities are endless.
5. Hang Art Like a Gallery
Mass-market art is convenient but lacks the individuality and excitement that makes art worthwhile. Instead of shopping at Target for your next living room masterpiece, check out sites like Etsy and Society6, known for hosting small artists at reasonable prices. Next time guests come over, wow them with a unique piece they’ve likely never seen before.
6. Take Advantage of Free Events
Most cities hold free festivals and events throughout the year, especially in the warmer months. Art crawls are particularly popular; check out local artists and chat with them about their craft like a true connoisseur.
7. Go Vintage
Are you looking for an expensive piece of furniture or high-quality wardrobe staples? Check local and online thrift stores for second-hand goodies before dishing out hundreds of bucks for brand-new items. Facebook Marketplace offers everything from heirloom furniture to massive televisions, all priced affordably.
8. Thrift It Up
Consignment shops often carry silk, linen, and other expensive fabrics for low prices—beef up your wardrobe with staples in these fabrics for everyday luxury.
9. Save on Services
Ever wonder where your favorite stylists or estheticians learned it all from? Beauty schools are common nationwide and provide a great opportunity for pampering on a budget.
The best part? Most of these schools offer high-end services like facials, massages, and hair treatments for little to no money so students can practice.
10. Potluck Party
Make your next event a potluck. Dress it up by suggesting a theme for your guests, then sit back and let them surprise you! Guests can draw inspiration from cultures, types of dishes, and even books or movies.
11. Take Advantage of Rewards
Credit card rewards programs can beef up anyone’s travel. Use points to earn an upgrade to business class and fly in style.
12. Stay Fit for Less
Nothing screams luxury quite like self-care. Fitness classes often come with a hefty price tag. Avoid the costs by checking out local Pay What You Can studios. These studios are budget-conscious without skimping on quality.
13. Staycation
Travel and luxury go hand in hand. Although most people book lodgings for time away from their hometown, there’s no rule saying you can’t spend that long weekend at the nice hotel fifteen minutes down the road. Skip the airfare, take laps in the pool, or enjoy room service.
14. BYOB: Be Your Own Bartender
Learning to make cocktails can be both fun and cost-effective. Instead of hitting the bar where drinks come with massive premiums and require tips, put that money towards purchasing a bar kit. Impress your friends with your skills at the next gathering—and enjoy the added savings.
15. Clothes Swap
Organize a clothes swap with friends to spice up your wardrobe without spending cash. Clothes swaps provide the joy of shopping, help reduce waste, and are wallet-friendly. It’s a win-win!
16. Prioritize Self-Care
Luxury often means leisure time. For those with tight schedules (and tighter wallets), creating a self-care routine ensures pampering even on your busiest days. Develop a simple skincare routine morning and evening, and you’ll feel like a million bucks regardless of your bank account.
17. Embrace Minimalism
As far as aesthetics go, minimalism often finds itself in the hot seat. Whatever your preferred design style, embrace the cleaner lines and neat organization of minimalism. An organized space, large or small, is the epitome of elegance.
18. Indulge Sparingly
Five dollars for a cappuccino won’t add up to a mortgage anytime soon. Program small indulgences into your schedule. Eating out every day is a surefire way to go broke, but a nice coffee or a fancy tea at the start of the week never hurt anyone.
19. Treat Yourself
In the same vein as before, knowing when to spend and when to save is the key to living in luxury. Need new luggage? Want a quality coat for the cold months? Set aside a fund for “splurges” and wait until it adds up before spending. Remember, less expensive items sometimes cost more in the long run–especially when the quality means you’ll often replace said item.
20. Support Local Libraries
Libraries have evolved past the dusty old buildings with worn and torn tomes. Nowadays, these free institutions offer everything from laptop rentals to cooking classes. Build your resume, attend events, and borrow to your heart’s content.
Luxury Is for Everyone
Living a luxurious life is all about finding joy in the small things. With some creativity and effort, you can indulge in these experiences without straining your budget.
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