You don’t have to look far to find people who seem to be living the high life. Social media and traditional media show that the wealthy lifestyle is more common than it used to be. While not always truthful, it’s part of the posturing that takes place in our rabidly consumer-driven society.
Actually, Nearly two-thirds (33%) of Americans find themselves living paycheck to paycheck and don’t have the means to spend money frivolously. If you’re among them, it can be difficult when you’re wishing to experience a prosperous standard of living. My first year of work, I was living paycheck to paycheck. It was scary. I am aware that I sometimes overspent, so I have developed tips to help me stop this behavior.
The good news is that you don’t need to go into debt just to enjoy the pastimes of the affluent, even though, sadly, huge numbers of people give in to the temptation to overspend. Then they end up spending a lot of time and money to get out of debt. However, it is possible. IsYou can live comfortably within your budget while still enjoying all the financial benefits that money offers. With a bit of creativity and the right attitude, there’s no reason not to enjoy the perks of a millionaire lifestyle.
Consider how millionaires spend their time — shopping, dining out, traveling, working out with their trainer, and hanging out in high-priced resorts where they can keep an eye out for the glitterati. What’s the best part? You don’t have to spend a fortune for these hobbies.
Here’s how to live like a millionaire even though you aren’t one:
1. Your retail therapy can be your fashion.
Finding that special item that you’ve dreamed of owning, and especially at a great price, feels like hitting the jackpot. What’s more, when you make certain that your purchase fits into your budget, you can enjoy acquiring it guilt-free. With all the online sites for gently used goods, there’s usually no need to pay retail prices. You can get high quality, ever-so-slightly used pieces for much less than you’d normally have to pay for a designer brand. Find timeless and streamlined pieces that reflect your personal style.
2. Discover discount dining.
Most upscale restaurants offer bar seating where it’s not frowned upon to take up a seat for light dining. Order an inexpensive appetizer and settle for a beer on tap or — to really save — a sparkling water with a lime twist. Relax and enjoy the ambience. Take advantage of happy hours by booking your time at the restaurant to get a discount on the price.
3. Enjoy trips to replenish your spirit.
It can do wonders to your mental health if you change the scenery. But getting away doesn’t have to mean expensive flights or resort-style prices. For a short day, a trip to a serene state park or nature trail is enough. Other than that tank of gas, and perhaps a park entrance fee, it’s possible to get away for as little as a few dollars. Or, if you’re hoping for a longer escape, look for lodging near but not in vacation hot spots where prices will be much reduced.
4. You can stay fit and not drain your bank account.
While hiring a trainer is a great way to stay motivated, you also have the opportunity to work out and become more creative. It costs nothing more than an internet connection and good shoes to find any type of exercise that gets your heart rate pumping. You can make your own equipment with no supervision, such as a soup can for lighter hand weights or an ottoman to use as a bench.
5. Visit the ancestral home of the wealthy and famous.
You don’t have to play the slots to enjoy the Bellagio Casino in Vegas, or have a room reservation at Aspen’s Jerome Hotel to take in the charm. The public areas of some of the most exclusive spots frequented by the wealthy are open to everyone — although in the time of the pandemic, restrictions may apply. Watch as gamblers place high-risk bets in the casino pit. Or, you can sit comfortably in a lobby chair and enjoy watching the people go by. People watching is vastly entertaining and won’t cost you a cent.
Emulating the life of a millionaire when, in fact, your paycheck only stretches to next month’s lets you become privy to all the perks of wealth. At the same time, you may just come to realize that money can’t buy everything and that, all in all, your humble financial status doesn’t really deprive you of all that much.
Addicted 2 Success published the post How to Live Like a Millionaire without Being One.