I don’t know what it is about social media, but there is always some trend or wave that “the girlies” are always taking on as their new aesthetic. I mean that in the best way because I think it’s fascinating. For instance, people were striving to be “that girl”, be “the main character”, and live the “soft girl life” …now it seems like we are the “luxurious” wave.
Well, what does this mean for people, like me, who would love to live the luxury/champagne life, but on a boxed wine budget?! Haha! How can we live a life of luxury while living within our means? Stick around because I’m sharing some ways we can live luxe, but still keep our coins in check 😀
Determine What Luxury Means to You
According to good ole Merriam-Webster, luxury means “a condition of abundance or great ease and comfort; something adding to pleasure or comfort but not absolutely necessary; an indulgence in something that provides pleasure, satisfaction, or ease”.
I like that last definition because it suggests that luxury is subjective and it can mean different things to different people, based on what they value.
I think this is the first step to live a luxury lifestyle on a budget; determine what is considered a luxury to you. For some, it may be being able to have a night away from their kids. For others, it’s going to the spa a few times a quarter. Luxury can be whatever brings you pleasure or ease! In order to live a luxurious lifestyle, you need to know what it means to you.
Budget for Luxuries (duh, lol)
I mean, you already know this was going to be on the list haha! If there’s something you want, and it’s not a necessity, you can absolutely indulge in it…just make sure you budget for it!
If you want to be able to have your nails professionally done every 2 weeks, budget for it! If you want to go to the hair salon every month, budget for it! If you want to go on an extravagant birthday trip to an all-inclusive resort, budget in advance for it!
I think you get my drift on this, but just in case, we have so many articles and podcast episodes about living our best lives on a budget here at CGS!
Also, be realistic with yourself when budgeting for luxuries. Most of can afford to do anything, we just can’t afford to do everything.
Luxury Experiences for Less
One thing about this day and age that we are living in is this: we can DIY or Google/TikTok just about anything! The world of social media and the internet has allowed us the “luxury” (haha, no pun intended) of finding dupes and discounts for just about anything if we truly search for it!
Take trips/vacations, for instance, there are so many ways to travel hack, from using your credit card responsibly for points that you can use for airplane miles and hotels, to going on Groupon to find discounted activities that you can enjoy! There is nothing wrong with finding loopholes if you can save money while enjoying life!
Cook at Home
Cooking at home can absolutely be a luxurious experience! All you have to do is find an amazing recipe for an amazing multi-course dinner, get yourself some candles, put on some jazz music, and you’ve got a luxurious vibe that can be compared to a Michelin restaurant (hey, we can do a lot with our imaginations)!
I mean, and let’s be all the way real here, the way inflation has food costs increasing…it’s a luxury to be able to afford to get groceries to cook at home!
Lean into Gratitude
So maybe I should have started this list off with this point, but I would encourage you to take a step back and think about all the little things you have to be grateful for. Think about things you have that you often take for granted, that can be a luxury for some. For me, for instance, I am so grateful to live alone, and I know that this is a luxury for some, as not everyone can afford to live on their own.
If you take some time every morning to jot down 3-5 things you are grateful for, I’m sure those things are a luxury to someone else who doesn’t have what you have. Do you have a car? Do you have a job? Do you have disposable income after all your bills are paid? Did you go to college for free? Did you grow up in a two-parent home? Do you have at least 1-2 true friends?
Seriously, some of the little luxuries we have, we actually take for granted.
Create a Luxurious Home Environment
I mentioned candles earlier to set a vibe while cooking, but seriously, you can definitely create a luxurious home environment as your oasis, your sanctuary! I call my apartment my “Goddess Pad” because I truly designed it to be a reflection of me, and I can tell you, nothing in my Goddess Pad is designer or very expensive.
I learned to get little things that will spark joy, like candles, fairy lights, sparkly pillows, a makeup vanity, books for my bookshelf, etc. Guess what, most of these things came from Amazon and thrift stores! Make your home your luxurious space, so you’ll always be happy there!
Slow Down
This may not be a popular opinion, but I truly think learning the art of slowing down is a luxury. You know the saying, “Stop and smell the roses”? Well, what does that really mean? For me, I believe that as we get older, we get more responsibilities and less time for ourselves, and time is just flying by. Let’s learn how to take a beat and enjoy the present moment.
I am saying this from experience, but as I indulge in the art of meditation and gratitude, I have learned that a lot of the material things I wanted, I don’t want anymore…or I have learned to wait patiently until I can afford them. Something I do that is quite fun, is literally slowing down and journaling my dream life, which does include the usual luxuries, but there is no rush!
Culture Yourself via YouTube or Other Free Resources
Ok, this may be my favorite point (which is why it’s last), and it’s free! One luxury that I think people forget about is culturing yourself and learning something very new! I don’t know about you all, but I strive to be a “Renaissance Woman” or a “Woman of Culture”, and I truly love going down rabbit holes on YouTube on a subject that I’m interested in learning more about!
Also, don’t forget the best free resource to learn from – your local library! We here at CGS are avid readers, and I just got my first library card since middle school, I am so excited to get lost in books (to escape into a fantasy or learn something new)!
Some things I am “culturing” myself on:
- Greek Mythology
- Learning another language (Korean so I can understand my favorite K-pop songs and K-dramas)
- History (I’m actually a history nerd lol)
- Different cultures and countries
- Etiquette
- Foreign Movies
- Classical and Jazz Music
These are just a few ways I am culturing myself and learning new things!
Anyway, I truly hope this article inspired and reminded you that you don’t have to have a lot of money to live a luxurious life! Remember, luxury is subjective, and the best part is that you can create your luxurious life with no judgment from anyone! Not to mention, you can live a luxury lifestyle on a budget! So, go out and live your best luxurious life!
If you’re a proud member of the CGS Community, drop some love and comment below! Stay connected with us via our IG @citygirlsavings and join the tight-knit online community via our City Girl Savings Facebook Group.
Love podcasts?! Listen to the City Girl Savings podcast featuring our very own Founder/CEO, Raya Reaves, as she covers topics to help us City Girls live the life that we deserve!
