I know, life is expensive. There's nothing wrong with enjoying a certain lifestyle, a certain hair style or certain styling products. The problem is spending money you don't have on things you don't need. Here are some tricks I use to to enjoy life today while saving for tomorrow.
1. Buy damaged clothes
Stores will often give customers discounts of 10 to 15% for purchasing items with small tears, missing buttons or stains. Known to take scissors and thread to literally every article of clothing I buy whether it needs it or not, this is a huge plus for me, because I don't mind taking ten minutes to sew on a button or mend a seam if it pays for my dinner. If you don't sew, don't worry. It's boring, but super easy. Take the opportunity to save money while practicing your Jane Austen heroine skills and buy a slightly damaged item.
2. Be patient and wait for a special
Beauty upkeep is so expensive, but it doesn't have to bankrupt you. The medical spa where I get my *eh em* "maintenance" done charges $850 for most facial fillers. This month, though, they were offering the same thing for only $550. Plus free Botox. Another medical spa I've visited recently offered three photo facials for $300, when one treatment usually costs $350. These specials may not be advertised, so if you haven't heard about one, call and ask! If one isn't offered at the moment, be patient. You can stand a few more weeks of clogged pores to save hundreds of dollars, trust me. That's what makeup is for.
3. Do it yourself
I believe in you, girlfriend. I also believe in YouTube, which is why I know that whatever it is, you can do it yourself. Yes, the art of using the round brush without getting it stuck in your head while blowing out your hair is an elusive one, but if you can master it, you can save major bucks while working out at least one of your arms. Same with updos and braids. Other skills that a few minutes of YouTube education can teach you: mani/pedis, dress hemming, Web design, photography, photo editing, makeup, home decoration, oil changes, baking... I could go on.
4. Be Nice.
I can't tell you how many times I've been given a discount I didn't even ask for because someone was just having a good day and wanted to show kindness to a good customer. If you treat people well, they tend to do the same for you. Karma is more than enough reason to show kindness to servers, retail associates, salespersons and so on, but an added bonus is that discounts may start popping up in unexpected places.
5. Complain Well
Complaining doesn't have to mean not being nice. If you didn't get what you paid for, aren't satisfied with your purchase or feel you were charged unfairly, speak up for yourself. Take a moment to collect your thoughts, then articulate them calmly, respectfully and coherently.
6. Don't Buy It
The best way to save money on shoes is to wear ones you already have. And want to save money on dessert? Don't eat it. If you can't afford to go out this weekend, don't show up at a bar with a scheme to share happy hour drinks in between glasses of water. Just stay home m a bottle of The Boxer from Trader Joe's. Neflix is better than that Journey cover band anyway, and who wants to wear a bandage dress when she can wear the same sweatpants she's worn all week? It's ok if you can't afford something now. You'll get there. Save your money, work hard, and then go buy the shoes. The purchase will be so much more gratifying that way.
Yes! "Don't buy it" is the best advice!
ReplyDeleteUgh I wish I could sew! You should do a tutorial for getting started!
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