City life is suitable only for individuals who desire to excel. Living in a large city provides unique experiences, offering a multitude of activities to engage in upon arrival.
In order to effectively juggle enjoyable activities with a consistent schedule, it is necessary to possess both time and money, which are equally crucial.
If you want to save money while navigating your way through the busy and chaotic city life, here are some helpful tips for surviving in a big city.
Create a budget and track your spending
To begin, take a seat with your bank account and compute your total income, expenses (including both flexible and fixed costs), and savings. This will give you a general understanding of your weekly or monthly financial plan. According to some suggestions, following the 50-20-30 plan is advisable, whereby you assign 50% of your income towards necessary expenses, allocate 20% towards savings, and dedicate 30% towards various lifestyle options. By being strategic in managing this last category (which encompasses entertainment, shopping, and dining), it is possible to further reduce this percentage. Taking advantage of opportunities like shopping at flea markets and thrift stores, obtaining a public library card, visiting museums on free days, and utilizing public transportation or walking can aid in sticking to your budget through simple, wiser choices.
Find a side hustle
In the present time, an increasing number of individuals are engaging in multiple jobs to make ends meet. Supplemental income can be beneficial, so if you have any spare time, consider finding another job. It doesn’t have to be an official position; instead, it can be a small task that is suitable for your schedule and lifestyle. If you are passionate about fitness, you can work at your preferred gym or studio in exchange for a free or discounted membership. If you have an affinity for dogs and desire to be more active, you can join Wag. Another option is to babysit for your cousin. These minor opportunities, spread by word-of-mouth, can help cover the cost of a drink at Happy Hour and alleviate your spending budget.
Cut your ‘Convenience’ cost
When living in a big city, convenience becomes a beloved aspect of anyone’s life. The ease of accessing various services eventually becomes ingrained in your routine without even realizing it.
If the chef’s special sushi or a mouthwatering pizza can be delivered to your doorstep, it becomes quite challenging to resist the temptation. However, falling into the habit of indulging in this convenience will come with a hefty price due to your lack of effort.
The allure of simple decisions doesn’t just apply to desserts and fancy foods; we also find ourselves caught in the convenience of using taxis. This habit can quickly become a habit, transitioning from occasional indulgences to regular needs.
Put yourself in ‘Public Transport’
When you have the urge to hire a taxi, it is worth considering public transportation, as it is an affordable and convenient option that cities can provide.
If there is a valid reason, go ahead without hesitation. However, if you are in good health, feeling positive about the day, and have self-assurance, begin your journey on foot. Otherwise, opt for traditional public transportation.
By finding the nearest place to your destination that has a bus stop or a metro station, you can not only reach your destination but also become familiar with the surrounding places and routes.
Cook for yourself as much as possible
Undoubtedly, the temptation to frequent the numerous upscale bars and renowned restaurants in these cities will arise. While it is acceptable to indulge occasionally and treat yourself when accompanied by a friend or parent, exercise restraint and avoid dining out on a daily basis. Considering the fact that you are likely paying $x/month for your kitchen, it is advisable to utilize it. Take advantage of coupons or discounts offered at your local grocery store, or seek out affordable and fresh produce at a nearby farmers market. Prepare your own dinners and pack lunches. If time constraints prevent this, consider visiting a local convenience store or opting for inexpensive street food. And it is crucial to not even consider using services like Seamless or Uber Eats.
Reduce subscriptions
Often, it can be simple to overlook the services you continuously pay for on a monthly basis, particularly if the payments are automated. Begin to focus on your monthly bills and recognize which services are not truly necessary and expenses that can be eliminated. Is it necessary to have both Netflix and Hulu? How frequently do you genuinely utilize Amazon Prime? Additional savings can be achieved by inquiring about joint subscriptions and memberships with your roommates or family members, benefitting everyone involved by reducing costs.
Find the right roommate
If housing costs are successfully reduced, you will have more flexibility in your budget as it currently consumes a significant portion of your expenses.
The most effective way to achieve this is by securing the best roommate, as they will greatly contribute to your happiness when you witness a reduction in housing expenses.
When making a decision, it is essential to select a pleasant and hygienic accommodation.
Before moving into a penthouse suite and making yourself comfortable, it is important to thoroughly assess the area and ensure its suitability.
While it might be difficult to find that special someone, make sure that your roommate is reliable and compatible with you.
If your main concern is finding a place to live where you can freely express yourself, Colive is available to offer professionally managed homes that meet this criteria. We offer affordable choices for living in fantastic locations.
By following a logical sequence of thoughts, rephrase the given text while keeping the meaning intact. Do not introduce any new information or omit any existing information: Our living spaces, which are warm, welcoming, and foster inclusivity, will provide you with both a sense of comfort and community.
Properly plan your shopping
If you unintentionally indulge in the exciting activity of shopping in big cities, be prepared to see a significant impact on your budget due to the abundance of high-end choices available.
Shopping can be an enjoyable activity, but it should not be done solely for amusement. The true value of your purchases can only be maximized when you carefully evaluate why they are necessary. Urban areas amplify the allure of shopping, therefore it is advisable to always prepare a list and adhere to it when venturing out.
To be an intelligent consumer, it is important to diligently seek out numerous beneficial online shops that are guaranteed to provide fantastic discounts during festive periods.
